APPROXIMATELY 60 years ago there were virtually no humpback whales in Algoa Bay, but they have gone from almost extinct to being right at the Bay’s shores, making Algoa Bay one of only six Whale Heritage Sites in the world.
This makes it fitting that the Bay should be the first location for the Welcoming the Whales Festival, which is hosted in several South African cities, as well as in Namibia and Kenya, among others.
The route, and these celebrations, are put together by Raggy Charters Eco-Marine Cruises in partnership with Algoa Baywatch, under the banner of The World Cetacean Alliance, and all whale enthusiasts and conservation organisations along the African coastline.
This festival celebrates the whale migration, especially since whales travel approximately 8 000 kilometres during their migration period.
Marine conservationist at Raggy Charters, Lloyd Edwards, said that last year’s Welcoming the Whales Festival was the biggest to date, after the spate of COVID-19 postponements.
“This year the festival has grown and we hope to make it the showpiece for the rest of the Southern African festivals.
“Last year we increased the number of festivals in Southern Africa to 30, all the way from Libreville in Gabon on the West Coast, to Watamu in Kenya on the East Coast.
“All 30 locations will celebrate the humpback whales who make this long journey – the longest migration of all mammals. It is about creating awareness of the importance of migrating whales in the ecosystem,” said Edwards.
“The whales feed, poop, migrate and dive deep, which circulates essential nutrients throughout the ocean. This behaviour supports healthy marine ecosystems and the growth of phytoplankton, which locks in a huge amount of carbon from the atmosphere.
“We are very happy to inform all that, due to becoming protected, the humpback whale population has recovered from near extinction. There is a current population of about 80 000, up from a very a low 10 000,” he explained.
The event will take place on Sunday, June 4, at The Willows Resort.
Raggy Charters’ Karen Keeton said that the event will be more than just a get-together, but a celebration of these magnificent marine mammals who visit Algoa Bay during their migration journey.
“The day will be a family-orientated educational experience intended for all to learn something, and of course have fun at the same time.
“Visitors will be welcomed by the sounds of African drums and marimbas, and interesting talks will be presented in the function room at The Willows Resort.
“The first one, on the History of Whaling in Algoa Bay, starts at 09:15. Thirty minutes later, the second talk by the NSRI will centre on whale disentanglements, with a demonstration on the disentanglement process.”
More talks will be done by the French palaeontologist, Dr Julien Benoit, about the history of cetacean communication and diversity, and Edwards on the whale migration and whale communication.
Residents and whale enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the festival. Entry is R20 per person.
