Humpback Whale World Congress

Last week, we attended the 4th Humpback Whale World Congress in Tadoussac, Quebec.

The Humpback Whale World Congress, or HWWC, is dedicated to the research and conservation of Humpback Whales around the world. This was the 4th edition, and the first in the feeding grounds of Humpback Whales (previously, it was in Madagascar, Reunion & Dominican Republic, all key breeding grounds for Humpback Whales). The theme of this year‘s conference was “Coexisting with whales, for our oceans.” Many of the talks and research presented centred on this theme of coexistence, where human activities and humpback whales can exist together.

Max at the HWWC

Some of the fascinating research presented included advancements in whale-alert systems, to prevent ship strikes as well as challenges in both creating and managing marine protected areas around the world. Other threats to Humpback Whales, including the effect of sonars, and the warming oceans, were also covered in detail.

Invited speakers included Ted Cheeseman - founder of Happy Whale, Phil Clapham - Former scientific Director - Alaska Fisheries Center & Erich Hoyt - Co-chair of IUCN IMMA (Important Marine Mammal Area) Task Force.

Ted Cheeseman of Happy Whale

Highlights

Jérôme Couvat, Scientific Coordinator of the AGOA Marine Sanctuary in the French Caribbean, also presented research on using a glider to collect acoustic data from Martinique. Jerome was a research intern with us here at Elding in 2009, so it was fascinating to hear about what he had been up to since. We had a short interview with him to find out more, stay tuned for that on the blog soon!

Jérôme Couvat

Jodi Frediani presented some research on the occurrence of “Bubble Rings” produced by Humpback Whales. A chance encounter with her before her presentation, led to a discussion about these rings and how we have witnessed them in Iceland as well. As a result of that, we shared a video with her which was presented, and hope to collaborate on this research in the future.

Jodi Frediani presenting the bubble rings observed in Reykjavik

Whale Watching

On the last day, we also had the chance to go whale watching in the gulf of St Lawrence! It was fantastic to get out on the sea, and we managed to see some of the famous St Lawrence Belugas, Fin Whales and a Minke Whale!

Fin whales in St Lawrence

Concluding Remarks

It was fantastic to be at the heart of Humpback Whale Research at the World Congress, and we hope to be able to collaborate more in our research, for the greater understanding of marine life.

Max Hoyt