WHALETIME – a citizen science approach to conservation of humpback whales

The WhaleTime Project’s goal is to bring science, conservation, tourism and community together around the key phenomenon of the annual migration of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) along the eastcoast of South... [ view full abstract ]

The WhaleTime Project’s goal is to bring science, conservation, tourism and community together around the key phenomenon of the annual migration of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) along the eastcoast of South Africa. The project has four main elements. Firstly, to conduct and support research about the population status of the eastcoast C1-stock humpback whales; to gain an understanding of population trends and any threats to the population. The project has populated a catalogue of whale images, photographed in their breeding grounds in Mozambique and in South Africa en route to and from these grounds, and continues to expand the catalogue with collaboration from the Department of Environmental Affairs. Secondly, the promotion of a citizen science approach allows the public to contribute fluke images to the catalogue. The project has established an online platform that allows “citizen scientists” to upload their photos, identified by experts. The third element of the project aims to build awareness about whales, the opportunities they present and the threats they face, using social and conventional media and a dedicated website. The final element promotes ethical and sustainable community-based tourism. Community guides have been trained and currently offer whale tours at the Port Natal Maritime Museum in Durban, where they contribute to the larger Whale Route, in the south of Durban. The WhaleTime project’s objectives are to be a lead provider in quality public awareness information around whales and related marine conservation topics and facilitate Durban in meeting criteria to become a World Whale Heritage site.