The following is from Team Russia Volvo Ocean Race Team, press release sent today, enjoy!

With Hermanus, one of the best land based whale watching spots in the world less than two hours from Cape Town, Team Russia’s racing and shore team were invited to learn more about these fantastic animals yesterday in a trip to this whale watching hot spot.

Local Cape Town resident Mikey Joubert, a regular visitor to Hermanus, joined other sailors in finding out more about Team Russia’s “We Sail for the Whale” environmental campaign. Noel Ashton, local whale sculptor and expert marine biologist was on hand alongside WDCS (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society) specialist Dr. Karsten Brensing, to act as guides.

Hermanus is home to the Southern Right Whales, called “Right” whales, as they were considered the perfect prey for hunting, as they floated after being killed.

Noel Ashton explained, “The Southern Right Whales are a good example of a species not now critically endangered. Thirty-five years ago, when I first saw these whales, there were a maximum of 15 in the bay. Now, there are around 140 of them just here. They are expanding at their maximum biological rate, doubling population every ten years – it’s an extraordinary increase”. There southern population is estimated at 7.000 – 8000 whales

In comparison, the North Atlantic Right Whale with a static population of around 350 is a highly endangered species. WDCS with its North American office near Boston has been campaigning for the protection of these distant cousins of the thriving southern right whales. “If there was a virus or anything similar, the species could be lost within one season,” said Brensing.

The Southern Right Whales have benefited from the programme of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The crew could immediately see the benefit of the whales having spaces where they are free to breed, with a mother and calf floating just near the beach.

They also had the opportunity to see the MPA agreement in operation, as a group of whale watchers in Kayaks had to observe the 300m boundary limits. Only licensed whale watching boats are allowed near the area, and they have to comply with strict distance limits.

The WDCS, We Sail for the Whale campaign is raising awareness of the need for more Marine Protected Areas, and aims to establish another 12 large areas around the globe by 2012. Karsten Brensing explained that; “an area that has no MPA means boats can go anywhere, and it’s the environmentalists who have to prove shipping and other hazards are causing a threat. The advantage of having an MPA in place is that commerce and industry can still take place, and the industry has to prove they are leaving no footprint which is harmful to the Whales.”

Ashton also explained to the crew the different actions they may see from the whales, as they race around the world, including:

Spy-hopping when they pop up to take a look at what’s around.
Breaching, when the whale launches itself out of the water
Tail and flipper lobs, where they smack their flippers down hard on the water
All are considered to be some form of communication by the experts.

Shortly after he spoke the crew had a good demonstration of tail lobs and breaching just out to sea.

After spending a few hours watching the whales from the spectacularly positioned Bientangs Cave café, the Team visited the Hermanus “Whale House” a small local museum, with an excellent exhibition. The crew were so engaged; it was difficult to get them out and back on the bus.

Ashton pointed out how whale watching has become an important tourist attraction and is very important for the local community as well as the environment. The whales have far more ongoing economic impact by keeping them alive!

Nick Bubb, newly promoted watch leader on Team Russia said, “I’ve learned so much today – this is fascinating. Whales are the top predator and are at the top of the food chain. They are the flagship species. If the whale and dolphin species are threatened then it means that the whole marine environment is at risk. The world surface is 71% oceans, and it’s not rocket science that any impact on the marine environment has a huge impact on the entire eco-system, influencing and destroying the food chain.”

The trip, which was organised with the support of SA Tourism, engaged the interest and inspired all who went. The Team Russia crew would like to thank SA Tourism, Noel Ashton, Karston Brensing and campaign coordinator Holger Roenitz of WDCS, for such a valuable day out.