AUIP’s destination for this year’s staff retreat has had some Antarctic visitors this week. Several large southern right whales have taken a liking to Akaroa Harbour, sticking around rather than heading north as part of their annual migration.

The whales moved into the harbour on Monday and have been sited regularly by the lucky passengers on the Black Cat Cruises that normally specialise in swimming with dolphins. By nature, southern right whales are known for their playful personality, impressive breaching and complex songs. 

The southern right whale populations suffered a dramatic decline due to whaling as they were seen as the “right” sort of whale to catch due to their large quantity of meat, oil and whalebone and their tendency to live close to shore. Threats today include fishing, costal development and human harassment.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is currently working on a nationwide research project to establish the movement patterns of southern right whales as well as the population status of individuals seen around mainland New Zealand. It is thought that whales sighted around the New Zealand coast come from a separate population to those found in sub Antarctic waters. This population would be in danger due to the rarity and the number threats they face. This is why DOC wants to establish the different populations so adequate management and resources can be allocated and implemented.

The whales currently in Akaroa Harbour will be on their way north for the summer months where supplies of Krill are more plentiful before they head back south in winter to mate, calve and rear their young.