The Seychelles archipelago was once a prime location for whaling, particularly by Soviet whalers in the 20th century. Despite the establishment of the Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary in 1979, little was known about the presence of blue whales in the region until a recent investigation by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF).
A collaborative effort involving scientists from the University of Seychelles, Florida International University, and Oregon State University aimed to fill this historical gap. Decades of whaling had decimated the blue whale population, with an estimated 3 million whales hunted for their oil. Today, only 10,000 to 25,000 blue whales remain.
Using acoustic methods and visual surveys, Dr. Jeremy Kiszka from Florida International University and SOSF led a project to study the abundance, behavior, and habitat of blue whales in Seychelles. Despite expectations of not finding any blue whales due to past hunting, the team made a remarkable discovery.
In just two field seasons, the team recorded 23 cetacean species, including rare species like the Longman’s beaked whale. They also found evidence of blue whales frequenting Seychelles waters, particularly between December and April.
The research highlighted the importance of conservation efforts, showing that regulations can help protect species like the blue whale. However, whales still face threats such as noise pollution from shipping and changes in food availability due to climate change.
The study, published in the journal Endangered Species Research, also revealed the unique acoustic characteristics of blue whales. Their calls, which are the loudest in the animal kingdom, can be heard for hundreds of miles and are likely used for communication.
The findings underscore the need for continued conservation efforts to protect these majestic animals and their habitat in Seychelles.