A whale of a time on the KZN coast
The whale season is in full force and visitors and locals alike can enjoy watching these gentle giants as they frolic just off our shores.
Between June and November the most common whale to see just off the Dolphin Coast is the humpback whale, with occasional sightings of the southern right whale.
It is possible, however, for almost any kind of whale to pop it’s head up every now and then.
The humpback whales pass Ballito as they migrate along our coast en-route to their feeding and breeding grounds off Mozambique.
In June/July they come up from the cold Antarctic water where they feed. They then come back down in October/November with their new young.
These colossal mammals can grow up to 16m long and weigh as much as 11 elephants, with lungs the size of two small cars.
According to KZN Wildlife Marine Department conservation officer, Lionel van Schoor, there have been a few sightings of whale calves in the area that may suggest breeding activity nearby.
Van Schoor also warned that strict rules protect the whales while they are in our waters.
“People are not allowed to approach within 300 meters of whales or dolphins,” he said, stressing that it could be extremely dangerous.
“This can get tricky when there are boats out there fishing that remain stationary and the whales approach them. The best thing to do in that situation is to wait until they move off. Starting the engines is just going to aggravate them,” he said.
He urged the public to take down the names or registration numbers of boats or jet-skies intentionally trying to get close to the animals.
The best way to enjoy whale watching up close is to go on a licensed whale-watching boat trip.
Registered charters are available from Durban harbour and St Lucia.
The threat of getting caught in shark nets is another concern.
Special whale alarms are positioned close to the shark net equipment to help ward off whales that venture too close.
But when it does happen specialised KZN Sharks Board whale release teams are authorised to carry out the hazardous task of disentangling them.
The immense size and strength of the animals warrants the general practice of letting the whale tire before the teams can get close and cut it free.
Normal whale behaviour includes breaching, lob-tailing and sky hopping and this is not to be confused with entanglement or seen as a sign of distress.
Suspected entanglements can be reported to the Sharks Board on 031-5660400.
To report people who are interfering with the whales call Lionel van Schoor on 082 5592847.
