2008/09/15
EAST London has become something of a playground for whales making their way from the breeding grounds of northern Mozambique to the icy waters of the Antarctic and back.
Thanks to growing whale populations, more of these marine behemoths are being spotted off our coast than ever before.
John Barry, of Latimer’s Landing-based Extreme Rubber Duck Rides, said Humpback and Southern Right whales were the most commonly sighted.
Barry, who often takes clients on whale-watching boat rides, said East London residents generally had no idea just how many whales passed by our coastline.
The increase in numbers meant people were almost always guaranteed to see whales during the peak seasons.
“An estimated 17000 Humpback whales passed by East London this last June, July and August as they headed north,” said Barry.
“Southern Right whale numbers are a lot fewer but they tend to stick around longer and are quite curious and friendly.”
Barry said Humpback whales headed back to the Antarctic in November and December.
“Some of the best shore-based whale watching sites are Gonubie, West Bank and the whale-watching platform at the aquarium.”
“Of course boat-based viewing is an unbelievable experience and many find it humbling.”
Peter Best, a researcher for the University of Pretoria, said East Coast Humpback whales had reached 70 percent of their original population figures. Southern Right whales had also grown in number, increasing at a rate of about seven percent per annum for the past 30 years.
Many believe East London could market itself as one of the country’s premier whale-watching destinations, but not everyone seems to realise the city’s potential.
Eastern Cape Tourism Board marketing manager Eddie Marafane said the Eastern Cape was famous for being the only destination in the world to have the big seven, with whales being part of this attraction.
“This is particularly so at this time of the year where they can be spotted along our coastline,” he said. “The Eastern Cape Tourism Board markets this as a ‘must see’ tourist experience.”
However, the Dispatch phoned seven local hotels and bed and breakfasts to ask if they marketed whale-watching as a feature. With the exception of Crawford’s Cabins, none realised the potential of whale-watching and seemed oblivious to the potential on their doorstep. - By ANDREW STONE and JOVÁN KENT
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