Minke Whale coming to surface for air

Minke Whale coming to surface for air

MBDE

AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Minke Whale Expedition

JOIN THE EYE TO EYE MARINE ENCOUNTERS TEAM...on an Official Australian Geographic Expedition as they get up close and personal with the world’s friendliest marine mammal, the Dwarf Minke Whale. Snorkel and dive the remote northern tip of the Great Barrier Reef between educational and awe-inspiring encounters with these inquisitive animals. Interpretive lectures on whale biology, behaviour and identification by Minke Whale Project researchers will enhance your experience and allow you to connect with nature as never before…

THE RESEARCH

ONLY DISCOVERED IN the 1980’s, Dwarf minke whales migrate to the warm Great Barrier Reef waters each winter. Scientists believe that they may come here to breed and give birth. For the past 13 years, John Rumney of Eye to Eye Marine Encounters and Dr Alistair Birtles and the late Dr Peter Arnold of the Minke Whale Project (James Cook University) have been conducting research into their biology, behaviour and interactions with humans. This has resulted in a Code of Practice for close in-water encounters and is now recognized as world’s best practice for safeguarding and respecting the wellbeing of whales in the wild.

On this exclusive expedition with Australian Geographic, you will have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their element. You may also participate in data collection by capturing valuable images for individual identification and documenting key behaviours. Onboard researchers will also collect information on size, sex ratios and acoustic communication (vocalizations) to gain a better understanding of population structure, life history and movement patterns.

A special guest and Dwarf Minke Whale expert will also be onboard to share their comprehensive knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for these charismatic whales . The journey and research will be a feature story in a future issue of Australian Geographic.

THE EXPERIENCE

TO LOOK INTO THE EYES of a Dwarf minke whale is at once an inspirational and humbling experience. Encountering such an intelligent animal in the wild can have a profound effect on the soul as you hover quietly, watching them watching you.
Based on years of experience and research, this trip will offer you the ultimate ‘in-water’ whale encounter along with the added bonus of diving the Northern Great Barrier Reef.  Encounters often last for several hours with a continual flux of individuals engaging with the boat and swimmers in their own special way.  In addition to an unforgettable wildlife experience, your contribution to this project (both fiscal and as a member of the research team) will aid in the collection of valuable data for a species that is only newly discovered and poorly understood.

VESSEL

Mike Ball’s SPOILSPORT is a 30m luxury motor yacht that offers accommodation in a selection of air-conditioned cabins. It is the Great Barrier Reef’s most awarded liveaboard. Features include:

• Twin hulls to reduce seasickness and maximise stability, space and privacy
• Spacious; dining room; lounge, alfresco deck and sundeck
• Huge dive deck with convenient entry/exit platforms
• Photographer friendly, with 3 large camera tables
• Large Flatscreen TV's and DVD player
• Underwater digital camera and videos for hire.
• Marine reference library
• Computer for customers use to download and backup photographs
• 240V (AUS) and 110V (USA) power points in cabins and throughout boat
• 2 x air compressors
• 2 x inflatable dive tenders
• Desalinator
• Nitrox available