Hello, dear BNTAC community! I’m thrilled to share an incredible week of whale research with you all that took place from August 22nd to August 28th 2023 in the stunning Platypus Bay adjacent to K’gari at the north end of the island. As the General Manager of BNTAC, I had the privilege of supporting our Djaa and Narawi (Land and Sea) Ranger team and Elder on this exciting research expedition. Staff included Kaile Clarke and Deidrie Gordon (Elder) on board the vessel, ‘Too Eazy’, for 7 days. I’m excited to give you a glimpse into our staff’s unforgettable experience.

Day 1: A Warm Welcome

The staff’s journey began with Day 1, and staff couldn’t have asked for a better start. Shortly after setting sail, staff were graced by the presence of two majestic whales, a male, and a female. These gentle giants circled our boat for nearly 30-45 minutes before gracefully departing in their own direction.

But that wasn’t all; they also witnessed the magic of the ocean as a playful dolphin joined a pod of humpback whales, a mother, and her calf. Staff were fortunate enough to capture stunning photos of their flukes as they danced in the waves. Additionally, staff noticed cookie-cutter shark bites on one of the whales, likely a female, highlighting the challenges these magnificent creatures face in their environment.

Day 2: Symphony of Whales

On the second day, staff dropped a hydrophone into the water to listen for whale pods. Staff were delighted to discover a pod of three adult whales swimming and circling around the boat. One of them, a male whale, displayed numerous scars on its back, side, and dorsal fin, perhaps evidence of its adventurous life. This male whale seemed to revel in showing off its impressive fluke.

In another heartwarming moment, staff witnessed a mother whale, her calf, and a male escort continuously breaching the water and performing fin slaps. The day took an even more magical turn when two pods merged, forming a group of six whales, including two mothers, two calves, and two escorts.

As staff explored the beautiful island itself, they stumbled upon a fascinating discovery—a flat bed of coffee-coloured sand with grooves created by dingoes sharpening their paws. Some of these grooves appeared fresher than others, hinting at the constant activity of these incredible creatures.

Day 3: Playful Encounters

Staff adventures continued on Day 3, as they observed a mother whale and her calf playfully breaching the water. Nearby, two sub-adults made an appearance, though staff couldn’t determine their gender. They also spotted a pod of two humpback whales, one of which appeared mostly white, a rare and enchanting sight.

In a remarkable turn of events, a pod of three humpback whales was sighted. One whale broke away from the group, while the other two joined a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins, showcasing the dynamic interactions within the marine world.

Day 4: Young Ones on the Move

Day 4 brought sightings of a pod of six yearlings, last year’s calves, heading northwards. They also encountered a pod of two sub-adults to the west of the big arches, offering us a glimpse of the next generation of humpback whales.

However, the day ended on a somber note as staff came across a deceased female turtle. It was a stark reminder of the importance of preserving these unique ecosystems and the delicate balance of marine life.

Day 5: Whale Serenade

On Day 5, staff witnessed a competitive group of five adult humpback whales, all males, engaging in vocal displays and active swimming around our boat. It was a true symphony of nature, and their boisterous interactions left us in awe.

In another heartwarming moment, we observed a mother whale laying on her back at an angle with her tail in the air, allowing her calf to suckle from her. It was a testament to the incredible maternal instincts and bond that exists in the whale world.

Day 6: A Fond Farewell

As staff’s adventure came to a close on Day 6, staff spotted three adult male whales simply drifting along with the current. They were incredibly vocal, perhaps exchanging stories of their journeys in the vast ocean.

Their journey back to the mainland was graced by a heartwarming send-off from a pod of humpback whales—a large female and a male, wishing our team a safe journey home. It was a touching reminder of the deep connection that exists between humans and the magnificent creatures of the sea.

Staff’s week in Platypus Bay adjacent to K’gari was nothing short of magical. It reinforced the importance of whale research and conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures and the delicate marine ecosystems they call home. We’re excited to continue our work and share more discoveries with you in the future. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!

Stay tuned for more updates from BNTAC, and remember, the ocean has countless tales to tell if we take the time to listen.

With gratitude,
Veronica Bird, General Manager, BNTAC