#south-africa-sardine-run — Public Fediverse posts
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Young Travelers: Humpback Whales of the Sardine Run
Marine LifeThe Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is one of the most recognizable giants of the ocean. Known for their complex songs and massive pectoral fins, these travelers migrate thousands of miles each year—passing right through the chaos of the South African Sardine Run.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAzZ0HLvM2E]Young Travelers: Unlike the scarred, barnacle-heavy adults often seen breaching, these three whales appear to be sub-adults. They move in a tight, silent formation, likely for protection as they navigate the predator-rich waters of the Wild Coast.
Species Identification
- Scientific NameMegaptera novaeangliae
- Key FeatureMassive pectoral fins (approx. 1/3 of body length) and a knobby head (tubercles).
- DietFilter feeders: Krill and small schooling fish (though they rarely feed during migration).
- SizeAdults: 14–17 m (46–56 ft); Females are typically larger than males.
- RangeGlobal; migrating between tropical breeding grounds and polar feeding grounds.
The Sardine Run is often defined by chaos—birds diving, dolphins hunting, and sharks frenzied in the bait balls. But every now and then, the ocean offers a moment of pure, suspended grace. While filming off the Wild Coast, I was positioned just below the surface when these three whales appeared out of the gloom.
They weren’t the massive adults we often see breaching in documentaries. These were younger, sleeker whales—moving in a tight formation. They glided past close enough that I could feel the displacement of water from their tails, a stark contrast to the adrenaline of the run.
The Long Migration: These “young travelers” are on one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. Populations in this region often calve in the warm, tropical waters of the Western Indian Ocean to the north (like Mozambique) before making the long trek south toward the nutrient-rich feeding grounds of Antarctica.
The Shot (Gear Talk): Capturing this clip required staying calm and letting the subjects come to me. Chasing whales is not only unethical but usually results in a “tail shot” as they swim away. By holding my position, I allowed them to pass naturally, keeping the formation intact in the frame.
This was shot on the Panasonic GH5 with the 14-42mm II lens and the Nauticam WWL-1B. The WWL-1B was crucial here; it allows for full zoom-through capabilities, meaning I could be wide enough to capture the group formation but zoom in slightly as they passed, without losing sharpness.
Note on Lighting: This was shot with ambient light only. For large subjects like whales, strobes are often useless as they only light up the backscatter between you and the subject.
× #AfricaScubaDiving #bigAnimals #humpbackWhales #marineLife #southAfricaSardineRun #whales -
Setting Sail: Launching our Sardine Run Expedition
After a hearty breakfast just as the sun began to grace the horizon, our adventurous group made its way from the Myboti River Lodge down to the beach where the boats awaited to commence our Sardine Run Expedition. The salty scent of the ocean hung in the air, heightened by the gentle morning breeze, promising an exciting day ahead.
With a careful eye on the breaking waves, our experienced captains analyzed their movements, calculating the optimal time and path for our boat launch. Safety was paramount, and their expertise was reassuring as they selected the precise moment to set our expedition into motion.
As the appointed moment approached, our group gathered around the boat, anticipation building with each crashing wave. The excitement was palpable as we prepared for the perfect opportunity to launch. With united effort and synchronized precision, we pushed the boat past the surf’s grasp, the waves attempting to hold it back, but our determination prevailing.
The captain took charge, starting the engine and guiding the vessel steadily. One by one, we leapt aboard, feeling the thrill of the adventure to come. Swiftly, we secured our life jackets, a vital precaution ensuring our safety throughout the expedition. The engine roared to life, and with the experienced hand of the captain at the helm, we set sail.
Navigating through the challenging breaking waves required skill and finesse. The boat cut through the waves, the sea spray exhilarating and invigorating. We held tight as we surged forward, determined to reach beyond the cresting peaks of the waves and venture into the vast expanse of the ocean, where our sardine expedition awaited. The sun was rising, casting a golden glow on the waters, promising a day of adventure, discovery, and the excitement of the open sea.
The captain mounted a GoPro onto the RIB’s roll bar, strategically positioning it to capture a distinctive perspective of our team launching and boarding the boat, as well as the waves crashing against the vessel.
Highlights from the Logbook
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