Marine Conservation

The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) population that calves off the coast of South Africa has been the focus of intensive scientific monitoring since 1969. Initiated following the cessation of commercial whaling, this long-term research program employs annual aerial surveys to assess demographic trends. In 1979, the methodology was enhanced through the integration of photoidentification techniques, and other technologies as time progressed, described in Best (1981; 1990; 2011), Best et al. (2001) and Vermeulen et al. (2025). This advancement enabled researchers to distinguish individual whales based on their unique callosity patterns and skin pigmentation features, including brindle coloration, grey blazes, and white patches (Payne et al., 1983). The surveys prioritise the identification of nursing females with calves (cow-calf pairs) and individuals exhibiting distinctive physical traits.

The Chronicles of the Coast Webinar Series took place as a celebration of Marine Protected Areas Day and included four videos about coastal conservation.