Whale migration is one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena, and the South-West of Western Australia plays a vital role in this epic journey.
But how do whales manage to navigate thousands of kilometres across the ocean, returning to the same breeding grounds year after year?
The Science of Whale Navigation
Whales use a combination of tools to navigate the vast expanses of the ocean.
Many scientists believe that whales rely on the Earth’s magnetic field to help guide their journeys, much like a built-in compass.
They may also use the position of the sun and stars, ocean currents, and even underwater landmarks to orient themselves during migration.
Humpback whales, which are often seen during whale-watching tours in Flinders Bay and Geographe Bay, undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling from the cold feeding grounds of Antarctica to the warmer breeding grounds in the North.
Their remarkable ability to return to the same places year after year is a testament to their navigational prowess.
The Role of Whale Songs in Navigation
In addition to physical cues, whale songs may also play a role in navigation.
Some scientists suggest that whales use their vocalisations to “map” the ocean, bouncing sound waves off underwater features like seamounts or the ocean floor to help guide their way.
This theory, known as echolocation, is commonly associated with dolphins, but researchers believe it may also apply to certain whale species.
All Sea Charters and the Blue Whale Project
In 2023, All Sea Charters was part of the Blue Whale Project project that highlights the acoustic abilities of whales.
Geographe Marine Research’s Bay Blues field season, focused on the study of blue whale acoustic ecology and behaviour, saw the deployment of directional hydrophone arrays in Geographe Bay.
This advanced equipment was crucial in collecting paired acoustic and visual data, allowing researchers to accurately track and analyse the social signals blue whales produce in these waters.
The data collected provides further insight into how these magnificent creatures use sound to navigate and communicate, reinforcing the importance of acoustic tracking in understanding whale migration patterns.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience
There’s no better way to witness the incredible whale migration journey than by joining All Sea Charters on one of our South-West Whale Watching Tours.
Whether you’re in Augusta during the early migration or in Busselton and Dunsborough as the whales return south, our experienced crew will ensure you have a memorable and educational experience.
Book your tour today and be part of this extraordinary natural phenomenon!