Humpback Whale Stuns Taiwan's Coast: A Rare Southern Encounter

A Majestic Humpback Whale's Unexpected Visit Prompts Conservation Efforts

Taipei, April 2 - A remarkable sighting has captivated the attention of marine enthusiasts in Taiwan: a humpback whale, observed remarkably close to the southern coast of the main island in recent days. This extraordinary event prompted swift action from local authorities to ensure the well-being of this protected marine mammal.

Chen Chun-shan (陳俊山), deputy director of the Kenting National Park Service, reported that marine conservationists worked diligently on Tuesday, monitoring the whale's presence in the waters between Pingtung County's Hengchun Peninsula and Houbihu Bay, from approximately 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their primary objective was to prevent any disturbance from whale watchers.

The Kenting National Park Service and the Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) jointly appealed to all those wishing to observe the whale to maintain a safe distance, especially from any mothers and their calves. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to preserving the whale's natural habitat.

The agencies recommended that vessels approaching the whales reduce their speed and noise levels. They advised maintaining a minimum distance of 300 meters from these magnificent creatures.

Chen also emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, including avoiding littering, chasing, encircling, feeding, or touching the whales, and refraining from disrupting their pods.

According to Wang Hao-wen (王浩文), director of the Marine Biology and Cetacean Research Center at Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University, photographic evidence shared online suggests that this particular humpback whale might be one of four spotted last week near Taitung County's Changping Township.

Wang explained that, although orcas have been known to attack humpback whale calves, he had not received any reports of such incidents and no orcas were seen when the humpback whale was observed today.

The marine biologist further elucidated that humpback whales typically migrate south to regions like Okinawa, Taiwan, and the Philippines during the winter months, before returning north in the spring.

Although the close proximity of a humpback whale to Taiwan's coast is a rare occurrence, Wang added that further research is needed to determine the reasons behind the whale's southward journey to the Hengchun Peninsula, after its initial sighting in Taitung County, instead of its northward migration.