Algoa Bay in South Africa Becomes a Prestigious Whale Heritage Site

17 June 2021
Algoa Bay in South Africa Becomes a Prestigious Whale Heritage Site

Algoa Bay in South Africa Becomes a Prestigious Whale Heritage Site

Algoa Bay in South Africa has been awarded the Whale Heritage Site accolade, making South Africa the only country in the world with two accredited sites. “We are thrilled to announce that Algoa Bay, South Africa, has become the world's fifth Whale Heritage Site and the second in South Africa, following in the footsteps of The Bluff, Durban” says Dylan Walker the Senior Adviser for Whale Heritage Sites. He further says “huge congratulations must go to WCA partners Lloyd Edwards, Jake Keeton and Karen Keeton of Raggy Charters and the Baywatch Project for their tireless efforts over many years working in collaboration with many other people to protect Algoa Bay and its cetaceans, penguins, sharks, and other marine life”.

Whale Heritage Sites are a global accreditation scheme developed by the World Cetacean Alliance and supported by World Animal Protection, that recognise a community´s commitment to respect and celebrate whales, dolphins and other cetaceans. Algoa Bay joins four further Whale Heritage Sites: Hervey Bay in Australia; Tenerife-La Gomera Marine area in Southwest Tenerife, Spain; Dana Point, California US, and the Bluff in Durban, South Africa.

With this accreditation, Algoa Bay will provide the travel industry with another way to identify and support sustainable sites and create a location for communities to celebrate marine culture, heritage and biodiversity. Whale Heritage Site status also provides tourists with an easy way to select responsible whale and dolphin watching destinations; places where people can experience these magnificent animals in their natural habitat and in an authentic and respectful way. Nick Stewart, Global Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection, said: “The accreditation of Algoa Bay as a new Whale Heritage Site is immensely important in the protection of wildlife in South Africa. It showcases a viable, sustainable alternative to cruel attractions like captive dolphin venues and other wildlife entertainment activities.

The site will also help to spotlight tour operators who offer tourists a wonderful experience seeing whales and dolphins in the wild, where they belong, while protecting the welfare of marine wildlife.” Lloyd Edwards, owner of Raggy Charters / The Baywatch Project , and a member of the site´s Steering Committee, said: “Becoming a Whale Heritage Site will ensure that visitors to the Algoa Bay marine area are contributing to destinations that celebrate natural heritage, protect marine wildlife and build a connection between local residents and sea life. In addition to the opportunity to observe sea mammals in the ocean, to attend vibrant festivals and other events that celebrate the marine environment and provide education and inspiration for tourists and locals alike.”

Port Elizabeth, where Algoa Bay is located, is a hidden gem in South Africa for whale and dolphin watching, and other wildlife viewing. With seasonal visits from Southern right whales, Humpback whales, Sei whales, Minke whales and Dwarf Minke whales.. Other resident species include Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Common and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, and Bryde’s whales. Killer whales are regular visitors while False killer, Rissos dolphins, Long finned pilot whales, Pygmy supermarket whales and various species of Baked whales are occasional visitors. They also have the largest breeding colony of African penguins and the largest colony of Cape gannets in the world. One unique aspect in Algoa Bay is the sheer number of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins, with schools of up to 800 individual dolphins encountered on marine tours. A longstanding scientific research project established since the 1990s, estimates there to be approximately 30,000 resident bottle-nose dolphins.

To meet Whale Heritage Site criteria, sites must take into account information relating to the relevant local cetacean populations, including their status, numbers, biology, habitat, behaviour and welfare. It offers the travel industry a way to protect marine wildlife and support sustainable practices.



Author: World Cetacean Alliance