How citizen scientists are uncovering the secret lives of blue whales

In the picturesque village of Subaun, located in Timor-Leste, a dedicated fisherman named Faustino Mauloko da Cunha takes on a remarkable role for two months each year. He transforms his home into a whale observation station, where villagers and student volunteers gather each morning. Equipped with binoculars and telephoto cameras, they scan the deep blue waters for the majestic pygmy blue whales. When a whale is spotted, the excitement is palpable. Faustino's son, Zacarias, swiftly launches a drone to capture aerial photographs, while the team leader, Australian marine ecologist Karen Edyvane, provides guidance to ensure the best shots are taken. Once the drone returns, the team meticulously reviews the images, documenting their findings on a whiteboard. This grassroots initiative in Timor-Leste, an archipelago nestled between Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, has yielded a treasure trove of information about pygmy blue whales, which are among the largest creatures on the planet. Over the past decade, these citizen scientists have identified nearly 3,000 pygmy blue whales, a figure that Professor Edyvane describes as 'truly extraordinary. ' Timor-Leste boasts one of the highest concentrations of marine mammals globally. During the migration season, which occurs in October and November, hundreds of pygmy blue whales traverse the waters of this nation, embarking on an epic journey that spans thousands of kilometers from the Banda Sea, located to the north of Timor-Leste, to southern Australia. However, this region has been relatively under-researched, according to Professor Edyvane, who initiated the citizen science monitoring program in 2014. For the past two whale seasons, she has made Subaun her base, approximately 50 kilometers from the capital city of Dili, collaborating with local fishermen, students, and dive tour operators to document the behaviors of these magnificent cetaceans. They have even recorded some of the lesser-known reproductive behaviors of blue whales, some of which have never been documented before. For instance, in 2022, tourists working with a local tour operator captured underwater footage of a mother whale nursing her calf, providing a rare glimpse into the reproductive habits of this species, which have largely remained a mystery. 'It’s very, very exciting,' she adds. The citizen researchers, all locals, have made significant contributions to the understanding of pygmy blue whales, having spotted nearly 3,000 of them over the past decade. The program began as a Facebook group, inviting local tour operators, fishermen, and residents to share their sightings of these magnificent creatures. Professor Edyvane trained them in survey methods and taught them how to use telephoto cameras and drones for aerial and boat surveys. 'When locals see the whales swimming by, they post pictures on Facebook and WhatsApp. Updates come in real-time, and when someone shares something, everyone gets very excited,' Professor Edyvane explains. In 2016, the team collaborated with a dive tour operator to launch the first whale-watching tour. It was only last year that they established a research station outside the da Cunha family’s home, which consists of a simple hut overlooking the bay. The research station is equipped with two tables, plastic chairs, and whiteboards mounted on the walls. During this year's whale season, undergraduates from the National University of East Timor and the University Oriental Timor-Leste gathered at the research station to assist with sightings. Even this basic structure has made their work much easier. 'We’re able to monitor all day and all night,' Professor Edyvane states. 'We’ve also been able to capture the most incredible footage. The whales come in so close that sometimes we can actually hear their blows. ' Citizen researchers like these have become invaluable assets for marine scientists, according to wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta. 'The combination of people having access to tools like drones and social media means we have insights into things that are happening while we may be behind the desk writing grants to fund our work,' she notes. The increase in research activity in Subaun has also led to a surge in tourism. The demand for whale-watching tours has skyrocketed, with diving instructor Cassio Schumacher stating that these tours are 'booked up years in advance. ' Local non-profits have raised concerns about the risks associated with unregulated whale tourism, and the government has expressed its intention to utilize Professor Edyvane's research to 'fully protect and conserve' the marine life that inhabits Timor-Leste’s waters. Faustino Mauloko da Cunha spends most of his day out with his camera during the whale-spotting season, capturing the beauty of these magnificent creatures. Professor Edyvane believes that with proper regulations, whale tourism has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Timor-Leste, which is one of the poorest countries in the world. According to the International Monetary Fund, average annual incomes in cities hover around $1,500. In Subaun, most villagers work as subsistence fishermen and farmers, earning between $600 and $900 a year. The da Cunha family has started preparing meals from local produce and the day’s catch for students and tourists, providing an additional source of income. 'We enjoyed having the guests around and will love to do it again,' Faustino, 51, shares in a WhatsApp video call. 'We will make it a better experience next season. ' His son, Zacarias, has also been contracted to provide drone services for the project. Professor Edyvane plans to train him to give talks about whales in English. Zacarias appreciates that visitors are learning to protect the area: 'The university students learn fast and well to defend this area. ' As for the tourists, he says the locals are eager to teach them. 'We remind tourists not to swim with the whales but instead to watch them from a distance.