On 9/7, Gia Lai's Department of Agriculture and Environment requested authorities to increase protection for Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni). The whales have been frequently sighted in coastal areas of the province such as Xuan Thanh (Phu My Dong commune), Vung Boi (An Luong commune), De Gi commune, Hon Seo, Hon Co, Hon Kho Lon (Quy Nhon Dong ward), and Mui Ganh (Hoai Nhon Dong ward).
 |
Bryde's whales, weighing 10-15 tons, feeding near Hon Seo - Nhon Ly, morning of 5/7. Photo: Mai Huong |
Bryde's whales, weighing 10-15 tons, feeding near Hon Seo - Nhon Ly, morning of 5/7. Photo: Mai Huong
The continuous presence of these whales over the past month suggests that Gia Lai's marine environment and ecosystem are recovering, providing an abundant food source suitable for their feeding habits.
However, many tourist boats, canoes, and fishing vessels have been approaching the whales too closely. Some unauthorized tours have been taking tourists to watch and photograph the whales, potentially causing stress, driving them away, or even leading to stranding.
Bryde's whales use infrasonic sounds for navigation and communication, so the noise from boat engines can severely impact them. Even a minor collision could cause injuries. Their feeding behavior, which involves lunging with an open mouth, makes them particularly vulnerable to ingesting plastic bags or other floating debris.
 |
Bryde's whales lunge with their mouths wide open to feed. Photo: Mai Huong |
Bryde's whales lunge with their mouths wide open to feed. Photo: Mai Huong
To protect these whales, the Department of Agriculture and Environment is advising relevant agencies to instruct tour operators and individuals to maintain a minimum distance of 100 m, avoid approaching from the front or rear, and limit boat speeds, ideally turning off engines when in the vicinity of the whales. No more than 3 vessels should be present at the same time.
Bryde's whales are coastal whales commonly found in the waters of Vietnam, China, Thailand, and especially around the Gulf of Thailand. In Vietnam, they are observed in the south-central and southern provinces. In Gia Lai, sightings have become increasingly frequent over the past 5 years.
Bryde's whales belong to the rorqual family (Balaenopteridae). They are easily identified by three ridges on the top of their head in front of the blowhole, and 40-70 throat pleats that allow them to expand their mouths while feeding.
Tran Hoa
