Photo: Andrew Stevenson

Based in Bermuda, The Humpback Whale Project is the brainchild of Andrew Stevenson. The project culminates in a documentary that will seek to educate future generations as to the importance of whales in our culture, as well as foster an understanding of the behavior of these behemoths.

When asked how he got involved in the project, Andrew Stevenson tells the story of an adventuresome author who strolled along the pink sands of the deserted island beach, wondering what he would do with his abundance of energy and ideas. After a lifetime spent undertaking amazing journeys and writing of their revelations, the addition of a newborn daughter had tamed his audacious spirit. At least momentarily. As he gazed out to sea in deep contemplation, an enlightening event captured his experienced eye: the waterspout of a migrating Humpback whale revealed the illusive answer, and The Humpback Whale Research Project was born.

Photo Credit: Andrew Stevenson

The purpose of the project, in Andrew’s own words, is “to gain sufficient data to determine the social behavior of the humpbacks in their mid-ocean migratory crossings. This will be accomplished through the taking of high definition video of the humpback whales migrating past Bermuda over a three-year period and to complete a finished 30-50 minute documentary highlighting the cultural heritage of whaling in Bermuda with the increasing opportunities to research, study and watch these whales.”  Children will be involved in the making of the film from beginning to end in order to assist them in developing a first hand appreciation and love of whales. The project also seeks to develop a database of fin and tail fluke photographs linked with corresponding underwater footage and sound recordings to provide a comprehensive identification directory.

As the mid-point between the Humpbacks’s feeding grounds of the western North Atlantic and their Caribbean breeding and wintering turf, Bermuda is ideally placed for observing the magnificent creatures on their springtime migratory journey to the north. Beginning in February and continuing until mid May, the whales pass close enough to Bermuda to be seen from the shore. However, during the winter migration back to their breeding grounds in the south, the Humpbacks are hardly seen at all, and so it is thought there is something in Bermuda’s waters that satisfies their appetites on their way to the waters of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Perhaps that is why in recent years the whales have been lingering around the island in larger numbers and for extended periods of time. This is one of the many mysteries the Humpback Project aims to solve. Whatever the case, Bermuda’s crystal clear waters, and the relaxed demeanor of the whales, make it the perfect location for filming and photographing the majestic mammals.

Photo Credit: Andrew Stevenson

The first three-year stage of the Humpback project was spent amassing many hours of film footage. While watching the graceful beasts singing and caring for their young, it is easy to understand Andrew’s call for a boycott of Japanese goods. “It is unacceptable that Japan continues to kill whales for no real reason except national pride,” he states on his YouTube page (where you can view some of his whale footage)  “The only message the Japanese Fisheries Agency will understand is a worldwide boycott of Japanese goods.” Entrapment and strikes by ships are two of the biggest dangers to the survival of Humpbacks.

Since successfully completing the first of its three-year phases, I asked Andrew what he hopes to accomplish during the recently begun second stint. “Now that I am not so focused on getting underwater film footage I’m concentrating more on getting fluke ids and trying to determine what the whales are doing. If they come to the boat, then I will get in the water with them. I’d also like to get out more in the winter to determine how many whales there are here during the winter months.” Judging by the recent fluke photos on the project website, the second phase is in full swing and looks set to be hugely successful.

Canadian born Andrew is a man of remarkable courage, character and concern for our environment. He is now devoted “full-time and more” to the Humpback Whale Project and his exploits can be followed via his Whale Diary, which is updated on a regular basis. It is no doubt that the Humpback Whale Project will be a success, as Andrew Stevenson is not the sort to undertake something half-heartedly. For more on Andrew and his many exploits, as well as a wealth of information on the Humpback Whale Project and whales in general, visit whalesbermuda.com