07/04/2026
March 2026 saw Seiche’s Marine Mammal Consultant Rachael Barber join marine charity ORCA’s Southern Ocean Distance Sampling Project.
As part of a team of ORCA volunteer Research Scientists, Rachael took part in undertaking distance sampling surveys for large whales in the Southern Ocean, between the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula on board the MS Fram. The project, in collaboration with the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), British Antarctic Survey, HX Expeditions and the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, is looking at the recovery of large whales in this region and is also part of a Darwin Plus project which aims to create a sustainable framework for monitoring whales at South Georgia.
Specifically, the work aims to better understand the abundance and distribution of recovering whale populations with a particular focus on large baleen whales around South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. By identifying areas of high density, ORCA hopes to enable mitigation measures to be implemented to protect these animals in areas where shipping traffic is increasing. The data collected is already being used to safeguard whales contributing to seasonal protected areas.
Over 21 days Rachael and Jayne from ORCA, plus members of the Expedition Team conducted over 55 hours of distance sampling survey, recording 86 sightings and 158 individuals of six species, from southern right whales off South Georgia to humpback whales and fin whales around Antarctica, as well as Peale’s, Dusky and Hourglass Dolphins.
Moreover, when not on the bridge they took part in deck surveys using the ORCA OceanWatchers app resulting in further effort and sightings of sei whale, humpback whale, southern right whale, Peale’s dolphin and even the mighty blue whale.
As far as highlights for Rachael, the encounter with southern right whales off the Falklands and South Georgia, and the humpbacks amongst the ice of Antarctica are up there, but there is always something to be said about encountering the largest animal to ever live. The blue whale encounter between South America and the Falklands, turned out to be the first time a blue has been recorded in that particular area, ever!
