Ocean Conservationist Alex is back from her journey south, as one of ORCA’s team collecting data on whales and dolphins in one of the hardest-to-reach oceans: the Southern Ocean. She was onboard HX Expedition ship MS Roald Amundsen for just over 6 weeks, travelling from the Chilean Fjords to the Falkland Islands and all the way south to the Antarctic Peninsula.
During her time onboard, Alex became a member of the Expedition Team, giving lectures and workshops on the marine mammals that could be found along the route, the historic and modern day challenges they are facing and the active conservation efforts to help protect these animals in the future. Passengers on board also got the opportunity to help collect sightings data alongside Alex during wildlife watches up on the observation deck, which was the place to be for spotting cetaceans throughout the trip.
One of the most memorable sightings aboard the ship was encountering killer whales in the Lemaire Strait in the Antarctic Peninsula.
The ship moved through the strait at a very slow speed, carefully navigating the narrow passage with uncertainty about whether it could traverse the large icebergs ahead. As the vessel neared the towering cliff edges on both sides, a shout of “ORCA!” sent everyone rushing to the deck to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. Thanks to the ship’s slow speed and the leisurely movements of the two male orcas, those on deck enjoyed around 10 minutes in their company before they disappeared between the icebergs, where the ship could not follow.
For Alex, this was an especially emotional moment, as it was her first time seeing killer whales in the wild—a truly spectacular experience shared with many guests onboard. The killer whales encountered were identified as Type B, a southern hemisphere ecotype distinguished by their large eye patches positioned behind their eyes and a striking dorsal cape that extends from the eye patch to the saddle patch behind their dorsal fins.
Another remarkable sighting took place in Drake Passage, where the ship encountered an incredible gathering of over 50 baleen whales – mostly humpbacks and a few fin whales. During the austral summer, many baleen whale species in the Southern Hemisphere migrate south to Antarctic waters to feed. As filter feeders, baleen whales take in enormous mouthfuls of seawater—up to 5,000 gallons for a humpback—and then expel the water through their baleen plates, trapping small fish or krill. In Antarctica, their primary food source is Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a keystone species that plays a vital role in supporting the entire Antarctic food web. Observing this group, displaying potentially feeding behaviour, highlights the critical importance of protecting these rich feeding grounds from commercial krill fisheries to ensure the survival of these marine mammals.
ORCA’s work in Antarctica is making a significant contribution to whale conservation in the Antarctic Peninsula. By identifying high-density cetacean hotspots through our ongoing sightings data, we provide critical evidence to support protective measures amid increasing shipping traffic. Since 2019, the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) have implemented mandatory measures, such as geofenced zones with a 10-knot speed limit, to reduce the risk of ship strikes in key whale habitats. Data collected by ORCA has already contributed to establishing seasonal protected areas for large whales around South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, showcasing vital progress in safeguarding these species. For more information, visit the IAATO website.
And finally, during her time in the Falkland Islands, Alex discovered her new favourite dolphin species: the Commerson’s dolphin. Having read about this unique and strikingly patterned species prior to her visit, she was thrilled to spot so many during the approach to Saunders Island. These small dolphins, averaging 1.4 meters in length, are easily recognized by their bold black-and-white coloration and are renowned for their energetic behaviour at the water’s surface. They can often be seen chasing waves along beaches or bow-riding alongside ships. The Falklands are home to an estimated population of 6,000 Commerson’s dolphins, a species found exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, off the coasts of Patagonia and the Falkland Islands.
Antarctica is truly one of the most extraordinary places on Earth—not only to witness marine mammals in their natural habitat but also to marvel at the stunning beauty of its icebergs, glaciers, and unique landscapes.
Alex summed up her experience of the Southern Ocean, saying; “It was nothing short of awe-inspiring, and I cherished every moment onboard the MS Roald Amundsen. From watching penguins porpoising alongside the ship and spotting Weddell seals resting on ice floes, to shedding tears at the breathtaking sight of orcas. I’ve returned home with a treasure trove of unforgettable lifelong memories.”
Her contributions to ORCA through the ORCA OceanWatchers app provide vital data to deepen our understanding of cetaceans and support efforts to protect these incredible species in critical habitats like Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
ORCA's work in Antarctica is changing the way we understand and protect large whales in one of the most important habitats on the planet, but more work is needed than ever before to keep this pristine habitat safe.
By taking part in our new Southern Ocean Marine Mammal Identification course, you can learn all about the amazing animals that call this part of the world home, as well as taking the first step on your citizen science journey. To find out more and book today, visit learn.orca.org.uk and start learning all about the frozen south.