Antarctic Type C Orca visit Bremer Bay as another historical encounter was observed today for the Whale Watch Western Australia Pod! A beautiful morning escorted us to the sighting grounds as a pleasant warm breeze was a change from the usual coolness we experience during the summertime in Bremer. Scanning the horizon we sighted something we have never seen before as over 150 blows appeared right alongside each other and it created a cloud like appearance as we approached the area with extreme excitement, we had discovered a gathering of Antarctic Type C Orca! It was an absolute thrill of a lifetime to meet these beautiful creatures, known as Type C Orca or Ross Sea Killer Whales, as they are found in the pack ice of eastern Antarctica predominantly and are specialised fish hunters.
Dainty and not reaching anymore than six meters in length for the males, these very special Orca are the smallest of the Antarctic Orca ecotypes and are very rarely observed outside of their range in Antarctica. Just like our Type B Orca observation earlier in the season, these Antartica Orca ecotypes are believed to be travelling to warmer waters to shed their skin and dispose of excessive diatom growth. Seeming dusty in appearance, they have more of a grey and white profile, slanted eye patches and prominent dorsal cape which gives them a very beautiful and unique appearance. Also very special about this ecotype is the family pod size which is larger than other Orca families and today that was very clearly on display with over 150 individuals documented and upon our arrival they were all travelling together creating a phenomenal sight.
Foraging dives and behaviour was then observed as they fanned out over four different groups throughout the area with around 40 to 50 Orca in each pod including all age groups with new calves, healthy juveniles, powerful females and impressive mature males. It was an incredible scene to witness and be part of as we joined the pod with them all and soaked in every special moment with this once in a lifetime sighting opportunity for our Pod Members onboard.
To think these beautiful Orca have travelled all the way from Antarctica and we just happened to be in the right place at the right time to meet them today, how wonderful! The local Orca families were not within range of the Type C families and the only other cetacean nearby was a massive lone male Sperm Whale who provided a stunning tail dive for us to witness after a good amount of oxygen saturation preparing for his next feeding dive.
As a family, we have participated in every Orca tour we have operated, amassing over 9,000 hours of observation and work in the Bremer Canyon’s. This has granted us a remarkable opportunity to witness incredible moments. Today’s encounter is one we will always cherish, and we are deeply thankful to have shared this experience with our team and Pod Members onboard. The surprise sighting marks what is quickly becoming a phenomenal season for our team.
This reflects the significance of the waters along our southern coastline, not only for our beloved Bremer Orca but also for two other Orca ecotypes that utilise these waters, even if only for brief yet meaningful visits with their Pod Members. We are eternally grateful for the privilege of working in these waters daily and for sharing these moments with our guests. Their passion and love for the places we explore and the wildlife we encounter resonate with our own enthusiasm, inspiring our family and team.
