Rare Humpback Whale Sighting off Taiwan’s Taitung Coast Marks a Significant Marine Event

Taitung, Taiwan – A rare sighting of four humpback whales off the coast of Changbin Township, Taitung County, has sparked excitement among marine researchers and wildlife enthusiasts. This marks the highest daily count of humpback whales observed in Taiwan’s waters in recent years, raising speculation about their migratory patterns and the potential impact of conservation efforts.

Multiple Sightings Confirm Two Groups of Humpback Whales

On Monday, March 18, 2025, a local resident captured footage of breaching humpback whales near the coastline, prompting an official survey. The Taitung County Agriculture Department quickly responded, commissioning marine researchers to verify the sighting.

The researchers confirmed four humpback whales on Tuesday, with two separate sightings at different times:

• 10:00 a.m. – Two similarly sized whales were seen breaching multiple times near the southern beach of Baxian Cave.
• 3:30 p.m. – Another two whales, identified as a mother and her calf, were observed swimming 20 kilometers south, near Jie Bridge.

Additional reports from fishermen and whale-watching groups further validated the presence of these marine giants. After cross-referencing the sightings, photographic evidence, and movement patterns, experts concluded that two distinct groups of whales had entered Taiwan’s coastal waters.

What This Means for Marine Conservation in Taiwan

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are known for their seasonal migrations, often traveling from feeding grounds in cold waters to warmer tropical areas for breeding and nursing. Cetacean expert Yeh Chien-cheng noted that while humpback whales do pass through Taiwan’s waters between February and May, documented sightings remain in single digits annually.

This unusually high number of whales sighted in a single day raises important questions:

• Is the population of humpback whales in the region increasing?
• Are conservation efforts in the Pacific region contributing to more whale migrations?
• Could climate change be altering their migratory routes?

Although it is still unclear whether the number of humpback whales has increased, marine researchers are eager to analyze past data and track future sightings to better understand the trend.

Authorities Encourage Whale Watching While Ensuring Marine Safety

In response to the sightings, the Taitung Agriculture Department has issued marine safety guidelines for boat operators and fishermen:

1. Speed Limits – Ships and boats must reduce speed to below 10 knots when near whales to prevent collisions.
2. Safe Distance – Whale-watching boats must remain at least 100 meters away from mother-calf pairs to avoid stress or disturbance.
3. No Direct Approach – Vessels are instructed to avoid steering toward the whales and instead maintain a parallel course.

To encourage public engagement in marine conservation, the department has launched an incentive program:

• Citizens who report verified whale sightings will receive gift cards and marine wildlife visual guides.
• The government hopes these incentives will promote awareness and responsible whale-watching tourism in Taiwan.

A Rare Opportunity for Taiwan’s Ecotourism and Marine Research

The appearance of four humpback whales in a single day could provide valuable insights for marine biologists, conservationists, and tourism operators. Taiwan’s eastern coastline is already popular for whale watching, with frequent sightings of sperm whales, false killer whales, and dolphins.

This rare humpback whale sighting presents an opportunity to expand Taiwan’s reputation as a prime whale-watching destination, drawing both eco-tourists and marine researchers to study and appreciate the country’s rich marine biodiversity.

Authorities are urging the public to continue reporting sightings and participate in conservation efforts to protect these majestic ocean giants for future generations.

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