THE JOYS OF SUMMER IN ALGOA BAY
By Jake Keeton

1. News

We are fortunate in Algoa Bay to have something exciting happening during all seasons of the year. When the migratory Humpback whales leave our waters in early December, we look forward to seeing more of our local Bryde’s whales. This elusive species can be seen in our waters all year round; however, they can be very shy. Fortunately for us these whales forget about being shy when there is food involved. During the months of January through to May, we see an abundance of baitfish in Algoa Bay.

These baitfish are then rounded up by either African Penguins or Long-Beaked Common Dolphins, allowing other marine mammals and sea-birds the opportunity to feed.

On this particular day a pod of Long-Beaked Common Dolphins rounded up a shoal of fish that appeared to be anchovies. It wasn't long before Cape Gannets, Cape Fur Seals, African Penguins, Bryde’s whales and other marine birds joined the feeding frenzy.

With the beautifully calm sea conditions, our guests on board got to fully appreciate all the sights and sounds of the activity unfolding in front of them. After this special sighting we continued to St Croix Island where we saw the rest of the African Penguin Colony. It is always a relief to see balls of baitfish in Algoa Bay. It reassures us that there is enough food available for the Penguins to feed their chicks.

In the past, before a large part of Algoa Bay was declared a marine protected area, our African Penguins needed to swim many miles in search of either anchovies or sardines to feed their chicks. Thus, resulted in a low survival rate for Penguin chicks and thus a decline in our penguin population.

We look forward to many more sightings like this over the next few months.  It will allow us to sharpen our photography skills in anticipation for the major spectacle that is the Sardine Run. The best time of the year to witness the action of the Sardine Run with us is between the middle of April through to the end of May.

Keep an eye on our page for updates on recent sightings as we search for feeding activity in Algoa Bay over the next few months. I look forward to sharing these encounters with those of you will be able to join us on board.

Cape Gannets diving on a bait-ball brought together by Long-Beaked Common Dolphins. These birds can reach 120km/hr if they dive from maximum height, allowing them to effectively catch fish 20m below the ocean’s surface.

This Bryde’s whale made several passes through the bait-ball, lunge feeding just below the surface.

Long-Beaked Common Dolphins become rather  playful after feeding. Once the feeding is over the pod usually come together in a tight formation and move off in search of their next meal. During this it is common to see mating and playful behaviour as all the members of the Pod come together.

This Cape Gannet dived close to our boat, resurfaced then took off and circled around for another dive. If the feeding frenzy continues for long enough, eventually these birds become too full to take off and rest on the water while they digest the fish they have eaten.