Humpback Whale Bonanza! Record-Breaking Sightings Off Taiwan's Coast

Four Humpback Whales Spotted in a Single Day, Signaling Potential for Increased Marine Activity

Taipei, Taiwan – Marine enthusiasts and conservationists are celebrating a remarkable event off the coast of Taitung County. On Tuesday, March 26th, a record-breaking four humpback whales were sighted, marking the highest daily count in recent years, according to the Taitung County government.

Following a public video showing breaching humpback whales on Monday, researchers commissioned by the county's Agriculture Department conducted observations that led to Tuesday's significant sightings. The researchers documented the majestic mammals in two separate locations.

The first sighting occurred around 10 a.m. near Changbin Township's Baxian Cave, where two humpback whales of similar size were observed breaching the surface. Later that day, around 3:30 p.m., another two whales were seen swimming south near the Jie Bridge service area, approximately 20 kilometers south of the initial site.

In addition to the land-based observations, three separate reports of humpback whale sightings were confirmed. The Agriculture Department, after verifying the locations, timings, and group formations, determined that two distinct groups of whales were present in the waters off Taiwan's eastern coast. Notably, one group included a mother and her calf, adding a special element to the sighting.

Cetacean expert Yeh Chien-cheng (葉建成) shed light on the annual migration patterns of these gentle giants. He explained that humpback whales typically migrate south between February and May for mating and nursing their young. He also added that it is uncertain whether the number of humpback whales have increased over the years as sighting records in Taiwan have been in single digits.

The Taitung Agriculture Department is actively encouraging public participation in whale observation by offering incentives, such as gift cards and marine animal identification guides. They are also urging vessels to exercise caution by reducing their speed to under 10 knots and avoiding direct approaches to the whales. Whale-watching boats are reminded of regulations and must maintain a safe distance, especially when encountering a mother and calf, where a minimum distance of 100 meters is required.