Freediving Holidays (2024)

16/11/2024

S***M WHALES HAVE AN “EVE”

New research reveals that every s***m whale in the world can be traced to a single female

All of the s***m whales in the world descended from just one female who lived tens of thousands of years ago. That surprising result comes from an examination of the mitochondrial DNA of more than 1,600 s***m whales from all over the world. Fittingly, researchers have named her Eve.

Mitochondrial DNA is only passed from mother to child. The fact that Eve’s DNA has been found all over the world opens up additional questions. Today, only male s***m whales travel far from where they are born. Females tend to stay put, so Eve’s mitochondrial DNA should have as well. But, for some reason, it didn’t.

The new genetic study also reveals that the current lack of female s***m whales migrating puts a limit on genetic flow for the species—an issue in the face of anthropogenic climate change and other threats, which are isolating s***m whales into smaller, geographically isolated sub-populations. Populations in Eve’s time may have been more able to mingle with each other over time. That opportunity is now no longer available.

This suggests that management strategies for s***m whales may need to prioritize females, not necessarily populations as a whole. If all of the females in a given location die out, it now appears unlikely that any new females would migrate to replace them.

What this study has introduced is another reason why it is so important to protect females if we want to conserve a population.

Source: Hakai, John R. Platt, Alana Alexander, NOAA.

WE HAVE TWO SPOTS AVAILABLE 11-17 FEBRUARY 24’ IN DOMINICA. JOIN US ON THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE SWIMMING WITH S***M WHALES! LINK IN BIO 🐳 OR CONTACT US DIRECTLY 📷

08/11/2024

Mysterious, enormous, and vital to our marine ecosystems, blue whales the largest animal ever known to have lived on the planet, including all dinosaurs, generally ranging in length from 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30 meters) Their blowholes are large enough for a child to crawl through

Though we cannot hear them underwater, blue whales have one of the loudest voices on Earth. Their call can be louder than a jet engine and has been measured at 188 decibels.

Female blue whales breed only once every three years, with gestation lasting between 11 – 12 months. They usually have only one calf. Blue whale calves are born more than seven meters long (25 feet) and weigh up to 3,000 kg (6,600 pounds), entering the world already ranking among its largest creatures. They are suckled up to a year before feeding independently. Until then, baby blue whales consume only mother’s milk, gaining about 90 kg (200 pounds) per day during their first year.

Blue whales are one of the rarest whale species in the world, numbering between 10,000 – 25,000 today. Most biologists consider them to be among the most endangered of the great whales. Despite being Earth’s largest animal, blue whales primary eat krill, a small aquatic lifeform resembling shrimp. The Norwegian word “krill” means “young fry of fish.” Blue whales can eat as many as 40 million krill per day, or around (3,630 kg) 8,000 pounds daily.

Krill are a keystone species in the delicately balanced ecosystem of the Southern ocean, providing 96% of calories for seabirds and mammals, including the primary food source for whales, penguins and seals. They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by eating carbon-rich algae near the surface and excreting it when they sink to lower, colder waters, helping to mitigate climate change. And yet…humans are consuming more krill today than ever before, and the demand is only rising.
The easiest way to help protect the Antarctic and the marine wildlife that call it home is to stop buying krill-based products, including krill oil health supplements (there are many vegetarian and vegan alternatives), and farmed fish. JOIN US!

08/11/2024

Mysterious, enormous, and vital to our marine ecosystems, blue whales the largest animal ever known to have lived on the planet, including all dinosaurs, generally ranging in length from 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30 meters) Their blowholes are large enough for a child to crawl through

Though we cannot hear them underwater, blue whales have one of the loudest voices on Earth. Their call can be louder than a jet engine and has been measured at 188 decibels.

Female blue whales breed only once every three years, with gestation lasting between 11 – 12 months. They usually have only one calf. Blue whale calves are born more than seven meters long (25 feet) and weigh up to 3,000 kg (6,600 pounds), entering the world already ranking among its largest creatures. They are suckled up to a year before feeding independently. Until then, baby blue whales consume only mother’s milk, gaining about 90 kg (200 pounds) per day during their first year.

Blue whales are one of the rarest whale species in the world, numbering between 10,000 – 25,000 today. Most biologists consider them to be among the most endangered of the great whales. Despite being Earth’s largest animal, blue whales primary eat krill, a small aquatic lifeform resembling shrimp. The Norwegian word “krill” means “young fry of fish.” Blue whales can eat as many as 40 million krill per day, or around (3,630 kg) 8,000 pounds daily.

Krill are a keystone species in the delicately balanced ecosystem of the Southern ocean, providing 96% of calories for seabirds and mammals, including the primary food source for whales, penguins and seals. They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by eating carbon-rich algae near the surface and excreting it when they sink to lower, colder waters, helping to mitigate climate change. And yet…humans are consuming more krill today than ever before, and the demand is only rising.
The easiest way to help protect the Antarctic and the marine wildlife that call it home is to stop buying krill-based products, including krill oil health supplements (there are many vegetarian and vegan alternatives), and farmed fish.
Source: sea shepherd,

29/10/2024

We named her Fluke. Her distinctive giant tail unmistakable from afar, suspended on the surface of the sea. Fluke’s majestic tail stirs the water like a magnet, forming waterfalls over its tips. Her mysterious presence, poetically hinted by the tip of her tail, peeking above the surface of the water, like the tip of a gigantic iceberg. You know that what you see from the surface is merely the “tip” of one of the largest animal species that ever existed on the planet, arguably as complex and highly evolved as us humans.

Her enormous heart shaped tail formed a curved illusion around me, just as looking at the horizon and noticing the curvature of the earth. I counted the barnacles outlining her tail with all of its peaks and valleys. I felt as if I was being pulled into another dimension, amazed by her stillness and gentleness.

At the same time, Fluke communicated with her calf, producing a meditative symphony created by the flow of air inside her body. It felt as if I am inside sound sphere, a multi-sensory, otherworldly experience that hummed and vibrated throughout my body.

Join us- Human-whale encounters/ Research/ Conservation
📷

17/09/2024

SIAL’E TOFUA’A HINEHINA ~ White humpback whale

The gestation period in humpback whales is eleven to twelve months. After birth, the calf is still attached to its mother by an umbilical cord. Some evidence suggests that birth may be accompanied by the presence of another whale which acts as a kind of midwife. When they are born, calves rely fully on their mothers for protection and food. Like all mammals, humpback mothers nurse their calves, producing as much as 500 litters of high protein and fat milk in a day. Calves feed on milk for six months before they start eating krill and other small fish. A mother and her calf stay close to each other and express affection through touch as well as vocalisations. As humpbacks have a strong tactile sense, they have particular parts of their bodies which seem very sensitive to touch. The especially sensitive parts include the lips, tubercles, and pectoral fin. Calves are often observed rubbing against their mothers’ pectoral fins and noses.
Humpback mothers often shield their calves under their pectoral fins, which can stretch up to five meters in length.
After several observations of the young whale eyes we can now confirm that the calf is a female and it is indeed an Albino whale. Soon, the young albino calf will embark on her first long journey (7,000 km) south to Antarctica where she will stay with her mom for up to two years and will hopefully return to Tonga in a few years once she is ready to mate and give birth.

Source: Thesis Human- Whale Interactions in Ha’apai, Tonga: Does the Intersubjective Exchange Create A Unique Reciprocal Experience for the Participants? By 🎥 Art design by

17/09/2024

SIAL’E TOFUA’A HINEHINA ~ White humpback whale

The gestation period in humpback whales is eleven to twelve months. After birth, the calf is still attached to its mother by an umbilical cord. Some evidence suggests that birth may be accompanied by the presence of another whale which acts as a kind of midwife. When they are born, calves rely fully on their mothers for protection and food. Like all mammals, humpback mothers nurse their calves, producing as much as 500 litters of high protein and fat milk in a day. Calves feed on milk for six months before they start eating krill and other small fish. A mother and her calf stay close to each other and express affection through touch as well as vocalisations. As humpbacks have a strong tactile sense, they have particular parts of their bodies which seem very sensitive to touch. The especially sensitive parts include the lips, tubercles, and pectoral fin. Calves are often observed rubbing against their mothers’ pectoral fins and noses.
Humpback mothers often shield their calves under their pectoral fins, which can stretch up to five meters in length.
After several observations of the young whale eyes we can now confirm that the calf is a female and it is indeed an Albino whale. Soon, the young albino calf will embark on her first long journey (7,000 km) south to Antarctica where she will stay with her mom for up to two years and will hopefully return to Tonga in a few years once she is ready to mate and give birth.

Source: Thesis Human- Whale Interactions in Ha’apai, Tonga: Does the Intersubjective Exchange Create A Unique Reciprocal Experience for the Participants? By 🎥

06/09/2024

SIAL’E TOFUA’A  HINEHINA ~ White flower~ White humpback

After several observations of the young whale eyes we can now confirm that the calf is a female and it is indeed an Albino whale. Soon she will embark on her first long journey (7,000 km) south to Antarctica where she will stay with her mom for up to two years and will hopefully return to Tonga in a few years once she is ready to mate and give birth.

White animals are rare in the wild, and white humpback whale sightings are even more  rare. Only our were recorded.
Without protective coloration, unless they’re  in an arctic environment, they are more vulnerable to attack and the harsh sun.
Leucism and albinism are often difficult to tell apart in animals since the conditions share some of the same characteristics. While albinism refers to the complete lack of melanin—the natural pigment that gives skin, feathers, hair, and eyes their color—leucism involves a partial loss of pigmentation.
Animals with albinism are white or pale in color over their entire bodies but also have eyes that are pale, pink, or red in color, while animals with leucism often have partially white or patchy features with darker eyes. These inherited genetic traits are all recessive and must be inherited from both parents (who don’t necessarily have to have albinism themselves). Animals have been observed excluding members of their group with albinism to avoid predation of the entire population
Animals that are white in color are often mistaken for having albinism when they actually have leucism. Often, the simplest way to tell animals with leucism apart from albinism is to look at the eyes. Animals with leucism will have dark-colored eyes rather than red or pink.
Albinism is an extremely rare condition in wildlife that occurs at birth. Researchers estimate the rate of albinism in animals to be anywhere from 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 1 million, though it’s believed to be more common in bird, reptile, and amphibian species.

In many cultures an appearance of a white animal is an indication of a new era of peace  and restored balance.

🎥
Art design

06/09/2024

SIAL’E TOFUA’A  HINEHINA ~ White flower~ White humpback

After several observations of the young whale eyes we can now confirm that the calf is a female and it is indeed an Albino whale. Soon she will embark on her first long journey (7,000 km) south to Antarctica where she will stay with her mom for up to two years and will hopefully return to Tonga in a few years once she is ready to mate and give birth.

White animals are rare in the wild, and white humpback whale sightings are even more  rare. Only our were recorded.
Without protective coloration, unless they’re  in an arctic environment, they are more vulnerable to attack and the harsh sun.
Leucism and albinism are often difficult to tell apart in animals since the conditions share some of the same characteristics. While albinism refers to the complete lack of melanin—the natural pigment that gives skin, feathers, hair, and eyes their color—leucism involves a partial loss of pigmentation.
Animals with albinism are white or pale in color over their entire bodies but also have eyes that are pale, pink, or red in color, while animals with leucism often have partially white or patchy features with darker eyes. These inherited genetic traits are all recessive and must be inherited from both parents (who don’t necessarily have to have albinism themselves). Animals have been observed excluding members of their group with albinism to avoid predation of the entire population
Animals that are white in color are often mistaken for having albinism when they actually have leucism. Often, the simplest way to tell animals with leucism apart from albinism is to look at the eyes. Animals with leucism will have dark-colored eyes rather than red or pink.
Albinism is an extremely rare condition in wildlife that occurs at birth. Researchers estimate the rate of albinism in animals to be anywhere from 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 1 million, though it’s believed to be more common in bird, reptile, and amphibian species.

In many cultures an appearance of a white animal is an indication of a new era of peace  and restored balance.

🎥

25/08/2024

TOFUA’A  HINEHINA( White humpback whale)

We have been experiencing a miraculous encounter with a white humpback whale calf. So overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude.

White animals are rare in the wild, and white humpback whale sightings are even more  rare. Only our were recorded.
Without protective coloration, unless they’re  in an arctic environment, they are more vulnerable to attack and the harsh sun.
Leucism and albinism are often difficult to tell apart in animals since the conditions share some of the same characteristics. While albinism refers to the complete lack of melanin—the natural pigment that gives skin, feathers, hair, and eyes their color—leucism involves a partial loss of pigmentation.
Animals with albinism are white or pale in color over their entire bodies but also have eyes that are pale, pink, or red in color, while animals with leucism often have partially white or patchy features with darker eyes. These inherited genetic traits are all recessive and must be inherited from both parents (who don’t necessarily have to have albinism themselves). Animals have been observed excluding members of their group with albinism to avoid predation of the entire population
Animals that are white in color are often mistaken for having albinism when they actually have leucism. Often, the simplest way to tell animals with leucism apart from albinism is to look at the eyes. Animals with leucism will have dark-colored eyes rather than red or pink.
Albinism is an extremely rare condition in wildlife that occurs at birth. Researchers estimate the rate of albinism in animals to be anywhere from 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 1 million, though it’s believed to be more common in bird, reptile, and amphibian species

White animals across traditions ~
In multiple cultures, anomalous white animals have been designated as sacred and the basis of legends and myth. In many cultures an appearance of a white animal is an indication of a new era of peace  and restored balance.

In this photo, A young white Humpback Whale in Ha’apai, Tonga. 📷 .margom 🙏🏻🐋🤍 info source: treehugger, gaia,

12/08/2024

The amazing cyclic journey of one drop of water. A drop might start its journey as water, then evaporate, changing its form. It’s still water, but it’s not the same as before. However, the same knowledge, the same information, is still there. The same applies even when it’s frozen.
Water matures until it’s time to incarnate again,, just as the water drop rises as steam, falls back as a raindrop out of a cloud, trickles away into the earth, and after a very long time, 100 to 1,000 years, appears again on the surface of the earth as an artesian spring. In a similar way there’s a metaphor of the humpback whale song in that.

The songs of humpback whales employ rhyme, humans have been using rhyme at least since Homer and probably long before. It’s a way of remembering. A male humpback will usually complete the song, then repeat it numerous times, singing for hours on end.

We know now that the male humpback whale’s strange and haunting singing is a changeable cultural aspect of that species. Each year, all adult male humpbacks within each ocean sing the same song. But in each ocean the song is different from the song being sung in other oceans. There’s a Pacific song, an Atlantic song, and so on. And each year the song of each ocean changes. The new songs spread wavelike, a slow-moving fad crossing blue infinities whale-to-whale, all the whales adopting the same changed elements of the song. When songs of Hawaiian humpbacks and Mexico’s Socorro Island humpbacks changed simultaneously despite a separation spanning 4,800 kilometers of ocean, researchers Ellen Garland and colleagues called this pattern “unparalleled in any other nonhuman animals . . . cultural change at a vast scale.

The song culture of humpback whales changed our inter-species culture. And why? Simply this: we briefly directed our attention to something beautiful on Earth. For a moment—we listened.
📷 credit: center for human & nature. Masaru Emoto. Carl Safina.

02/08/2024

We are connected to whales not just through the encounters but through the elements, water, bodies, and our senses. They live in the water; they are water, we are water, every single particle inside us has always existed.
The water in my body was in your body at some point. If we think about the elements, we have always been and always will be connected to whales.

Freediving Holidays

16/11/2024

08/11/2024

08/11/2024

29/10/2024

17/09/2024

17/09/2024

06/09/2024

06/09/2024

25/08/2024

12/08/2024

02/08/2024

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