Human-cetacean conflict solutions - The Bluff
In just two generations, the coastal community has progressed from hunting whales to protecting them, and the relationship...
The Bluff Whale Heritage Area
The Bluff, South Africa
Enjoy year-round dolphin sightings and guided whale watching with breathtaking coastal views.
The Bluff in Durban is famous for its breathtaking coastal views and vibrant whale festival. Enjoy year-round dolphin sightings and guided whale watching along with local conservation initiatives. The Bluff forms part of the port of Durban on the eastern seaboard of South Africa. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with stunning landscapes and an abundance of wildlife.
People at the Bluff retain their heritage and links with cetaceans through festivals, trails, guided walks, and whale watching opportunities. The Bluff has a Whale Watching Route and celebrates the arrival of humpback whales with the annual Welcoming of the Whales Festival. The Old Whaling Station is being transformed into a Heritage Site and Eco Tourism Hub point where they can share their history with tourists and guests.
Stories
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Education and research at The Bluff
Whale watching operators in The Bluff have a unique collaboration with WILDOCEANS, who manage school programmes to educate...
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Sustainability at The Bluff
To combat the issue of plastic pollution, one of the projects at WILDTRUST is focussed on the removal...
Experiences
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Durban Maritime Museum
Visitors can stroll through the Maritime Museum...
Species & habitat
From May to December, humpback whales can be seen as they migrate along the east coast of South Africa. There are estimated to be over 7,000 humpbacks migrating through the waters of Durban now, compared to only 340 when the whaling station was closed in 1975. Other whales occasionally seen in the area include dwarf minke whales and Southern right whales.
Humpback dolphins and long-beaked common dolphins are commonly sighted between May and July, while bottlenose dolphins are seen year-round.
Threats
Plastic pollution, accidental capture and entanglement are some of the major environmental concerns associated with cetaceans in the area.
The Durban port acts as a sink for waste entering the port from canals and city storm drains. This waste is then released into the ocean and washes up on beaches along the KZN coastline and within the WHA area.
Whales and dolphins can become trapped in abandoned nets or accidentally caught by the fishing fleet.
Did you know?
- Humpback whales migrate from Antarctica along the east coast of South Africa through the coastal waters of Durban during the months of May through to November.
- Whales were originally hunted for their blubber, spermaceti (sperm whale oil), and baleen, all of which were used for a variety of household and industrial products.
- The local Zulus called the bay eThekwini, the lagoon. A thriving trading post grew around the bay, becoming the third largest city in South Africa.
- Long-term photo-identification studies suggested that some humpback dolphins display long- distance movement patterns (up to 150 km), while other individuals display long-term residency within the KwaZulu-Natal area including Durban.
Supporters & assessors
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is assessed by a species or habitat expert from a reputable non-profit organisation or academic institution. The assessor represents a supporting organisation able to provide the advice, information, and contacts needed to complete the designation process.
Designated by by World Cetacean Alliance
