Film Lens
The documentary focuses on the waters of Vu in Tonga, a prime location for observing humpback whales during their breeding season after a long migration from Antarctica. It shows the relationship between humans and these whales, emphasizing the choices faced by locals between swimming with the whales or hunting them. Researchers from Sydney's Macquarie University study the unique songs of mating humpbacks, drawing parallels to popular music trends as the whales adapt their songs on the breeding grounds.
The film also addresses the historical context of whaling in the region, noting that local populations of humpbacks were reduced to 10% of their original size due to commercial hunting. Although whaling was banned 30 years ago, there are concerns about the potential resumption of hunting by Japanese whalers under the guise of scientific research. The documentary presents Tonga's whale swimming industry as a vital economic resource for the country, which struggles with poverty and has a significant number of its citizens living abroad.
Why Watch
- •See researchers study humpback whale songs in Tonga.
- •Meet locals balancing tourism and whale conservation.
- •Find out about the impact of whaling on whale populations.
Did You Know
•Humpback whales migrate 10,000 km from Antarctic waters to Tonga.
•The humpback population in Tonga was reduced to 10% of its original size due to whaling.
•Tonga's whale swimming industry is a crucial economic resource for the country.
•Japanese whalers plan to hunt 50 humpbacks under scientific claims starting in November.
Perfect For
Marine biologyWildlife conservationEcotourismWhale watching