Whale watching Sri Lanka Archives

Sharp Decline in Sri Lanka’s Blue Whale Population Raises Alarms Among Experts – By Malsha – eLanka Image Source : divemagazine The blue whale population that has long inhabited the coastal waters of Sri Lanka is showing a significant and worrying decline in sightings, according to a report published by Mongabay. Researchers attribute this drop to multiple stressors including heavy ship traffic in one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, unregulated whale tourism, pollution, rising sea surface temperatures, and broader impacts of climate change. Sri Lanka is home to a unique population of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the North Indian Ocean. Unlike most blue whales that migrate seasonally, these whales remain year-round in warm waters and have a distinct vocalisation pattern, says marine biologist Asha de Vos, founder of Oceanswell — a local marine conservation and research organisation. “They are grazers, not gorgers,” de Vos explains, meaning they feed continuously ...

Whale Watching in Sri Lanka: A Prime Destination for Marine Life Enthusiasts – By Jayadeva De Silva Source : Jayadeva De Silva Linkedin Sri Lanka is a prime location for whale watching, offering sightings of several species of whales in the Indian Ocean. The country’s waters, especially off the southern and eastern coasts, are known for their rich marine biodiversity. Popular spots for whale watching include Mirissa, Trincomalee, and Kalpitiya. Key species that can be seen include: **Blue Whales**: The largest animals on Earth, blue whales can be found year-round off the coast of Mirissa, especially from November to April. **Sperm Whales**: These deep-diving whales can often be spotted in Trincomalee, and occasionally in Mirissa. **Bryde’s Whales**: Less frequently seen, but they are also present in Sri Lankan waters. **Orcas**: Although rare, killer whales are occasionally spotted. **Dolphins**: Large pods of dolphins, including spinner and bottlenose dolphins, are often seen alongside ...