This year’s field survey for the “Whale Snot Project,” which collects humpback whale blow samples using drones during their annual migration to Miyakejima, has successfully concluded. A total of 28 people participated.
Up until the day before, the weather had been extremely rough, and as always, we were worried whether the whales would even show up.
However, during the two days of the survey, conditions remained miraculously calm.
We were able to conduct surveys at two locations—Tomigahama Beach and Izumisaki Cape—and successfully collected a large number of blow samples.
On our scheduled day of departure, the regular ferry made a same-day turnaround, leaving Miyakejima at 6 a.m.
It was a hectic three days, but we were able to complete the survey safely and successfully.
The collected blow samples will now be sent to Miyazaki University, where DNA analysis will be conducted.
From the perspective of those who live on Miyakejima, being able to welcome this many visitors at the very beginning of the year—and having everything go well—really sets the tone for the entire year.
It feels a bit like drawing a “大吉 (great blessing)” on a New Year’s fortune slip.
