March 20, 2007 - Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Diving's Australia vessel, the 18-passenger Nimrod Explorer, once again received an International Excellence Award from The Minke Whale Project organization for the Most Complete Whale Sighting Records for 2006. Due in part to Nimrod Explorer's contribution and diligence with record keeping, there is now a confirmed occurrence of dwarf minke whales reproducing in successive years. As published in the December 2006 issue of Minke Whale Project Research Update, "In 2005 "Wiggly Nape Streak" (first ID'd in 1999 and seen in four of the seven years since), reappeared with her calf "Little Wiggle." On the 6th of July 2006, she visited us again and was photographed by passengers on Nimrod Explorer, accompanied by "Little Wiggle 2!" Although long hypothesized, this is the first confirmed occurrence of dwarf minke whales reproducing in successive years."

Beginning in May and lasting through early August, dwarf minke whales are commonly sighted along the Ribbon Reef section of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. These little-known marine mammals have been studied by The Minke Whale Project for the past 11 years; due to the dedication of marine scientists and graduate students and the efforts of dive companies such as Explorer Ventures, data about these unique whales is collected annually and helps determine the direction of sustainable interaction with the minke whales. These findings not only aid scientists in understanding their behavior and biology, but also aid in the experience that guests aboard the Nimrod Explorer can have with these marine animals.

The 2007 expectations for this project include ongoing studies into the biology and behavior of the dwarf minke whales within the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the sustainable management of permitted swim-with-whales interactions. The Nimrod Explorer is one of the very few vessels holding a swim-with-whales permit. This allows our guests the chance to interact and observe these magnificent creatures at close range. If you would like an opportunity to be aboard the Nimrod Explorer during the months when we see these wonderful creatures contact Explorer Ventures at [email protected] or [email protected]. For further information, please visit www.explorerventures.com.