GEMM Lab, Oregon State University
Pygmy Blue Whales
GEMM Lab, Oregon State University
Our Hidden Giants
In 2018, scientists made a discovery: Aotearoa has its own genetically distinct population of pygmy blue whales. About 700 whales live in our waters year-round - they're not just passing through, they belong here.
Pygmy blue whales are the smallest of the blue whale family, but still enormous at up to 24 metres long. Having our own population of these whales is rare and special. These whales are taonga, a reminder of how much life our ocean holds and how much we stand to lose.
South Taranaki Bight
Researchers using photo-identification have tracked whales around the country, but the South Taranaki Bight (STB) is extra special It’s where pygmy blues feed, likely breed, and raise calves. Underwater microphones have picked up their haunting calls here almost every day of the year, proving just how important this area is for them.
Mysterious & Fragile
Despite years of study, much about their life cycle remains a mystery. Scientists are still working to understand when they reach maturity, how often they breed, and where calves are born.
Researchers are using drones to try to identify pregnant whales, and acoustic monitoring to track breeding calls but one thing is clear - this population is vulnerable and needs protecting.
In 2025, NZ's pygmy blue whales were classified as Threatened - Nationally Vulnerable, which means they face a high risk of extinction in the medium term.
Threats on Their Doorstep
Pygmy blue whales already face challenges from climate change, ship strike risk, and noise from oil and gas exploration. Now, seabed mining threatens to add new stress:
-
Sediment plumes could cloud the water and disrupt krill patches, making it harder for whales to find food.
-
Constant underwater noise from mining equipment could mask whale calls, interfere with communication, and drive them away from key feeding areas
-
Increased vessel traffic raises the risk of ship strikes.
Scientists have warned that the cumulative effect of 20 years of round-the-clock mining could have serious consequences for this population.
GEMM Lab, Oregon State University
Worth protecting
Our pygmy blue whales are part of Aotearoa.
We have a responsibility to protect them, and all life in our moana, from destructive industries like seabed mining.
KASM is working to ensure decision-makers understand what’s at stake and choose protection over extraction.
Support the stand against seabed mining:
Video showing surface lunge feeding by pygmy blue whales in the South Taranaki Bight - GEMM Lab, Oregon State University