411 Dive Log Australasia April 2025

between 50 and 80 years, is a subject of scientific contemplation. The method of aging tthese cetaceans, by taking a small sliver of one of their teeth and counting the rings in it, is mired in debate over whether a ring equals one year or two! Since Canada had banned swimming with cetaceans, I photographed them by lying on a foam board towed behind a zodiac, a technique known locally as ‘Beluga-Boarding’. As my

photos show, they posed for me repeatedly, sometimes swimming right in front of me for minutes at a time. So, are Belugas the world’s friendliest whale? Based on my experience, I think they probably are.

My trip was organised by Big Fish Expeditions

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DiveLogAustralasia #411 April 25

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