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  • This is a portion of defecation from a humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae australis). Defecation like this from calves contributes to the cycling of nutrients from nutrient-rich high latitudes to less nutrient-abundant lower latitudes. This calf’s mother fed primarily in and around Antarctica. She then provided milk to her calf in the relatively warm waters of Tonga, leading eventually to this defecation, thus transporting nutrients from the waters of Antartica to those of Tonga. The fibrous material protruding from the feces is probably baleen, ingested by the baby whale.
    humpback-whale-calf-defecation-tonga...tif
  • This is a portion of defecation from a humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae australis). Defecation like this from calves contributes to the cycling of nutrients from nutrient-rich high latitudes to less nutrient-abundant lower latitudes. This calf’s mother fed primarily in and around Antarctica. She then provided milk to her calf in the relatively warm waters of Tonga, leading eventually to this defecation, thus transporting nutrients from the waters of Antartica to those of Tonga. The defecation smelled remarkably like one would expect poop to smell like.
    humpback-whale-calf-defecation-tonga...tif
  • Southern hemisphere humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) female with calf, photographed in the Vava'u island group in the Kingdom of Tonga. This is the second time I've come across this adult. I first met her in 2009 with a female calf (Luna, #13 of that season), and I recognised this whale immediately upon resighting her in 2011. She has a unique dorsal fin that is more of a stub than a fin, with easily recognisable rune-like, white markings. She also has a relaxed, friendly disposition, which remained unchanged from 2009 to 2011. This adult is the fifth individual I've been able to document with repeat visits to Tonga with calves since I started keeping track in 2008. The playful calf pictured here is also female (Toluua, calf #32 of the 2011 season in Vava'u). In 2011, I photo-identified 48 calves in Vava'u, by far the highest tally so far.
    Megaptera-novaeangliae-humpback-whal...tif
  • Male humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) playing at the ocean surface in front of his mother. Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-playing-with-mot...tif
  • This is a pair of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) engaged in courtship, with one of the whales creating a dramatic swirling trail of bubbles with its fluke. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whales-engaged-in-courtship...tif
  • Humpback whale calf (Megaptera noavaeangliae) nursing in dark water with low visibility. Humpback whale females with calves seem to have an affinity for resting in areas of low visibility around the islands of the Vava'u island group in the Kingdom of Tonga.
    nursing-humpback-whale-calf-megapter...tif
  • Adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with Hina Hina, humpback whale calf #1 of the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga. The juxtaposition of mother and calf shows the relative size between adult and baby.
    megaptera-novaeangliae-humpback-whal...tif
  • This is an aerial panorama of Maninita Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga. The island sits atop an extensive coral reef structure, which is for the most part not visible from the surface of the ocean. The reefs extend into the background, reaching the smaller island of Fonuafo’ou. This photograph was taken a few days before the full moon. The pinkish-red threads visible on the ocean surface are billions of gametes, perhaps spawned from the coral around Maninita and other nearby reefs.
    maninita-island-aerial-panorama-tong...tif
  • Aerial panorama of Fangasito Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga, with Fonua’one’one island visible in the background. From this perspective, the extent of the coral reef surrounding the island is visible.
    fangasito-island-aerial-panorama-ton...tif
  • An adult humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) splashing lots of water with its fluke and posterior. Note the redness on the ventral area of the whale. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-splashing-water-tonga...tif
  • Humpback whale calf (Megaptera noavaeangliae) nursing in dark water with low visibility. Humpback whale females with calves seem to have an affinity for resting in areas of low visibility around the islands of the Vava'u island group in the Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-nursing-tonga-me...tif
  • Humpback whale calf (Megaptera noavaeangliae) nursing in dark water with low visibility. Humpback whale females with calves seem to have an affinity for resting in areas of low visibility around the islands of the Vava'u island group in the Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-nursing-megapter...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) executing a reverse tail slap, with dorsal surface hitting the surface of the ocean. This was an adult female with an accompanying calf. The mother and baby spent several hours playing together, slapping the ocean surface with their tails, breaching, and engaging in other activities. The calf was Orion, the 13th calf I counted during the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-reverse-tail-slap-meg...tif
  • This is an aerial panorama of Fonua'one'one Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga. The island and white sand beach visible from a boat at sea level represents only a small fraction of the entire coral reef structure, as is apparent from this aerial view.
    fonua-one-one-island-aerial-panorama...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching in a forward direction. Photographed in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-forward-breaching-ton...tif
  • Male and female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) engaged in courtship. The female is the closer of the two whales. As often seems to be the case during courtship, these humpback whales were extremely inquisitive, with the female being particularly interested in boats and people. The graceful, almost balletic, movements of the female are characteristic of courting couples. Photographed in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whales-courtship-megaptera-...tif
  • A singing humpback whale resting at a depth of about 15 meters in the waters of Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga
    humpback-whale-singer-vavau-tonga-20...tif
  • Adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) engaged in tail slapping with her calf. The calf is slapping its fluke in the normal manner, with ventral side down, while its mother is tail slapping with dorsal side down, hitting the dorsal surface of her fluke on the ocean surface. This type of joint activity is common with humpback whale mother and babies. The calf is Orion, the 13th calf I counted in the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whales-mother-calf-tail-sla...tif
  • This humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) performing a tail slap is the mother of Tahafa, calf #14 of the 2011 season in Vava'u, Tonga. Calf #14 was one of the injured calves, with multiple wounds that may have been inflicted by a pod of marine mammals, possibly false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). I had nine encounters with this mother and calf over a period of 33 days. During that period, a male escort was with them for at least 14 days. The female, calf, escort group traveled from Vava'u to Toku Island and back to Vava'u.
    humpback-whale-fluke-tail-slap-megap...tif
  • Playful female humpback whale calf swimming upside down. This calf is Fanima, the 45th calf I ID-ed in the 2011 season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-swimming-upside-...tif
  • This is an aerial view of Lua Loli island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga. From this perspective the extensive reef structure surrounding the visible portion of the island is apparent.
    lua-loli-island-aerial-tonga-201909-...tif
  • Aerial panorama of Lua Ui Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga., with a boat in frame for scale. From this vantage point it is clear that the visible portion of the island structure is surrounded by extensive reef structure.
    aerial-panorama-lua-ui-island-tonga-...tif
  • This is the test, or hard interior shell, of a heart urchin found at Mounu Island in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga
    heart-urchin-tonga-30102015.tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) male calf breaching in choppy seas and overcast conditions. Photographed in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-breaching-stormy...tif
  • Scarring on the dorsal surface of a female humpback whale’s fluke, most likely rake marks left by marine mammal predators such as killer whales (Orcinus orca) or false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). This female was seen with calves in Tonga in 2008 and 2009. The scarring on her fluke made her easy to recognize. Her 2009 calf is visible in this photo, hiding under the adult’s body.
    scarred-fluke-humpback-whale-with-ca...tif
  • Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) taking a breath at the ocean surface. Photographed in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-taking-breath-ocean-s...tif
  • Two of three humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) that breached in tandem for an extended period of time. Photographed in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whales-breaching-together-m...tif
  • A competitive heat run comprising seven humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), with six males vying for the favor of a female whale, the dark individual visible behind the foremost whale. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-heat-run-tonga-megapt...tif
  • Adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) executing a dramatic tail slash, sending sea water and spray in all directions. Photographed in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-tail-slash-vavau-tong...tif
  • Frontal view of an adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching. This female had a calf, and the pair both engaged in breaching for prolonged periods. Sailing yacht visible in the background. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    breaching-humpback-whale-front-view-...tif
  • Playful male humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) splashing around with its fluke at the ocean surface. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-splashing-with-f...tif
  • Male humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    breaching-humpback-whale-calf-tonga-...tif
  • Feces from an injured humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) encountered during the winter season in the waters around Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga. The humpback whale was entangled in a series of longlines and hooks and most likely died. Bycatch is a serious problem associated with longline fishing. Even whales occasionally fall victim to this indiscriminate fishing practice.
    humpback-whale-feces-defecation-tong...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching in front of Hunga island in Vava'u, Tonga
    humpback-whale-breaching-megaptera-n...tif
  • This is a young male calf I gave the name Tahafa. It is the 14th calf I ID-ed during the 2011 humpback whale season in Vava'u, Tonga. The calf suffered severe injury when it was very small, perhaps from a coordinated attack by marine mammals such as false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). Fortunately, the calf matured into a healthy juvenile over the 33-day period I was able to observe them. During that time, I recorded nine encounters in the Vava'u area and Toku Island. Visible in the background is a long-term escort that accompanied this pair for at least 14 days.
    injured-humpback-whale-calf-with-mot...tif
  • Adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) engaged in tail slapping with her calf. The calf is slapping its fluke in the normal manner, with ventral side down, while its mother is tail slapping with dorsal side down, hitting the dorsal surface of her fluke on the ocean surface. This type of joint activity is common with humpback whale mother and babies. The calf is Orion, the 13th calf I counted in the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-mother-calf-tail-slap...tif
  • Humpback whale calf swimming toward the surface to take a breath, while its mother (lower) and accompanying escort (upper) swim beneath. This calf is male, and is the 3rd one I ID-ed in the 2011 season in Vava'u, Tonga. The calf has a wound on its lower abdomen that is visible in this photograph. It looks as if it may have been caused by a rope or line of some sort.
    humpback-whale-mother-calf-escort-me...tif
  • Humpback whale calf playing at the surface, while its mother swims beneath, and an accompany escort is further down. This calf is male, and is the 3rd one I ID-ed in the 2011 season in Vava'u, Tonga. The calf has a wound on its left abdomen that is visible in this photograph. It looks as if it may have been caused by a rope or line of some sort.
    humpback-whale-calf-playing-megapter...tif
  • This is Ikumi, the fifth humpback whale calf ID-ed during my 2010 humpback whale season in Tonga. Ikumi is a little female calf that was unusually friendly, with a relatively calm mother who let the calf play at the surface alone for extended periods of time. Here, the calf has just dived below to surface to swim down to her mother, just barely visible in the deep. I recorded ten encounters with this mother and calf over a 15-day period, the longest continuous stretch I've recorded to date with a given mother and calf pair. During the first encounters, Ikumi was too young to have developed clearly identifiable sexual characteristics. Toward the end of the 15-day period, Ikumi's mammary slits became visible, as in this photograph, making it possible to ascertain her sex.
    baby-humpback-whale-with-mammary-sli...tif
  • This is an aerial panorama of Maninita Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga. The island sits atop an extensive coral reef structure, which is for the most part not visible from the surface of the ocean. Visible to the right behind Maninita is Taula Island.
    maninita-island-aerial-panorama-tong...tif
  • Aerial panorama of Eueiki Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga. Located on the island is Treasure Island Resort, visible in this photo. There is a large school of sardines near the boats.
    aerial-panorama-eueiki-island-tonga-...tif
  • This is trash that I picked up on a white sand beach on a remote tropical island in the Kingdom of Tonga. The big pieces are visible.. There are hundreds of tiny pieces of plastics, i.e., microplastics, as well. Many of the small pieces were clear to white, blending in perfectly with sand.
    plastic-and-trash-from-white-sand-be...tif
  • Aerial view of Luahaipo island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga, showing fringing coral reef structure and white sand beach surrounding the island
    luahaipo-island-aerial-tonga-201808-...tif
  • A lone humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) hanging out at about 15m depth in the water. Photographed in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga
    humpback-whale-megaptera-novaeanglia...tif
  • Humpback whale female (Megaptera novaeangliae) relaxing with her male calf. The adult has a split dorsal fin. Photographed in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-female-calf-tonga-201...tif
  • I have photo documented this humpback whale female (Megaptera novaeangliae) with calves in Tonga in multiple seasons, including 1999, 2002, 2005 (pictured here), 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2014. Many people have contributed photos and video sightings, making this an excellent example of citizen science.
    prolific-female-humpback-whale-multi...tif
  • Adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with a split dorsal. She was the mother of male calf 201411 in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    split-dorsal-fin-female-humpback-wha...tif
  • Dorsal fin of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) that was one of three (female, calf and escort) that swam into Neiafu Harbor at sunset in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga. The whales rarely swim all the way into the harbor, as there are many boats and people. Some of the whale's vertebrae are also visible from this angle.
    humpback-whale-dorsal-fin-sunset-ton...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with a split dorsal fin. This characteristic shows up every once in a while among the whales that visit Vava'u in the Kingdom of Tonga.
    split-dorsal-fin-humpback-whale-tong...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    breaching-humpback-whale-megaptera-n...tif
  • Front view of an adult female humpback whale that was the mother of a calf. This whale was asleep and resting for an extended period in the inner waterways of the Vava'u island group in the Kingdom of Tonga.
    front-view-sleeping-female-humpback-...tif
  • Frontal view of an adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching. This female had a calf, and the pair both engaged in breaching for prolonged periods. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    breaching-female-humpback-whale-fron...tif
  • An adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching. This female had a calf with her. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    adult-female-humpback-whale-breachin...tif
  • Male humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) splashing around with its fluke at the ocean surface. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-splashing-with-f...tif
  • Male humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) playing at the ocean surface. This calf and his mother were the stars of the 2013 season in Vava'u, Tonga. They were friendly and interacted with people in the water.
    humpback-whale-calf-playing-at-ocean...tif
  • Playful male humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf lunging out of the water. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-male-lunging-out...tif
  • Female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with a healthy male calf, resting in shallow water. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga
    female-humpback-whale-with-calf-mega...tif
  • Female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) swimming with her small calf. From this angle, the tremendous size difference between parent and child is clear. Photographed in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-mother-and-calf-megap...tif
  • Humpback whales with white dorsal surfaces on their pectoral fins are relatively uncommon around Tonga. They are more common in the northern hemisphere. Here is a humpback whale with white pectoral fins breaching during the 2012 breeding season, when there were an unusually high number of these individuals in the area.
    breaching-humpback-whale-white-pecto...tif
  • Humpback whales in a heat run, with six males competing for the attention of a female that already had a calf. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga
    humpback-whales-heat-run-tonga-20120...tif
  • One of six male humpback whales in a heat run centered upon a female humpback with a calf. This male is diving down to join the other whales. Photographed in Tonga.
    male-humpback-whale-diving-heat-run-...tif
  • Hina Hina, humpback whale calf #1 in the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga
    humpback-whale-calf-megaptera-novaea...tif
  • Top-down view of Tahafa, an injured male humpback whale calf that was the 14th calf I photo-identified during the 2011 season in Vava'u, Tonga. This encounter was the fifth of nine with this mother and calf, this one in the murky waters near Port Maurelle. The pair were accompanied by an escort that stayed with them for at least 14 days. Deep scars are visible all over the calf's body, with the most serious injuries being to the front of the dorsal fin, which is almost entirely severed, and the right pectoral fin, which is cut nearly half way through in the middle of the fin. Despite the injuries, the calf was healthy, active and friendly. The size and shape of the wounds suggest the possiblity of an attack by marine mammals, possibly false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens).
    injured-humpback-whale-calf-megapter...tif
  • This is Toluua, the 32nd calf I identified during the 2011 season in Vava'u, Tonga. This calf was female and extremely friendly and playful. This is the second time I have photographed this female with a calf. She is easily recognizable by her unique dorsal fin, which is more of a stump than a traditional fin shape, and has white rune-like markings on both sides. The first time I came across this adult was in 2009, when she was with Luna, calf #13 of that season, also a friendly little female. In both 2009 and 2011, the adult female was extremely relaxed, demonstrating a consistent disposition across the two-year interval.
    humpback-whale-mother-and-calf-megap...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf slapping its tail at the ocean surface. The calf was playing together with its mother, which is common behavior for humpback whale mother and calf pairs. This calf, which I named Orion, was the 13th calf I counted in the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-tail-slap-megapt...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf playing at the ocean surface. The calf was tail slapping together with its mother. Playing together like this is common behavior for humpback whale mother and calf pairs. This calf, which I named Orion, was the 13th calf I counted in the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-fluke-megaptera-...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) executing a reverse tail slap, with dorsal surface hitting the surface of the ocean. This was an adult female with an accompanying calf. The mother and baby spent several hours playing together, slapping the ocean surface with their tails, breaching, and engaging in other activities. The calf was Orion, the 13th calf I counted during the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-reverse-tail-slap-meg...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) executing a reverse tail slap, with dorsal surface hitting the surface of the ocean. This was an adult female with an accompanying calf. The mother and baby spent several hours playing together, slapping the ocean surface with their tails, breaching, and engaging in other activities. The calf was Orion, the 13th calf I counted during the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-reverse-tail-slap-meg...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) fluke. This was an adult female with an accompanying calf. The mother and baby spent several hours playing together, slapping the ocean surface with their tails, breaching, and engaging in other activities. The calf was Orion, the 13th calf I counted during the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-fluke-megaptera-novae...tif
  • This breaching humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a female that was with its calf (that I named Orion), the 13th I counted in the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga. The conditions were calm on this day, and the mother and calf spent a long time playing around the boat. The island in the background is Hunga Island.
    breaching-humpback-whale-megaptera-n...tif
  • Breaching humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). This is an escort that was with Tahafa, calf #14 of the 2011 season in Tonga, and mother for an extended period of time spanning at least 14 days.
    breaching-humpback-whale-megaptera-n...tif
  • During courtship, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) sometimes swim together in a graceful manner reminiscent of a choreographed performance, and take an interest in boats and people. The two whales pictured here are a good example. The closer whale is the male, while the darker whale in the background performing a spyhop is the female. I came across this pair outside the Hunga island area in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whales-engaged-in-courtship...tif
  • Adult male humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching at Toku Island. This was an escort that remained with a mother and calf, the 14th calf I ID-ed in the 2011 season in Tonga, for at least 14 days. Note that some of the tubercles on the whale's head are red, likely due to confrontations with other male humpback whales. I witnessed several such confrontations underwater that involved significant body contact.
    humpback-whale-breaching-megaptera-n...tif
  • This is an aerial panorama of Fangasito Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga. Visible in the background is Fonua’one’one Island. The extensive coral reef structure surrounding the island is clearly visible from this high vantage point.
    fangasito-island-aerial-panorama-ton...tif
  • This is an aerial panorama of Taula Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga. The smaller island immediately behind and to the right of Taula is Lua Lole island. Further ub the background is the main island group. From this perspective, the considerable extent of the coral reef and sand associated with the island is clearly visible.
    taula-island-aerial-panorama-tonga-2...tif
  • Aerial Panorama of Lualoli Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga, showing the extensive fringing reef that extends far off one end, with additional submerged reef nearby.
    lualoli-island-aerial-panorama-tonga...tif
  • Part of an energetic competitive group heat run of humpback whales, with one pictured here blowing a trail of bubbles. Photographed in Vava’u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-competitive-group-hea...tif
  • Male and female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) engaged in courtship. The female is the closer of the pair. As often seems to be the case during courtship, these humpback whales were extremely inquisitive, with the female being particularly interested in boats and people. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whales-engaged-in-courtship...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) performing a dramatic tail slash on an overcast day, resulting in a wall of ocean spray. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-tail-slash-tonga-2013...tif
  • One of a pair of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) that took turns breaching for an extended duration. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-breaching-tonga-20120...tif
  • Friendly male humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) with his mother. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-mother-and-calf-tonga...tif
  • A very young male humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae), photographed in North Bay, Vava'u island group, Kingdom of Tonga.
    very-young-humpback-whale-calf-megap...tif
  • Adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) splashing lots of sea water and spray in all directions with her fluke and peduncle. Photographed in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-tail-slash-vavau-tong...tif
  • A heat run of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) comprising five adult whales, four males and a female. The males are in competition for the attention of the female, which is the whale with lots of white on her body, on the right side of the photo. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    five-humpback-whales-heat-run-tonga-...tif
  • An adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching, just about to re-enter the water. This female had a calf with her. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    adult-female-humpback-whale-breachin...tif
  • Male humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) surfacing to breathe, with its mother waiting below. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    male-humpback-whale-calf-surfacing-t...tif
  • Inquisitive male humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) with its mother waiting below, photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-with-mother-wait...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) executing a reverse tail slap, with dorsal surface hitting the surface of the ocean. This was an adult female with an accompanying calf. The mother and baby spent several hours playing together, slapping the ocean surface with their tails, breaching, and engaging in other activities. The calf was Orion, the 13th calf I counted during the 2007 season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-reverse-tail-slap-meg...tif
  • Humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) playing in front of its mother. The calf is male, the first one I identified during the 2011 humpback whale season in Vava'u, Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-Megaptera-novaea...tif
  • Aerial panorama of Fonua’one’one Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga, with a boat in the foreground for scale. From this perspective, it is clear that the island comprises only a small part of the entire reef and sand structure, with most of Fonua’one’one being coral reef that submerges at higher tides. This image was created during an extreme low tide just after the full moon. Fangasito Island is visible in the background.
    fonuaoneone-island-aerial-panorama-t...tif
  • Double rainbow in Neiafu harbor, Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga
    double-rainbow-panorama-tonga-201208...tif
  • Aerial panorama of Taula Island in the Vava’u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga. Taula is an elongated island, completely surrounded by fringing reef.
    taula-island-aerial-panorama-tonga-2...tif
  • Aerial panorama of Fangasito Island in the Vava'u island group of the Kingdom of Tonga, showing fringing coral reef structure and white sand beaches around the island
    fangasito-island-aerial-panorama-ton...tif
  • Aerial panorama of Mounu Island Resort in Vava’u, Tonga. This private island getaway is surrounded by coral reef and white sand.
    tonga-mounu-island-resort-aerial-pan...tif
  • Healthy male humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) playing, skimming the ocean surface with the tips of his pectoral fins. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-calf-playing-vavau-to...tif
  • Large male escort humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) accompanying an adult female with a female calf, all three passing over a shallow reef outside the Blue Lagoon area in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga. Female calf 201314, mom, escort
    humpback-whale-escort-fluke-with-mot...tif
  • This is an adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with unique and easily distinguishable markings on the ventral surface of her fluke. The scars are perhaps the result of an attack or multiple attacks by orcas or false killer whales. I photographed this adult female with a calf in 2008 and in 2009, meaning that she had calves in two consecutive seasons. The calf visible in the background is female and was born in 2009. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    humpback-whale-with-unique-scarring-...tif
  • An adult female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching. This female had a calf with her. Photographed in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga.
    adult-female-humpback-whale-breachin...tif
  • Female humpback whale calf (Megaptera novaeangliae) with mysterious scraping injuring along its right flank. This type of wound is relatively common among the humpback whales that visit Tonga. The scraping pattern is usually seen along both sides of the dorsal ridge, from the dorsal fin to the fluke, with bilateral symmetry.
    humpback-whale-calf-injury-scraping-...tif
  • Vertebrae from a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) that stranded on a small island in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga. These vertebrae and most of the whale's skeleton was in the process of being cleaned. The bones were buried in the sand, and there was still decomposing soft tissue on the bones.
    sperm-whale-vertebrae-on-beach-by-mo...tif
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Tony Wu Underwater Photography

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