On a fresh morning in September, we meet Dr Vanessa Pirotta on the cliffs of Sydney’s Clovelly Bay. It’s the height of Australia’s whale-watching season and we’re here to witness the migration event of these majestic creatures, as they traverse the coastline from the South to the North-East. As luck would have it, we spot several whales breaching the water’s surface and blowing off steam, the graceful twist of their flukes putting on an early morning show. It’s a sight that never gets old, even for an ocean enthusiast and scientist like Vanessa who studies whales for a living.

“I find it fascinating how whales navigate the ocean. Everything about them is so perfectly designed for the marine environment,” muses Vanessa. “But we are vulnerable to the ocean and we can't control it—we need to respect it,” she adds more seriously. Living by these words, she has dedicated her life to marine research and conservation for the future of our seas. Aside from possessing a PhD in marine science, Vanessa also holds the titles of author, speaker, and educator—an impressive resume that speaks volumes. Her mission: to make her research from above and below the waves easily accessible.

Here, we take a deep dive into Vanessa’s early ocean memories, the importance of her work, and how she’s making waves to conserve our precious marine ecosystems.

Can you share a childhood memory of the ocean that resonates with you today?

I grew up three hours away from the sea on a farm outside Canberra. One of my earliest memories is fishing with my brother in Batemans Bay. I still have a photo of this, and yes, I put it back in the sea! I look back on this photo and know it was a small brim! Seeing a fish up close like that was so interesting, and from then on, I became fascinated with marine life. 

Can you describe a moment when you felt in awe of the ocean? 

The first moment that comes to mind is when I saw my first iceberg in Antarctica. It was as if I had arrived in another world. We left Hobart into 11-metre seas at night and it was a wild ride down south to the Antarctic–it was also my first time on a big ship. As the water calmed and I felt brave enough to step onto the deck, I looked into the distance and watched in awe as this white shape came closer and closer—it was very special. 

Another moment was just off Sydney’s coast, where the water turned to glass and I saw these large bottlenose dolphins escorting our vessel. Then, in the distance, I saw this angled blow. It was a sperm whale! Another time, I was returning home from Antarctica and we came across 16-metre waves—our large ship suddenly felt so vulnerable. We could see them coming on the ship's bridge and all we could do was ride them. We had our sea legs by then, so it was fun! 

Vanessa's first fish

I chose to stay in Australia after my PhD. My heart is here and so is the future of my children. However, travelling across the globe remains important to me as it opens my eyes to new learning that I can bring back home. I want my work to be respectful, informative and future forward-thinking. I also want to be reflective through my work with First Nation scientists such as the Gamay Rangers, who have an intergenerational connection with the land and sea country around Sydney—this is powerful.

What inspired you to focus your work on whales, and what do you find most compelling about them?

I have always loved whales. I recall my stack of whale books I had as a child. Much like Sarah & Sebastian’s jewellery, I love the design of whales, how they are shaped, and how they move. Everything about them is so perfectly designed for the marine environment. I find it fascinating how whales navigate the ocean. How does a humpback whale know how to swim from Antarctica, across the Southern Ocean, perhaps over to New Zealand and then to Australia? We don't 100% understand how they do it and I love that. That is why my book, Humpback Highway: Diving into the mysterious world of whales, has the word mysterious in there. 

“Much like Sarah & Sebastian’s jewellery, I love the design of whales, how they are shaped, and how they move. I also find it fascinating how whales navigate the ocean. Everything about them is so perfectly designed for the marine environment.”

I also find it interesting how they interact with the world around them. Sometimes they come up to boats out of sheer intrigue with zero hostility–what goes through their big heads in that instance? Their rockmelon-sized eyeballs looking at you with such curiosity, it’s a fabulous interaction. I may be a whale scientist but I actually still know so little about them. But this enables me to keep asking questions and to be respectful. You must always be grateful to enjoy the sea and the creatures within it.

My research draws connections between whales and the marine environment, and I present it to key decision-makers. Whale behaviour, or where and when they travel, is very much influenced by the world around them. Understanding how this might be affected by climate change is so important to learn about, both now and for our future. Storytelling about this through books and presentations is a great way for people to easily understand just how important this is.

“Whale behaviour, or where and when they travel, is very much influenced by the world around them. Understanding how this might be affected by climate change is very important.”

Can you tell us about a particular work or project that holds a special place in your heart?

Of all the fabulous wildlife research projects I am currently part of, two hold a special place in my heart: my connection with the Kingdom of Tonga and my work with the Gamay Rangers, a local group of Indigenous rangers based here in Sydney.

When I first came to Sydney for whale research, I was based at Cape Solander on the south side of Botany Bay—or as I now know it, Gamay—and became part of the whale-watching community. During my research for my book Humpback Highway, senior Ranger, Dr Robert Cooley, warmly invited me to speak with the Indigenous community at La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, which included many of the local Elders. I shared my story and I had the opportunity to hear from them. It was like being with a big family, I was blown away by the knowledge, stories and insight the group generously shared with me. I'm forever grateful that I could share some of their stories in my book with their permission. 

“The humpback whale is a part of the history and heritage of some First Nations people. By learning more about these creatures scientifically and culturally, we are merging science and Indigenous knowledge. Seeing the environment through multiple lenses is so powerful.”

This was the start of a fabulous collaborative relationship with the team, which consists of a range of ages and next-generation Rangers. We forged a wonderful partnership, working collaboratively to understand marine mammal occurrences in Gamay (Botany Bay), from fur seal hang-out locations and identifying the local dolphin pod to documenting the presence of humpback whales. 

Buriburi, a.k.a the humpback whale, is part of the history and heritage of First Nations people in the area. By learning more about these creatures scientifically and culturally, we are merging science and the Indigenous knowledge of many of the Elders. Working with the Rangers to ask scientific questions and seeing the environment through multiple lenses is so powerful.

Is there a random underwater fact that we may not know?

It's more of something to be aware of. Sound in the ocean is incredibly interesting. Next time you find yourself underwater, I encourage you to take the time to listen to the sea. What can you hear? The sound of waves breaking, a ship, snapping shrimp, or perhaps dolphins?

All whales and dolphins use sound in the sea. Sperm whales and dolphins use high-pitched, high-frequency sounds that travel short distances. Baleen or Toothless whales use low-frequency sounds that go whooop whooop (I love making whale sounds), which travel over kilometres to communicate with other whales, depending on how much other noise there is (i.e. waves or human sounds). Sometimes, we make too much noise and this might limit how much whales can talk to each other. 

Of the five senses, which one is most awakened by the sea?

Sight for sure! I could watch the sea all day. I have spent many years doing this as a scientist and marine mammal observer in Antarctica. You just never know what you might see on the sea. Off Sydney’s coast, I've witnessed Thresher sharks jump out of the water, a Blue whale that came close to shore, and a sunfish, a.k.a mola mola (my favourite fish which features in my latest children's book, Oceans At Night). 

The ocean looks different at different times of the day. It has emotion, sometimes it seems calm and happy, and at other times, mighty and strong. I also love the clean lines as it merges with the horizon. Morning over the ocean is my favourite time. The sunlight illuminates whale breath (or whale snot if you are familiar with my PhD research). Just glorious.

“The ocean looks different at different times of the day. It has emotion, sometimes it seems calm and happy, and at other times, mighty and strong.”

Which beach or ocean is most special to you?

I do have a very special beach in Coffs Harbour, where I lived in my early 20s after my undergraduate studies. It's special for so many reasons: it has been a part of my journey—from working as a dolphin and sea lion trainer to becoming a scientist. I went back there recently with my kids, and it happened to be the same location where a special friend once sighted a Bryde's whale feeding in the surf—a large 16-metre whale in super shallow waters. His photos have since made it into my latest whale research paper. 

I love it because it’s secluded and I’m often the only one along the whole stretch of sand when I visit. It is a very special part of the humpback highway, I can picture it right now.

If you could share one message about the ocean, what would it be?

We are vulnerable to the ocean, please be respectful and grateful for it. While we're here, one simple act you can do is to never release balloons into the sky—what goes up comes down, and often straight into the sea.

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