In Timor-Leste, a small group of citizen scientists, led by marine ecologist Karen Edyvane, is uncovering secrets about pygmy blue whales, one of the largest and least understood animals on Earth. From the village of Subaun, fishermen, students, and volunteers use drones, cameras, and social media to document whale sightings and study their behavior, helping to protect these creatures and boost local tourism.

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• Local fishermen, villagers, and students in Subaun, Timor-Leste, monitor pygmy blue whales every year during migration season (October-November).
• Over the past decade, they’ve spotted nearly 3,000 pygmy blue whales, a significant number according to marine ecologist Karen Edyvane.
• The research began in 2014 and has uncovered intimate details about blue whale behavior, including rare footage of a mother nursing her calf.
• The team uses drones and telephoto cameras for aerial and boat surveys, with sightings shared in real-time via social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.
• In 2016, the group launched the first whale-watching tour, increasing public engagement with marine conservation.
• A simple research station, set up outside Faustino Mauloko da Cunha’s house, enables 24/7 monitoring of whale activity and has provided remarkable footage.
• Increased research has spurred tourism, with whale-watching tours in high demand, often booked years in advance.
• Local non-profits and the government are working on regulations to ensure sustainable whale tourism and protect marine life in Timor-Leste’s waters.
• Whale tourism could create jobs and contribute to the country’s economy, where average incomes are low (around $600 to $900 per year in Subaun).
• The da Cunha family now hosts meals for students and tourists, generating extra income and sharing their passion for conservation.