Authors: Ben Ruhe
Date Submitted: May 31, 2004
Article Type: Journal

In one of its more adventurous research projects, the Drachen Foundation is funding Mexican marine biologist Oscar Frey in his study of the impact of humans on humpback whales. In its test phase in the Bay of Bandaras, north of Acapulco, Frey joined French photograph Nico Chorier and Drachen Administrator Ali Fujino in making kite aerial videos and still photographs of the giant whales.

Going out to sea daily in a heaving 27- foot boat was real punishment, says Fujino, and seasickness was rife. But the team carried on without a hitch.

One plus was the sightings at sea of giant manta rays, numerous turtles, and schools of dolphins. One school of 200 spent a half hour cavorting about the vessel. Then there were the 45-foot whales.

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