00:00 Timor-Leste is surging in popularity, quickly becoming known as one of the best places on
00:07 the planet to spot pygmy blue whales on their extensive migration.
00:12 The coastline is like a major ocean highway, but this year, they were late.
00:17 Climate change has impacted the whale migration and it's delayed the season by four to six
00:23 weeks.
00:24 Commercial whaling brought the blue whale population down to less than 1% in the 20th
00:28 century, and it's been slow to recover.
00:31 Now scientists worry another threat is getting in the way of their survival.
00:36 Climate change is not just delaying the migration, climate change is also affecting the strength
00:43 of the upwellings, which is affecting the food source of pygmy blue whales.
00:49 Researchers also say the strong El Niño event, combined with the positive Indian Ocean Dipole,
00:55 is impacting the timing of migration.
00:58 Spelling problems for whales and tourism.
01:01 Harriet and her partner recently visited the island, hopeful to get a glimpse, but came
01:06 away disappointed.
01:07 We went over there with the intention of seeing whales, but I think these things happen, it
01:14 wasn't the end of the world, still a beautiful trip.
01:16 Robert Crean, who owns a dive business, says he's noticing the impacts of climate change
01:21 in the ocean, but doesn't believe it'll affect whale migration patterns enough to deter tourists.
01:28 He's adamant Timor is teeming with marine life.
01:32 The coral on the west coast is the number one for reef fish and coral species in the
01:40 world.
01:41 Despite a delay, all hope the migration finishes strong.
01:44 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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