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• Curt S. Jenner FI ‘10 and Micheline-Nicole M. Jenner, M.Sc. FI ‘10

Curt S. Jenner FI ‘10 and Micheline-Nicole M. Jenner, M.Sc. FI ‘10

With their groundbreaking research and tireless advocacy, Micheline and Curt Jenner have given us a far better understanding of the cetaceans that inhabit our oceans and greatly improved their chances for survival. Their pioneering work off the coast of Western Australia has been instrumental in improving conditions for the pygmy blue whale, a sub-species of the critically endangered blue whale.

The two have been studying whales for over two decades: first in Hawaii, where they met, and later in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. In July 1990, they settled in Western Australia with $3500 of research money and initiated studies from a small 10 x 20 foot tin shed on an uninhabited island with a 17 foot inflatable boat. They have been working from Australia ever since, using scientific studies to explore new off-shore habitats that are becoming increasingly utilised by humankind. In 1993, they founded the Centre for Whale Research (Western Australia) and in 1995 they first sited pygmy blue whales in Perth Canyon, a deep sea trench off Western Australia’s coast. Several years of ensuing research has given us an unprecedented picture of the whales’ migration and behaviour. Among the Jenners’ many discoveries was that the pygmy blue whales were feeding in Perth Canyon, prompting them to join with others to successfully lobby the Australian Navy to shift its submarine and naval exercises outside this region.

The Jenners’ work continues, for very little is yet known about cetacean habitats in deep ocean areas. They are currently racing against time to discover and document areas critical to whale and dolphin biology before they are unknowingly destroyed by extractive human activities. A newly purchased 94 foot vessel, ice rated and purpose built for whale research anywhere on the planet, will allow them to extend their research into Antarctic waters.