Utopia Whaleseeker help

This is my first expedition and it’s all been going smoothly until now. I’ve used a few guides and tips but none of them mention this milestone. I’ve spent the last hour swimming and I’ve not seen a kipper, never mind a whale. The only things breathing here are monsters and no where else has oceans. The water is literally dead, what do I do?

Edit: I’ve finished everything else on this phase and now I’m stuck. I’d really appreciate it if someone could help me out