Southern Right Whales returning to NSW

The 2013 whale watching season is in its peak with large numbers of humpback whales being sighted all along the NSW coastline.

Particularly exciting has been the sightings of southern right whales recently off Curl Curl on Sydney's northern beaches, and off Cronulla in the south, and even further north up at Port Macquarie.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSWPWS) Coordinator of Marine Fauna Programs Geoff Ross explains "while the humpback whale population is recovering strongly with more than two thousand now counted passing Sydney each year, sightings of southern right whales close to shore is significant as their numbers are still very low.

"Maybe less than 100 currently visit NSW each year.

"The recent sightings are very exciting as it means that the species is slowly returning to NSW bays and inlets to give birth and 'hang out'.

"These sheltered bays and inlets were traditional calving areas for right whales and we are starting to see them return home after whaling pushed them to the brink of extinction.

"With infrastructure, people and large numbers of commercial and recreation vessels making the formerly quiet bays and inlets of the NSW coast now very busy, we need to get the message out there that the whales are very special and people really need to give them their space and share the water. This species loves the shallow water, is hard to see and they travel slowly making them more vulnerable to vessel strike and entanglement.

"Watching the whales from the shoreline is often the best for everyone, safer for you and less chance of stress for an expectant whale. In particular from many of the NSW national parks which provide scenic headlands from which to view them."

Ross explained that an aerial survey of southern right whales started on 15th August and will run until 15th September. The entire coastline from Sydney to the Victorian border will be surveyed to track numbers on their southern migration.

To make it easier for people wanting to spot the whales, Ross gives the following tips for whale watching from our national parks:

• Check the whale sightings map on the Wild About Whales website.
• Head to a coastal national park. There are whale watching hot spots in our national parks from Byron Bay in the north, to Eden in the south.
• Download the Wild About Whales mobile app a must-have mobile app for any avid whale watcher.
• Check the weather and pack the essentials - wear warm protective clothing and sturdy shoes. Take binoculars, your camera/phone, food and drink and a camping chair for comfort.
• Research your species the iconic Humpback and Southern Right whales are the most common species you'll see, but it's possible you may also see Minke, Blue, Sperm and Orcas (Killer Whales)
• Know typical whale behaviour - when you know what breaching, tail slapping, spy-hopping and blowing mean it may help you understand what's going on below the surface. (Check the Wild About Whales website or app for these details).
• Keep an eye out for other wildlife dolphin sightings are more prevalent at this time of year. Seals too can be seen anywhere on the NSW Coast, they're usually just lulling about on their backs with their flippers in the air! Gannets, albatross and other seabirds can be seen from coastal vantages and keep an eye out for forest birds, such as the beautiful honeyeaters.
• Share the experience and get involved - share pictures, stories and whale watching tips on the Wild About Whales Facebook page.
• Pick the best times generally whales head north throughout May, June and July, and return southwards from September to November.

During the season, visitors are also encouraged to get involved by sharing their whale sightings on Twitter (@wildaboutwhales), Facebook, or by sharing via the Wild About Whales mobile app. The best whale watching spots can be found in www.wildaboutwhales.com.au

Image courtesy of WWF Australia.

4th July 2013 - WHALE SEASON AT ITS PEAK AS HIGH NUMBERS PASS THE NSW COASTLINE