The Fraser Coast community is in mourning after the death of Trish Franklin

Hervey Bay is mourning the loss of a beloved whale researcher, who died earlier this week after one last glimpse of one of her favourite humpbacks.

One of the leaders of Hervey Bay’s humpback whale research has died, with Saturday’s Paddle Out for Whales set to honour her memory.

Dr Trish Franklin died after a long illness on Monday.

It would come as no surprise to those who knew her that whales were among her final thoughts, with the gifted researcher taking comfort in knowing Nala, the humpback she had observed for 30 years, arrived in the Bay last week with a new calf.

Trish and Wally arrived in Hervey Bay in August, 1989, aboard Anna Christina.

Their six-week exploratory expedition bought them into contact with the amazing humpback whales of Hervey Bay.

Wally told the Chronicle Trish was a remarkable woman.

“Trish realised the importance of Hervey Bay as a meeting place between humpback whales and humans,” he said.

“She leaves an amazing legacy for the humpback whales of Hervey Bay.

“Trish established the Oceania Project in 1988 as a not-for-profit research and education organisation to raise awareness about whales, dolphins and the oceans through research, education and information.

“I want the world to know how special she was.”

Hervey Bay's beloved whale Nala was spotted by Dr Trish Franklin for the final time on Thursday.

Dr Trish and Dr Wally completed their PhD research with Southern Cross University.

Spanning 25 years, their separate research projects investigated different aspects of behaviour and migratory movements of humpback whales in Hervey Bay.

Organisers of Hervey Bay’s Paddle Out for Whales will honour Trish at the event on Saturday.

Emcee Andrew Ellis will celebrate her amazing life and work as a tribute to her legacy of important research about the Bay’s humpback whales.

Her life partner and co-researcher Wally Franklin will be attending.

The event will get underway from 7am.