Whale season has started early with more than 30,000 whales expected to migrate past the Gold Coast
BOATIES beware — with a record number of whales expected to swim past the Gold Coast this season, an expert is warning of the increased risk of boat strikes.
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A RECORD number of whales are expected to pass the Gold Coast this year as their population continues to boom.
An estimated 30,000 whales will makes their migration up north past the Gold Coast, up from only 12,000 whales four years ago.
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Whales in Paradise owner and whale expert Anthony Ardern said whale conservation strategies implemented in recent years had contributed to a record population boom for the large mammals.
“Whales usually migrate towards the end of May but we’ve seen the odd one coming though in April,” he said. The season officially begins on May 26.
“We should see around 200 to 250 whales a day during the season. It will be one of our biggest yet.
“A temperature change has got them here earlier than usual. Some of the females that got pregnant earlier in the season are ready and want to get an early start on their migration.”
While it is good news the whale population is thriving this year, Mr Ardern said it also meant boaties were more at risk of striking one of the 45 tonne marine animals.
“Go slow, be aware that there will be more of these creatures out there around this time of year,” he said.
“It might be harder to travel so make sure you alter your speed or course to avoid a collision.
“They are massive, powerful animals and you really don’t want to be running into one.”
SeaWorld’s director of marine sciences, Trevor Long, said the whale population boom may extend the migration season.
“This is about the time we usually start seeing them, but as the number of whales gets bigger, we may see the season extended,” he said.
“We’ve already seen a few come through and it’s good to see the population increase.”
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