The annual northern whale migration is underway
Whale watchers are in for a treat as the annual migration north to warmer waters gathers speed. WHERE TO SPOT THEM >>
Tasmania
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WHALE spotters are on high alert as sightings increase again in line with the start of the migration season north to warmer waters.
The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment hotline, 0427 WHALES, has been receiving a flurry of sightings as whales move out of Tasmanian waters to calving grounds.
The majestic creatures start their journey back to southern feeding waters from mid-August to November.
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys said it was seeing a lot of whale action off Wilson’s Promontory and aboard cruises in Tasmanian waters as the mass whale journey north gathers steam.
On June 30 there were whales off the southern tip of Bruny Island and a fortnight before several groups of Humpbacks were rounding Tasman Island on their journey north.
Dr Sheryl Hamilton from the Marine Conservation Program said there had been several sightings for both southern right whales and humpback whales so far this season.
“This year’s season started at the beginning of June and there has been a steady increase in sightings, with several reports recorded last week,” Dr Hamilton said.
“In Tasmanian waters we are lucky enough to have a huge diversity of whale species, including southern right whales, which are one of Tasmania’s rarest and largest mammals, with adults weighing up to 80 tonnes.
“Whales are fascinating creatures to watch and can be a frequent sight as they travel close to the coast during their annual migration.”
Dr Hamilton said the migration season was a timely reminder for members of the public to abide by whale watching guidelines and report whale sightings to the whale hotline.
“It is so important that safety comes first when observing these mammals. This is vital for both the safety of members of the public but also the welfare of the whale,” she said.
“If a whale approaches a vessel or swimmer, the advice is to slow down gradually and move away. It is critical that people do not follow behind, wait in front, or try to touch or feed whales as this can disrupt their natural behaviours and migration.
“Swimmers and divers are advised to keep a safe distance from whales and should not approach closer than 30m. Vessel operators should stay at least 100m from whales.”
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys founder Robert Pennicott said he believed whale numbers were increasing each year.
“This southern migration by a long way is the best we’ve ever had and I think that’s largely due to enormous amounts of krill in the waters, so they’re staying here and feeding up before their journey south,” he said.
“We’ve never been known as a whale watching destination, but I think it’s about time.
“From October, November to December you’d be very unlucky on a tour not to see one.”
The Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching apply to commercial operators, as well as members of the public. The rules also apply to aircraft, including drones.
For more information on the whale watching guidelines visit the DPIPWE website: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wd-viewing
Members of the public are encouraged to report whale sightings and injured or entangled marine mammals to the whale hotline (0427 WHALES).
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