Highest ever number of humpbacks recorded at Cape Solander

Media release: 8 August 2016

Cape Solander Whale Migration Study volunteers at Kamay Botany Bay National Park have wrapped up another year of vital citizen science work in monitoring whale numbers during their northern migration, recording the highest ever number of humpbacks passing the area since the count began in 1997.

A total number of 3032 humpbacks were counted heading north past Cape Solander by the volunteers this year, a 20 per cent increase from last year's 2513. The official count began on 24 May and finished on 31 July.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Wildlife Management Officer Geoff Ross said the number of whales passing the NSW coast usually peaks in the last week of June or first week of July, and the volunteers were vital in verifying the increase in the number of humpback whales migrating north this year.

"Hundreds of whales have already been sighted off the NSW coast in recent weeks and the Cape Solander Whale Migration Study volunteers have been busy observing and recording the number of whales that pass by Cape Solander during the annual northern migration," Mr Ross said.

"We're already starting to see a number of Humpback whales heading south many travelling with calves so the sea off NSW is a very busy place at the moment.

"I am very thankful for the work that the volunteers conduct here at Cape Solander as each year they report on the number of whales, particularly humpbacks, and their effort is being rewarded by seeing an ever increasing humpback population, which is excellent news for these majestic creatures as well as whale watchers.

"I congratulate the volunteers for their valuable contribution to whale conservation and look forward to working with them for many years to come."

The volunteers provide scientific data on southern right whales which is also incorporated into federal threatened species recovery planning and provides the community with cetacean statistics for NSW.

Mr Ross said that a large proportion of the estimated 24,000 humpbacks made the journey north this year and was growing annually. Mr Ross also urged people who want to see these magnificent animals from the shore to get out to a national park before the northern migration (which is closer to the coast) ends. Vessel-based whale watching will continue until October.

Humpback and southern right whales are the most commonly sighted whales along the NSW coastline as they head to the warmer waters off Queensland to breed, before making their return journey south to Antarctica.

For the most up-to-date whale sightings near you and to log your own, download the free Wild About Whales app. Visit www.wildaboutwhales.com.au for all your whale watching information this season.

Contact: Sam Bartlett