Eager whale watchers reminded to do the Right thing

Eager whale watchers are reminded to do the right thing while observing the first Southern Right Whales of the migration season as they swim north off Sydney’s coast today.

The Southern Right Whale mother and calf, which are a threatened species in NSW, were tracked moving north along the state’s south coast this week and reached Botany Bay approximately midday, and are expected to continue north this week during the annual whale migration.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) and the Right Whale ID Project first detected the mother off Bass Point on 12 June without a calf, then spotted her again near Merimbula on 10 July with her newborn.

Some of the best places to observe these majestic animals is from national park viewing spots along the coast, with a list available here: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wild-about-whales/top-whale-watching-spots

People are also reminded that there is an exclusion zone of 300 metres for whales with calves, which applies in the water for vessels and in the air for drones. This is to help ensure the safety of people, and the welfare of these animals. For whales without a calf, this exclusion zone reduces to 100 metres.

NPWS is also undertaking Operation Ketos this season as mystery shoppers on guided tours to ensure that vessels are taking appropriate precautions for passengers and crew.

People who spot a Southern Right Whale, or any other whale species in distress should report it to the ORRCA rescue hotline on 02 9415 3333 or the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). 

Quote attributable to Natasha Funke, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger, Sydney Branch

“Once hunted to the brink of extinction, Southern Right Whales have one of the slowest reproductive rates of any whale species, with mothers calving approximately once every three years.

“While seeing one in Sydney is exciting, it’s important to remember that this whale and her calf must be given space and quiet as they travel north.

“Southern Right Whales rely on sheltered coastal bays to rest and feed their young, and they need to do this without interference, so we encourage people to enjoy this spectacle from land or a safe distance on the water.”