The whale watching season has officially arrived in NSW, underscored by the early appearance of humpback whales along the coast.
Each autumn, around 40,000 humpback whales leave the krill-rich waters of Antarctica and travel north along the NSW coastline to warmer waters off NSW and Queensland to mate and calve.
Their epic 10,000-kilometre round trip is one of the longest migrations undertaken by any mammal.
These journeys are essential for survival, connecting feeding grounds and breeding grounds in a cycle as old as the species themselves.
Growing up to 16 metres long, these ocean giants are a breathtaking sight, delighting onlookers with breaching, tail slaps and playful behaviour close to shore.
While the migration is awe-inspiring, people are reminded to keep their distance to protect both whales and themselves.
Vessel collisions and near misses occur every year, and risk injury to whales, but also damage to vessels and potentially the safety of vessel crew and occupants.
Drones and watercraft, including surf craft, stand up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks and boats, must stay at least 100 metres from whales, or 300 metres if a calf is present or 300 metres from any whales when using a jet ski.
Whales are also put at risk becoming entangled in rope, fishing lines or net.
When this happens, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's Large Whale Disentanglement Teams may be called on to respond.
Operating only when conditions are safe, these highly trained crews work from small boats in open seas to carry out complex and dangerous rescues of 25-40-tonne animals.
Investment through the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy (MEMS) has positioned NSW as a national leader in whale disentanglement training, response and research.
More details on whale watching regulations can be found at:
- https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/approaching-marine-mammals-in-nsw, or
- https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/using-waterways-boating-and-transport-information/protecting-environment-and-waterways/marine-mammal-watching
Some of the best whale watching spots in national parks can be found at NPWS website.
Anyone who sees a distressed or entangled whale is urged to contact NPWS on 13000 PARKS (1300 072 757) or ORRCA on (02) 9415 3333 immediately.
