Project wants reports of whale sightings

The Central Coast Dolphin Project is wanting to hear of local whale and dolphin sightings.

Project coordinator Mr Ronny Ling said some of the best spots to observe the whales were on the Bouddi Peninsula.

He said whales had started their annual migration north.

"Humpback whales travel over 5000 kilometres from their summer feeding grounds near Antarctica, to the warmer waters off Queensland and the Coral Sea, to give birth and mate," Mr Ling said.

"The northern migration will peak in late June and early July, with the whales and their new calves returning on their southern migration from September to late November.

"More than 30,000 humpback whales are expected to migrate north along the east coast this year.

"Numbers are increasing by about 10 percent each year but they are still not as abundant as they were in pre-whaling days."

"Whale watching is always the luck of the draw with weather and sea conditions playing a big part," Mr Ling said.

"Morning is usually the best time to go with the rising sun silhouetting the whales' blow and the breeze usually at its minimum strength.

"Humpback whales are the most common whale sighted and they travel singularly or in pods which range from two to eight animals.

"These whales are the most acrobatic of the whale species and their behavior includes breaching, tail and fin slapping, spy hopping and lunging.

"Their blow is quite bushy and about three metres high.

"Minke whales also migrate at this time of year and they are smaller and faster than the humpbacks."

Mr Ling said whale watchers might be lucky enough to spot a Southern Right or two around the end of June and early July.

"These rare whales were almost hunted into extinction and have been very slow to recover," he said.

"Killer whales, seals and different types of dolphins have also been known to visit the Central Coast beaches at this time of year.

"If you are on the water, you need to be aware of whale approach regulations as penalties apply to breaches of the whale watching rules." Mr Ling said.

To report sightings, call the Central Coast Dolphin Project on 0435 348 552, post your sighting on their facebook page or send an email to centralcoastdolphins@gmail.com

SOURCE

Media release, 6 May 2020

Ronny Ling, Central Coast Dolphin Project