The annual humpback whale migration has commenced, delighting onlookers off the coast of Port Macquarie. Each year, around 40,000 humpback whales journey from their Antarctic feeding grounds to the warmer waters of New South Wales and Queensland. This 10,000-kilometer round trip allows the whales to mate, give birth, and travel in pods before returning south.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has identified the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk as a prime viewing location for this spectacular migration. Melissa Tan, NPWS Marine Wildlife Team Leader, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon up and down the coast. Tan emphasized the importance of appreciating the beauty of humpback whales while ensuring their safety and protection during this migration season.
As the migration progresses, the risk of whale entanglements in fishing gear and marine debris heightens. In response to such incidents, the NPWS Large Whale Disentanglement Team springs into action, collaborating with various agencies, professionals, and volunteers to conduct research and safeguard these marine mammals.
Thanks to conservation efforts and funding from the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy, humpback whale numbers have rebounded significantly since the devastating era of commercial whaling in the 1960s. The population has surged back to around 40,000 from potentially as few as 100 individuals.
NPWS partners with esteemed institutions like the University of New South Wales, the Fisheries department, Sea World Foundation, Wild Sydney Harbour, and OceanWatch Australia to study migration patterns and factors contributing to whale entanglements. It is crucial for the public to adhere to regulations that minimize disruptions to the whales, such as maintaining a safe distance of at least 100 meters from the marine giants.
Boats, surf craft, kayaks, and drones are required to keep a respectful distance from the whales, extending to 300 meters in the presence of calves or when using a jetski. NPWS emphasizes the importance of responsible whale watching practices to ensure the well-being of these majestic creatures.
The resurgence of humpback whale populations serves as a testament to successful conservation efforts and collaborative research initiatives. By understanding migration patterns and mitigating risks such as entanglements, stakeholders strive to protect and preserve these magnificent marine mammals for future generations to appreciate and cherish.
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