Bonanza Year for Southern Right Whales in NSW Waters

03-Sep-2010
Photo: Southern Right Whales in Batemans Bay Marine Park.

Marine researchers working on the Far South Coast and in the Batemans Marine Park say it’s been a “bonanza” year for the endangered southern right whales.

Batemans Marine Park manager Brendan Kelaher says his team has been assisting researcher and southern right whale expert Rob Harcourt to take samples from the whales for identification.

“We’ve been really happy to assist in this crucial project to learn more about these endangered whales that have been visiting the Batemans Marine Park”, said Dr Kelaher.

Prof Harcourt, from Macquarie University says his team’s trying to find out whether or not the population of southern right whales along the east coast of Australia are from the same genetic stock as the southern rights in New Zealand or those sighted and identified in Tasmania, South Australia and West Australia.

“It’s very exciting to be able to take samples from this many animals. They’re listed as endangered under State and Federal legislation having been the very first whales to be slaughtered in the whaling days.

“Finding this many so close together is both heart warming and a great opportunity.

“Last week we were able to take samples from seven of the 19 whales seen in the marine park and along the coast. We have been collecting samples since 2001 from Victoria and NSW and comparing them with samples collected by colleagues in New Zealand and WA.

“While a small number of female right whales return regularly to Warrnambool in Victoria, the number of whales that swim up the east coast is very small and highly variable. As they don’t have a predictable calving area in NSW it has taken us many years to collect enough samples to be able to make firm conclusions about this population.

“This year has been a bonanza year and finally we will be able to say something positive about this remnant population - we’re now looking forward to the analysis which will take some time to complete.”

Prof. Harcourt said the research is not without risk. “Taking the samples can be dangerous as we have to approach closer than is generally allowed and whales can react strongly if they are disturbed. Even a small southern right whale weighs in excess of 40 tonnes. A startled whale can do a lot of damage to a small boat. We approach very cautiously and spend the absolute minimum time near the animal, just enough to get a clear identification and a DNA sample.”

Prof Harcourt said the research is being partly funded by Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts' Australian Marine Mammal Centre, Australian Antarctic Division, with help from NSW DECCW Marine Parks Authority and Macquarie University and will help build the case for non-lethal whale research.
For more information:
www.environment.nsw.gov.au