Southern right whales: Mother and calf spotted near Sydney Harbor while hiking to Antarctica
- Two rare whales spotted in Sydney
- The animals have taken the detour as they head to Antarctica
- People are invited to see from afar
Two very rare southern right whales have been spotted off Sydney’s northern beaches as the mother-calf duo make their way to the port city ahead of their treacherous journey to Antarctica.
The whales made a pit stop on their journey south and are relatively stationary in the shallow waters northeast of Long Reef, whale conservation group ORRCA said.
Authorities from the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service are asking the public to keep at least 300 meters away to avoid disturbing the whales, which could push them forward, tiring them unnecessarily.
Two southern right whales were spotted off Sydney’s northern beaches on Saturday morning heading for shore before the pair headed for Antarctica
Calm, undisturbed weather in shallow, sandy-bottomed bays and on protected beaches is a critical stage in the development of southern right whales.
The calf should consume around 300 liters of milk a day to regain strength before the couple embark on the long journey to Antarctica, according to park ranger Andy Marshall.
“The biggest threat to the survival of southern right whales in NSW waters is disturbance from people who get too close,” he said.
Any disturbance to the whales not only compromises a calf’s ability to suckle and thrive, but it can also drive them into deeper waters, where they are exposed to predation by killer whales and sharks, the ranger said. forest.
People have been told to keep their distance from the two whales as wildlife authorities fear the attention could affect the whale and her calf as they prepare for their journey south.
The pair were first spotted on July 27 in Coffs Harbour, and authorities followed them as they made their way down the coast.
Mr Marshall said the calf was born around two days before the sighting and rested and nursed in Coffs Harbour, Scott’s Head, Port Macquarie, Forster, Port Stephens and Swansea along the north coast of Nova Scotia. South Wales.
The whales are currently in the waters northeast of Long Reef, but were first spotted by whale watchers in Coffs Harbor on July 27.
New South Wales Rangers work with ORRCA, Sea Rescue, Police and Transport authorities to monitor the whales and ensure they are not disturbed by the public.
Southern right whales are an endangered species, with fewer than 270 in the population of southeastern Australia.
This calf is one of only two registered in New South Wales this year.
