It’s been a bumper whale watching season, with an estimated 40,000 humpback whales spotted off Central Coast waters making their way north on their annual migration to breed in the warm waters of the Coral Sea.
Marine mammal specialist for Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast (MWRCC) Ronny Ling said Coasties were now seeing mothers bring their calves south, securing another generation of the amazing animals.
“Some of these amazing creatures have been passing 100m from shore this week,” he said.
“It’s a great time of year to get out to a local headland or join a local whale watching tour, to get a great look at these passing leviathans.
“Mother whales bring their calves close to shore on their way south, for calmer waters to feed them.”
Baby whales drink about 500 litres of fatty milk every day and increase their weight by around 50kg daily, Ling said.
“Baby whales need to increase their blubber (fat) layer for their trip south to the Southern Ocean,” he said.
“The blubber insulates them from the cold, helps make them more buoyant and helps protect them from injury.”
MWRCC is the Central Coast’s own marine wildlife specialist rescue group.
If you see a whale or other marine wildlife in need of help please call 0478 439 965 as soon as possible.
Source:
Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast