News Release August 7th, 2009
Whale 'love-in' at Byron Bay attracts local industry
Humpback off Cape Byron - credit to Dr Liz Hawkins,
Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre
Forget all day music events Byron Bay was recently host to a special two day ‘whale-love in’.
Manager of the Cape Byron Marine Park Andrew Page said the two day event had been a great opportunity for the local whale-watching industry to come together to share information and experiences.
Mr Page said the whale-watching industry was thriving.
“The vast majority of humpback whales that travel between the Antarctic feeding grounds and the breeding grounds of the Great Barrier Reef pass through the Cape Byron Marine Park.
“Cape Byron is the most easterly point on the mainland and has long been recognised as a premier spot for whale-watching. With the expansion of the industry people now also have the opportunity to take to the sea with various commercial operators to watch the whales from Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay and Ballina.”
Mr Page said the two-day ‘love in’ covered lots of ground.
“We focused on the management and conservation of whales and the conventions and laws surrounding this as well as the growth and status of whale and dolphin watching globally, in Australia and in the state.
“It was an opportunity to have a refresher on current whale-watching practices and regulations and to talk about whale and dolphin biology and behaviour.”
Mr Page said current research being conducted in the marine park had led to increased knowledge about the importance of the waters adjacent to Wategos Beach for dolphin mothers and calves and the importance of the waters off Byron Bay for humpback mothers and calves.
Mr Page said the workshop had been run by Cape Byron Marine Park and Whales Alive – a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of whales.
Cape Byron Marine Park is one of six marine parks in NSW and extends from Lennox Head to Brunswick Heads. It includes the tidal waters of the Brunswick River and its tributaries, as well as, Belongil and Tallow Creeks.Media Contact: Tonia Liosatos
Telephone: 02 6495 5024
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