News Release September 29th, 2009
Migaloo heads south
Photo: Courtesy of Rob Dalton, Byron Bay
Dive Centre
Migaloo, the all-white humpback whale, first seen in 1991, has been sighted off Byron Bay.
Cape Byron Marine Park Manager, Andrew Page, said that Migaloo was seen about 3pm on Monday just north of The Pass, travelling south with a pod of five other whales. He has not been sighted today.
“Migaloo was first sighted by Rob Dalton from Byron Bay Dive Centre and this was confirmed by one of our marine park rangers,” Mr Page said.
“The pod was travelling reasonably fast towards Cape Byron when we saw them.”
“Migaloo is the only recorded all-white humpback whale in the world. He is an adult male and was called Migaloo as this is the name Aboriginal people from the Hervey Bay area use to describe a white person.”
“While we expect that Migaloo will attract a lot of attention on his way south we ask that people ensure that they maintain a safe distance and allow him to pass peacefully.”
“Marine mammal approach distances are designed to ensure whales are safe in our waters and that people can still continue to enjoy watching them,” Mr Page said.
"September/October is the peak time for the southern migration of humpbacks in the local area with over half of the pods entering the Bay in this period containing calves."
"Consideration needs to be extended when approaching in boats or any other craft. This is especially important in the case of adults with calves, which may be either resting or suckling. Research has shown that whales can be highly sensitive to engine noises."
“Several reports have been directed to Cape Byron Marine Park staff during the past few days from locals concerned about boats coming too close to whales. While being close to whales is a fascinating experience vessel masters need to be aware of their responsibilities. For a vessel, the approach distance is 100 m from a whale. When calves are in the pod, the approach distance increases to 300 m. Jetskis are prohibited within 300 m.”
“Skippers also need to be aware of how to manage their vessels near whales with “no waiting” and “no chasing” being important rules to remember. This means that vessels may not deliberately pursue or approach whales from behind or place themselves in the path of a travelling whale or pod.”
“In the event whales approach your boat slow down, engage neutral and wait until the animal has moved beyond the approach distance. Then, travel at a constant slow speed until you leave the caution zone.”
“Signs that a whale is distressed may include irregular changes of direction or in swimming speed, hasty dives, changes in breathing patterns, or aggressive behaviour such as tail slashing.”
Mr Page said that reports of vessels deliberately breaking the rules concerning behaviour around whales will be investigated and penalties applied if breaches are detected.
For further information about whales and the marine mammal approach regulations visit http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/WhaleRegulation.htmMedia Contact: Tonia Liosatos
Telephone: 02 6495 5024
Mobile: 0418 820 504
After Hours: 02 9995 5347