Early whale sighting spells bumper migration season for watchers

Early whale sighting spells bumper migration season for watchers

MORETON BAY: The first humpback whales of the season were spotted off the coast at Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island this morning, marking an early start to the whale migration season.

At least two whales, thought to be a juvenile and mother, were seen swimming about 100 metres offshore from the Resort.

Resort director Trevor Hassard said it was amazing to see whales in Moreton Bay this early in the season.

“This is an exciting event,” Mr Hassard said.

“The early sighting could indicate that Australia’s humpback whale population is healthy and strong and on the increase.

“We might also expect to see the whales appearing in greater numbers and the season to last longer.

“Based on last year’s numbers, up to 16,000 whales could pass through Moreton Bay over the coming months.

”Mr Hassard said the early visitors had stayed close to the surface, moving up and down the shoreline and giving onlookers a real treat given that one of the whales was very distinctive in colour.

“One of the whales was unusually light in colour and featured a large amount of white markings on its body,” he said.

“It could be that this little fellow is the offspring of Migaloo!”

“Fifty years ago Tangalooma was the site of Australia’s largest Whaling Station and the whales were hunted almost to extinction, so it’s great to see them back in the Bay and behaving in such a relaxed way.”

Whale watching cruises operate daily from Tangalooma from mid June until the end of October. For further information visit www.tangalooma.com.