Maritime authorities say the female southern right whale and her calf spotted basking in shallow waters off northern Sydney have moved on, and are relaxing in waters off Malabar Beach, in the city’s south.
Whale conservation group ORRCA said on Sunday the pair made a slow move south overnight after spending Saturday resting and nursing in shallow waters northeast of Long Reef.
The rare duo were spotted in waters of the NSW mid north coast late in July, and have been tracked closely as they make their way down the coast before their treacherous journey to the Antarctic.
NSW Parks and Wildlife Service authorities are asking the public to keep at least 300 metres away to avoid disturbing the whales which might cause them to move away, and tire them unnecessarily.
Quiet, undisturbed time in shallow, sandy bottom bays and protected beaches is a critical stage in southern right whale calf development.
The calf is expected to consume about 300 litres of milk per day to gain the strength before the pair embark on the long voyage towards the Antarctic, according to park ranger Andy Marshall.
Humans the biggest threat
“The biggest threat to the survival of southern right whales in NSW waters is disturbance from people getting too close,” he said.
Any disturbance to the whales not only compromises a calf’s ability to nurse and develop, but can also drive them out into deeper waters, where they are exposed to predation by orcas and sharks, the ranger said.
The pair were first spotted on July 27 in Coffs Harbour, and have delighted whale watchers as they swan slowly down the coast, often stopping close to shore in shallow waters to rest.
Mr Marshall said the calf was born about two days before the first sighting and the pair have been taking breaks at Coffs Harbour, Scott’s Head, Port Macquarie, Forster, Port Stephens, and Swansea along the NSW north coast.
NSW wildlife rangers are working with ORRCA, marine rescue, police, and transport authorities to monitor the whales and ensure they remain undisturbed by the public.
Southern right whales are an endangered species, with fewer than 270 in the south-east Australian population.
This calf is one of only two recorded in NSW this year.
-AAP
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