A migrating Southern Right Whale delighting Sydney-siders over the past week has also prompted authorities to remind people to observe distance regulations for their own safety and that of the whale.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Regional Manager Peter Hay said a pod of fifteen orcas was also sighted off Cape Solander, Kurnell yesterday (Tuesday), in another uncommon but exciting addition to the winter whale watching season.
“Generally Sydney-siders have been great but it’s a timely reminder that all vessels, including surfboards, must not approach within 100 metres of a whale, and that triples to 300 metres if a calf is present,” Mr Hay said.
“We share everyone’s excitement at getting such a unique experience so close to the shore but it’s important to reinforce that sea kayakers, paddle boarders and surfers are bound by the same regulations as apply to people in motorised vessels.
“Swimmers cannot approach within 30 metres however, it is not recommend people enter the water near whales – they are gentle giants but at 65 tonnes it is best to keep a safe distance.
“As we have seen when a surfer was taken to hospital after being struck by a southern right whale at Bondi Beach in the past, whales need space and can react without warning."
Southern right whales are one of the rarest of the large whales with a total population estimated at around 5000 animals. Southern right whales breed at a much slower rate than humpback whales. Less than a dozen southern right whales are recorded off the NSW coast each year which may include one or two births.
“Orca, sometimes called the wolves of the sea, are the ocean’s top predator and often follow the migration,” Mr Hay said.
Mr Hay encouraged people to share their whale sightings, tweet with the hashtag #whaleon to @WildAboutWhales or log the sighting using the free app so others in the area can view the animal and track its movements.
Report any entangled or distressed marine mammals to the NPWS on 1300 361 967 and the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) on 9415 3333.
Whale distance regulations: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/WhaleRegulation.htm
Wild About Whales: www.wildaboutwhales.com.au
