ALTHOUGH humpback whale numbers are increasing, they are unlikely to be taken off the endangered species list for quite some time.
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Responding to research suggesting the whales were increasing in such numbers, they might be removed from the list, National Parks and Wildlife Service’s (NPWS) senior wildlife management officer Geoff Ross said much work remained ahead.
“Research has been undertaken and published and they have recorded a dramatic increase in the humpback population,” Mr Ross said.
“It is a sizeable increase and it is uncommon for any species to see such a big increase, in a relatively short period of time.
“There is still a lot of research to do to ensure they will continue to increase before they get taken off the endangered species list.
“I can’t see them being taken off for quite some time.”
He said surveying and counting must continue.
“We need to monitor the species and their numbers everywhere, not only off the east coast of NSW,” Mr Ross said.
Mr Ross said between 20 and 40 whales were being counted each day off Cape Solander, Kurnell.
“We are still counting whale numbers for this season and the numbers are sizeable ... for this time in the season.
“We are slightly down on 2014, but that is not unusual.
“Since May 24, we have counted 2400 humpback whales.
“The population is stable and doing well.”
Mr Ross spoke to the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner on Wednesday, as he watched a southern right whale in Sydney Harbour.
“It is exciting to see a right whale back in Sydney Harbour,” he said.
“They were almost hunted to extinction and they are slowly starting to find their way back into harbours and waterways.
“They are often seen close to shore.”
He said there was only a maximum of 17 right whales left in NSW waters and urged boaters to take care when leaving ports or harbours.
“South Victoria, around Warrnambool, and the Great Australian Bite are a stronghold for them,” Mr Ross said.
“Vessels leaving ports should be keeping an eye out for whales,” he said.
“Boaters need to keep a close eye out, because they are quite difficult to spot.
“We have not had a reported vessel strike this season, which is a good reflection on the boating fraternity.”
Mr Ross said all vessels should keep a 100-metre distance from whales, or a 300-metre distance if a calf was present.
As the whale population aged, Mr Ross said we could expect more dead animals to wash ashore.
“This is not a bad thing,” he said.
“The community needs to be aware that NPWS and the council will
do their best to treat the carcass with dignity.
“It is important for us to take samples for scientific research of the species.”
