It seems the annual humpback migration has begun with a beautiful humpback coming into Manly Cove for a visit this morning, 26 April, before being guided back out through the heads by Maritime and Marine Rescue to continue its journey north.
Each year, thousands of humpback whales transit 10,000km from Antarctic waters up Australia’s eastern shores to breed and feed in a warmer climate. Peak season to see this for Sydney siders is usually from mid-May to late June.
The juvenile could be seen flailing the waters around Little Manly and Collins Flat, sharing the space with surf skiers on their morning paddle.
Although the migration is performed by these animals annually, it’s still a treacherous journey. Unfortunately, dozens of whales are entangled each year due to discarded fishing nets and plastic marine debris.
Organisations such as ORRCA and the The Large Whale Entanglement Team (LWDT) – assembled by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service – have specialised teams and equipment to rescue any whales that find themselves in such a predicament.
If you see a whale entangled or distressed, do not approach it and immediately contact ORRCA or LWDT for assistance.
You can read more about the annual humpback whale migration and previous rescue operations here.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service: 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS)
ORRCA Rescue Hotline: 02 9415 3333
