Protect our whales for future generations by learning their language and the correct approach procedures to ensure you observe and not influence behaviour. Today was yet another spectacular day on the Gold Coast as we arrived in the sighting grounds with multiple pods southbound and curious. Four young adults had come across the local Bottlenose Dolphins and it was very special to watch on as these two species interacted together with much excitement. It is a very social time of the year for the Humpback Whales and wonderful to see them relaxed, happy and socialising with other whales and also their good mates in the Bottlenose Dolphins. Approaching a pod of Humpback Whales must be done correctly to prevent disturbing this natural behaviour and maintain a comfortable reactionary distance for the whales to ensure they feel in control of the interaction. Maintaining that distance is important as this will communicate to the whales that we are responding to their movements and following their lead, the whales are very intelligent and realise they are in charge of the interaction.
Our social pod continued to move in towards the coastline as we joined with a dominant lone traveller who was communicating to a pod of breachers further away. Powerful tail lobs and tail slapping indicated that this lovely whale wanted to maintain a reactionary distance from the other pods in the area. Rejoining with our social pod from earlier they were still relaxed and hanging out with the dolphins. Approaching us once again curiously we were spoilt with flirty pec slapping before two enormous breaches erupted as they responded to a small vessel moving past. It was fantastic to have team members from DES onboard today as we continue to work together in creating awareness of correct cetacean interaction procedures.
Education is key going forward to teach everyone the correct way to approach and interact with the whales and dolphins along our coastline. Today we observed one of the whales to have healed propeller strike scars along his back. It was an important example of the increased risk of collision between whales and vessels as both populations continue to grow along the east coastline. Generally these strikes occur when vessels are moving too fast around whale migratory paths and resting grounds, it is very important to treat these areas like school zones and travel at appropriate speeds. Treating our whales with respect will ensure that we can continue to enjoy their company for generations to come and keep both whales and people safe.
