South Australian Whale Centre co-ordinator Leah Pippos said her team is 'extremely excited' about what this whale season may hold for the region.
"We hope to see many people down along our coast enjoying the spectacular sight of whales, which we are so privileged to see every year," she said.
The first - and last - whale sighted along the south coast to date this year was on March 30. However, one Southern Right Whale was spotted in Kangaroo Island’s waters on April 14, and another was seen two days later.
Officially, the whale season runs from June 1 to October 31.
Miss Pippos said the centre is hoping to see more whales around the Fleurieu this year compared to 2014. She said at the moment, it is ‘extremely difficult’ to identify each individual whale while they are here and as such, how many whales can be recorded each season.
“In truth, in 2013 we saw probably closer to 50 or 60 individual whales, but until we can identify them individually, it's really just an educated guess,” she said.
“Last year we saw less whales, however this is common as they seem to run in three-year cycles.”
She said factors that may affect whale numbers include reduced food supplies, hotter or colder water in the Fleurieu and boating activities.
"With the depletion of kill in Antarctica from the harvesting of krill for oil tablets, more boats on the water, seismic testing and water temperature could all play a part in the number of whales we see," she said.
Elizabeth Steele-Collins of Waipinga has been a volunteer whale spotter for the centre for a number of years.
She said there is excitement and anticipation building among whale spotters.
This included wonder about the possibility of identifying some of their favourite whales, including Milky Way, a rare Grey Morph that returned to Encounter Bay three years in a row.
“Individual identification is the key to being able to track their movements,” she said.
“It is so exciting learning each season a little more about where they go and what they do.”
Mrs Steele-Collins said she always gets excited when she spots a whale.
“There is always excitement and also a sense of awe just knowing how amazing these creatures are, how large they are and how far they have travelled to get here.”
To report a whale sighting, phone 8551 0759 or 1800 WHALES (1900 942 537) or put in a report at www.sawhalecentre.com.au
Article taken from the Victor Harbor Times
