Humpback whales migrate in historic numbers along the east coast of Australia

A 40-ton humpback whale has been seen jumping out of the water in Byron Bay, Australia. Credit: Craig Parry Photography/Splitpics UK

Humpback whales have been sighted off Australia's east coast in record numbers, a sign that the species is thriving again after decades of conservation efforts.

Up to 60 estimated 000 humpback whales travel north from Antarctica as part of their annual migration, with the majority heading to northern Australia to feed and feed their young in Queensland waters.

Recent census data from Queensland and New South Wales showed that 4,792 whales were sighted by whales. scientists in just one day — a record number of observations since the start of the census ten years ago.

The same census recorded 2,139 whale sightings in 2021 and 3,203 last year.

#39;smelled fish in his breath' Photo: Craig Parry Photography/Splitpics UK.

Craig Parry, a wildlife photographer based in New South Wales, told The Telegraph that this year's migration was «by far the biggest» he has ever seen.

«The ocean feels more alive ”, said Mr. Parry.

During one “special” close encounter, Mr. Parry was taking pictures of the animals from an inflatable boat as the sun was setting over Byron Bay, when a 40-foot whale suddenly burst out of the water.

“The sensation was a mixture of adrenaline and pure excitement,” Mr. Parry said, adding that he was afraid of being crushed by the 40-ton giant.

“He broke through about 30 times, and at one stage he broke through so close that water hit my boat,” he said. «You could smell the fish on her breath.»

Mr. Parry, a wildlife photographer who shot with actor Chris Hemsworth among the highlights of his career, is accustomed to stunning subjects. But he said watching the hunchback was a lifelong experience.

“By making that connection with the animal, you feel connected to nature,” Mr. Parry said. “You cherish these moments very much.”

Whale migration channels around Australia and New Zealand

This year's sightings delighted viewers and gave scientists reason to be optimistic about Australia's humpback population, which was only 200 when commercial whaling was shut down in the 1960s.

But they are there. . questions are also being raised about the impact of rising sea temperatures on the behavior of marine animals: whales are moving closer to the coast and giving birth in regions further south than in previous years.

Mr Parry said he spotted newborn humpback whales off Byron Bay for the first time this year after more than two decades documenting the movement of whales along the coast of Australia.

Most humpback whales. traveling through Australian waters, they migrate north from June to August and back to the Southern Ocean from September to November. However, this year the animals arrived earlier and have already been seen returning south.

It is not clear exactly why they migrate to tropical waters, although theories range from predator avoidance to keeping newborns warm.

Last year, in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, scientists warned that whale migration patterns could change if rising sea surface temperatures lead to overheating of breeding and feeding grounds. If the whales start approaching the shore, they may also end up on the shore.

One calf was euthanized late last month after it washed ashore at Lennox Head, and an adult also died after washing up nearby.

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This happened after a mass run aground in Western Australia that killed about 100 longfin pilot whales.