Over the past week, there has been a notable increase in humpback whale activity on the Gold Coast, with numerous sightings of small pods consisting of 3-4 individuals.
These pods primarily comprise playful sub-adult whales, embarking on their first migrations without the presence of their mothers, and find comfort and companionship in each other’s company.
The thriving humpback whale population is currently making its annual journey from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef, and their presence is bringing joy and excitement to those fortunate enough to witness it.
During one tour, onboard researcher at Sea World Cruises, Laura Torre-Williams, noticed an unsual interspecies interaction. A pod of twenty bottlenose dolphins were seen stirring trouble with an adult humpback whale.
The dolphins were observed jumping and splashing up close to the whales face, to which the humpback was appropriately not happy about.
Humpback whales typically tolerate dolphins. However, this adult was not in the mood.
The whale began to slap it’s large pectoral fins against the water and slapping its tail on the water.
Torre-Williams said it is unusual for humpback whales to show aggressive behaviours towards other species. ‘We think that as it is heading into the prime time for breeding season, the humpback was a frisky male on his way to impress a lady whale. He had one thing on his mind and wasn’t putting up with the dolphins’.
Researchers are excited to keep an eye out for any similar interactions in the future.
In other whale news from the south, the first whale entanglement of the 2023 season occurred off the Wollongong Coast.
On Saturday June 3, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services worked alongside Marine Rescue NSW to rescue a calf was tangled in buoys and fishing lines.
Two adult whales were near the calf, most likely its mother and an escort, a term used to describe a humpback keeping a mother and her calf company.
The complex operation was a success, and all three whales were observed swimming freely the following day.
It is unfortunate to report an entanglement so early in the season, however this incident is a great reminder for water users to be mindful of how they dispose of trash and fishing gear.
The trio of whales are expected to pass the Gold Coast Bay in the next week or so as they continue on their great migration.
Sea World Cruises is looking forward to another week of great whale watching on the Gold Coast, with tours departing seven days a week.
For ticket information, visit seaworldcruises.com.au
