Two whales that have been delighting Melbourne locals as they played around in Port Phillip Bay on Tuesday. This exciting and unusual event is the first documented sighting of whales in this region in more than 10 years. By July, researchers were starting to see humpback whales from Parkdale Beach. This site, which has recently been remodeled, is located 25 kilometers southeast of Melbourne’s central business district.
David Donnelly, a spokesperson for the Two Bays Whale Project, verified the remarkable sightings. This citizen science program is focused on researching the occurrence of whales in Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay area. He explained that these magnificent animals are making their way back up north at this time of year to get to their breeding grounds where it’s warmer.
A Weekend of Whale Sightings
Whale sightings increased dramatically with the onset of summer weather. Seattleites couldn’t wait to share their city on a Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday with the rest of the world. Donnelly said the community had an important part in curating these amazing experiences.
We were able to get reports of whales all throughout Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. We weren’t provided any photos or footage by any official state actors,” he said. This staggering response of local involvement speaks volumes about the excitement and interest in all things aquatic in this incredible area.
Even the scientific expedition’s witnesses were stunned to see these whales up close. One observer, Bernie, recounted his experience:
“I’m thinking, is that a whale? And then all a sudden it breached up, it was just amazing.”
Understanding Whale Behavior
Whales are famous for their migratory patterns, usually traveling solo or in pods of 15 to 20. Recent sightings Recent reports Though these penguins have been spotted acting strangely, they are attracting a lot of attention. Donnelly commented on the intrigue, or at least magic, behind what they are doing in the bay.
“What they’re doing in the bay and in the river … is quite a mystery,” he said. He used to complain that the whales didn’t come near enough to land. No one saw their trip into the Yarra River and under the West Gate Bridge coming.
As the season continues, residents can expect to see even more whales in the strait. Donnelly stressed that once whales start coming back with their new calves later this year, those observation opportunities will be greater.
“While Ports Victoria’s Vessel Traffic Officers always maintain a close watch across port waters, it’s not every day that they’re called upon to monitor the movements of whales.”
Future Sightings and Regulations
We’ve certainly got something to be excited about, when they return with their calves later this year, he noted.
For anyone lucky enough to be paddling or boating amid the highlight of the species’ return, Donnelly offered some quick tips on safety regulations forbidding closeness to whales. He stated,
In particular, he noted that recreational vessels should stay at least 200 meters away from the whales. Simultaneously, personal watercraft such as jetskis have no business at any time within at least 300 meters.
“If you are on the water … please be respectful of the regulations. The regulations are there for your protection as well as the whales.”
He specified that recreational vessels should maintain a distance of 200 meters or greater, while personal watercraft such as jetskis should stay at least 300 meters away from the whales.
