Happy, healthy whales make for a fantastic migration season off the Albany coast

As whale season draws to a close off the south coast, Albany Whale Watch WA’s Gemma Sharp said that this year’s annual migration was highlighted by healthy whales in healthy numbers. “The last couple of years in Albany has been a bit tricky, the humpbacks were very thin and the southern right whale sightings have been a little bit light on as well,” she said. “What’s been really nice this year is there’s been a huge volume of humpback whales moving through which is really great news.” Sightings of the southern right whale this season remain low but Ms Sharp said it was not cause for concern. “The southern right whale numbers are still a bit lighter but there’s a lot of research being done with that population to learn a bit more about where they’re travelling to, it’s not overly alarming,” she said. “They’re still there but the mums and calves are being seen a little further to the east.” The Whale Watch WA team was pleased to observe several familiar humpbacks and southern right whales return to the Albany coast. “There were a few known mum-and-calf pods that returned but the population is a lot different in size,” Ms Sharp said. “We’ve got around 3500 or so southern right whales in the southern hemisphere close to Australia, so seeing resightings of them is not overly common.” The highlight of the season for Ms Sharp has been seeing populations of both species in good condition. “It’s been wonderful to see so many happy and healthy humpbacks,” Ms Sharp said. “They’ve been really looking good this year as well and we’re seeing, some days, 100-plus. “The southern right whales we interacted with have been in good condition too, the flow of the population has been fantastic and they seem quite content. “Every season we will have rescues that happen with entanglements or close calls with ship strikes but this was kept to a minimum.” Ms Sharp said the whale-watching team would focus on educating recreational boat users about whale safety. “It’s going to be a big part of this next decade or so,” she said. “Sometimes people try to get close to whales and that’s when problems can occur. “Give them plenty of room, don’t get right in front or behind them.” The noise and erratic movement of recreational vessels driven by excited skippers coming too close can stress the animals. The curious giants of the sea will sometimes approach boats of their own volition, something that can result in a special experience. “In that situation, you stay nice and still and let the whale take control,” Ms Sharp said. “If you treat them with respect, you’re more likely to have a natural interaction that is better for the whale.”