By Jody Langlois, secretary of the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA)

In July, ORRCA received reports of a Southern Right Whale calf being struck by a boat off Stanwell Park, NSW. The incident appears to have been accidental and serves as an important reminder of the challenges boaters face in spotting these endangered whales throughout their migration period.

Unlike the more commonly seen humpback whales currently migrating along our coastline, Southern Right Whales often spend long periods “logging”, which is a behaviour where they spend their time resting at the surface. This behaviour makes them less conspicuous, especially in choppy conditions or low light, and can increase the risk of accidental encounters with vessels.

ORRCA, alongside NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Right Whale ID Project, had been monitoring this mother and calf pair for a few weeks prior to the incident. The mother was first spotted alone at Bass Point on June the 12th and then spotted again on July 10th with her newborn male calf. Unfortunately, the mother had already experienced a probable vessel strike, which caused an injury along her side in Merimbula in early July, and is now named “Arrow” to match the arrow-shaped marking she obtained by the probable boat propeller.

Southern Right Whales are classified as endangered in Australian waters, with an estimated population of only 250-300 identified individuals along the east coast. Southern right whale females are slow breeders and have a three-year calving cycle, which means that every calf is vital to the recovery of the species.

For their safety and protection, the law requires all vessels to keep a minimum distance of 300 metres from a whale when a calf is present. This buffer allows mothers and calves the space they need to rest and feed without disturbance or risk of injury.

If you are on the water and see a whale, slow down, keep your distance and maintain a steady course. Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction as this can startle or stress the animals.

Southern Right Whales can be distinguished from humpback by a few key features:

• No dorsal fins – Their backs are smooth and rounded
• Large, dark, stocky bodies with shorter pectoral fins – with a distinct V-shaped blow when they surface
• Callosities – Rough, white patches of skin on their heads that are unique to each whale, like fingerprints

ORRCA encourages the public to report any sightings of Southern Right Whales to our ORRCA 24/7 hotline on (02) 9415 3333.

We are pleased to report that Arrow’s calf did not appear to be injured in the vessel strike, and we remain hopeful that they will continue to thrive. With the community’s help and vigilance, we can ensure these majestic whales are given the best chance to recover and flourish along our coastline.

Find out more about how you can get involved with ORRCA – no experience necessary, just a passion for our marine mammals and their home.

Learn more at www.orrca.org.au