Southern right whale off the coast
Date: 09 July 2008
The recent sightings of southern right whales off Mowhanau Beach marks the start of the winter breeding migration for this endangered species seeking sheltered waters close to the west coast.
Sightings were reported to the DOC Hotline yesterday afternoon of a Southern Right Whale 600 metres off the Kai Iwi beach. Local whale watchers spent 3-4 hours observing the whale from the lookout. Some of the locals are aware of the southern right whale migration along our coast and keep a look out every winter, enabling DOC to obtain information on the whereabouts of whales in order to continue research on these elusive creatures.
The migration of southern right whales provides a rare opportunity for the public to see these amazing creatures from the coast and the Department of Conservation is hoping these sightings might help solve a mystery about New Zealand's Southern Right Whales. DOC has been collecting information including genetic samples and photographs in order to determine if the southern right whales seen around mainland New Zealand are a separate distinct New Zealand population to those found at the Auckland Islands and Australia.
DOC Biodiversity Programme Manager Jim Campbell said public assistance through reported sightings was crucial to the success of the research programme and for improved understanding and protection of these whales and their coastal habitat. "DOC needs information on sightings as soon as they happen to enable staff to get out on the water quickly and collect the required data before the whales move off. We really appreciate the help from locals who ring in with details of sightings as only about 15 samples have been taken nationally over the past four years and 5 of those came from this area".
The whale was spotted again this morning just off the coast from Wanganui airport with a calf in tow. The cow and calf appeared to be slowly making their way south. DOC staff from New Plymouth, Bryan Williams and Callum Lilley came to take biopsies as Bryan is one of few DOC Rangers that has the qualifications to take samples from marine mammals. Bryan and Callum then made their way out to sea with the NZ coastguard, who regularly assist DOC with marine mammal work, "At the start we watched them from a distance and they were so active, I've never seen them throw their tails around so much" says Brian.
"The whales were very peaceful" said Callum, "They just cruised slowly alongside the boat and even after the samples were taken from mother and calf they continued on, showing no reaction at all".
Tiny skin samples were taken for genetic analysis using a dart. As well as samples Callum was able to get the important photos that allow individual whales to be indentified. Head shots, particularly from the left side or full body as well as fluke shots or any photo that shows any identifying marks can be helpful. Southern Right Whales regularly return to the place where they were born. Research information could tell us, among other things, if the whales seen on the Wanganui coast in recent years are the same whales coming back every year.
Call the DOC hotline to report any further sightings of whales 0800 36 24 68