DOC is on the lookout for southern right whales
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is asking public to report any sightings of southern right whales migrating along the coast this season.Date: 29 April 2013
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is asking public to report any sightings of southern right whales migrating along the coast this season.
The annual southern right whale migration runs from May through to October when the whales head to protected shallow water. The whales can be sighted anywhere from the subantarctic islands to as far north as the east coast of Northland.
“Sighting reports are important because they help researchers understand the whales migrating patterns,” said DOC’s Marine Advisor, Laura Boren.
Video and images of southern right whales are incredibly valuable to researchers as they help confirm which whales are on the move around mainland New Zealand.
“As we learn more about them we gain an understanding what we need to do to protect the magnificent creatures,” said Boren.
Southern right whale sightings can be reported to 0800 DOCHOT (0800 36 24 68). In addition the public can email images or vides of sightings to marinemammals@doc.govt.nz.
Southern right whale
The species were hunted to the brink of extinction but a recent report by the University of Auckland and the University of Otago confirmed an increase in numbers of southern right whales around mainland New Zealand.
The report also confirmed that the same whales that have been seen in New Zealand have been sighted in the subantarctic islands.
Additional information
- Southern right whales are usually black, have a v-shaped blowhole spray and have no dorsal fin
- Adults can average up to 14.5 metres in length. Often cow and calf pairs are sighted as well as individuals
- They have white growths on their heads called callosities.
- This is the most useful part of a whale to photograph because each whale has a unique pattern of callosities. Photos of the left side of the whale are best
- If you encounter whales please abide by marine mammal protection regulations and remember to keep a distance of 50m from the whale, and 200m if a calf is present..
Related links
Contact
Laura Boren, DOC Science Marine Advisor,
Phone +64 4 471 3062
Reuben Williams, Media Advisor,
Phone +64 2725 72216