4 years, 9 months ago

Veteran whale counter says numbers of migrating humpbacks look strong this year

Every day in winter, from dawn to dusk, Leigh Mansfield stands on a Port Macquarie Headland, armed with binoculars and a warm jacket, and counts humpback whales as they make their way north. Key points: Leigh Mansfield is counting whales as part of ORRCA'S East Coast Whale Migration Research Project, which runs until July 31 He says he has counted about 1,500 whales passing Port Macquarie since June 1 People are encouraged to take part in this year's Whale Census on June 28 Despite the northern New South Wales town's relatively mild climate, some days are cold and windy, but Mr Mansfield barely notices. "We are counting every day, if we can, every whale that comes past — which is great, because we need that information to find out how many there actually are," Mr Mansfield said. "I've seen almost 1,500 whales come past Port Macquarie since June 1," Mr Mansfield said. Find more local news Tell us your location and find more local ABC News and information "Today I've probably seen 90 to 100 whales already, by midday, but that's normal … there goes another one."

ABC

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