Humpback migration off WA coast prompts questions over fin-slapping behaviour
1 year, 7 months ago

Humpback migration off WA coast prompts questions over fin-slapping behaviour

ABC  

Winter is the annual season for humpback whales to migrate north along Western Australia's coast to breed in warmer waters, but those lucky enough to spot them may have a few questions about their behaviour. Dr Kate Sprogis, a marine biologist specialising in cetaceans, such as whales and dolphins, said humpback whales, in particular, were a very "surface-active" species. "So you'll commonly see splashes on the water, say, if you're watching from land or you're on a whale-watch boat," Dr Sprogis said. "A lot of time when you go on the surface on a boat after several breaching events of a whale, there will be floating dead skin cells, skin pieces on the water," Dr Sprogis said. "People think we know a lot about whales, but when you actually think that we don't even know about a humpback whale's heartbeat, we actually don't know very much at all."

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History of this topic

Humpback whale swallows and spits out kayaker in incident captured on camera
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Humpback whale swallows and spits out kayaker in incident captured on camera

CNN  

CNN — A humpback whale briefly swallowed a 24-year-old kayaker last Saturday during a father-son excursion out on the icy waters around Chile’s southernmost Patagonia region. In the video, verified by CNN, Adrian’s father, Dell, is heard yelling to his son, who had been spat out of the whale, to “grab the boat.” Adrian then swims towards his dad’s pack …

Humpback whale makes 19,000-km-long record-breaking migration across three oceans
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Humpback whale makes 19,000-km-long record-breaking migration across three oceans

India Today  

A remarkable study led by Ekaterina Kalashnikova from the Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies has unveiled the longest recorded migration of a humpback whale. Published in Royal Society Open Science, the research chronicles an extraordinary journey of an adult male humpback whale that traveled at least 13,046 kilometers, potentially reaching up to 19,000 kilometers, connecting breeding grounds across three oceans. …

A rescue crew tried to untangle a humpback in Newport Beach. The whale has not been spotted since
3 months, 2 weeks ago

A rescue crew tried to untangle a humpback in Newport Beach. The whale has not been spotted since

LA Times  

Whale watchers noticed a rope wrapped around a humpback whale’s fin recently while the mammal was breaching the surface of the ocean. A rescue team dispatched to aid an entangled whale spotted in the waters off Newport Beach was unable to free the whale from a rope — and now the whale hasn’t been seen for days. Experts say that …

Unexpected visits are turning Orange County into a humpback whale hangout
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Unexpected visits are turning Orange County into a humpback whale hangout

LA Times  

Shortly after noon Sunday, the waters eight miles off the coast of Newport Beach were broken by an unusual, if not majestic, sight. A several-ton humpback whale broke through the surface and leaped into the sky, like a Pacific Life insurance commercial, scattering adjacent seabirds while opening its massive mouth to consume anchovies near the surface. VIDEO | 01:53 Humpback …

A new model accurately predicts the migration of humpback whales
3 months, 4 weeks ago

A new model accurately predicts the migration of humpback whales

Raw Story  

This year’s humpback whale season in Australia has almost come to an end. For instance, while water temperature may have little impact in the cold Antarctic waters, breeding grounds further north that are too warm could drive humpback whales to seek better conditions elsewhere. We developed the first such model to simulate migratory movements of humpback whale mother and calf …

Young humpback whale freed from fishing tackle that had entangled its tail in Sydney Harbor
7 months, 1 week ago

Young humpback whale freed from fishing tackle that had entangled its tail in Sydney Harbor

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — A young humpback whale was freed from fishing tackle that had entangled its tail during an almost 24-hour rescue operation in Sydney Harbor. The juvenile whale immediately began swimming toward the Sydney Heads and the open Pacific Ocean after government wildlife rescuers removed the ropes late Friday morning, Macquarie University whale expert Vanessa Pirotta said. The reality …

Huge humpback whale flips over boat, tosses fishermen into chilly sea off US coast: Watch
8 months, 1 week ago

Huge humpback whale flips over boat, tosses fishermen into chilly sea off US coast: Watch

Hindustan Times  

A massive humpback whale was seen landing squarely on a small boat, tossing two fishermen into the cold New Hampshire waters in a terrifying video. Huge humpback whale flips over boat, tosses fishermen into chilly sea off US coast The video shows the 30-foot-long juvenile emerge from the surface beyond the stern of the boat, which was anchored a half-mile …

Rescuers search for humpback whale tangled in ropes, buoys off Gippsland coast
9 months, 1 week ago

Rescuers search for humpback whale tangled in ropes, buoys off Gippsland coast

ABC  

In short: A whale tangled in 200 metres of ropes and 11 flotation buoys has gone missing off Victoria's east coast. A whale tangled in 200 metres of ropes and 11 flotation buoys has gone missing off Victoria's east coast. A massive search operation is underway after a humpback whale entangled in ropes and flotation buoys went missing off the …

Growing whale-watching excursions near Rio de Janeiro's coast captivate tourists
9 months, 1 week ago

Growing whale-watching excursions near Rio de Janeiro's coast captivate tourists

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Famous for its beaches and …

Humpback whale entangled in fishing rope near Port Macquarie as crews on standby for multiple rescues
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Humpback whale entangled in fishing rope near Port Macquarie as crews on standby for multiple rescues

ABC  

In short: A humpback whale was spotted entangled in a long rope off northern NSW on Sunday, with marine rescue crews hoping to locate it again today, to help free it. A humpback whale was spotted entangled in a long rope off northern NSW on Sunday, with marine rescue crews hoping to locate it again today, to help free it. …

Humpback whale freed after getting trapped in shark net off Kings Beach on Sunshine Coast
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Humpback whale freed after getting trapped in shark net off Kings Beach on Sunshine Coast

ABC  

In short: A humpback whale has been freed after being trapped in a shark net on the Sunshine Coast. Environmental advocates have renewed calls for Queensland to remove shark nets during whale migration season after a humpback was trapped off the Sunshine Coast. Two whales were trapped in the controversial shark nets within three days last year, sparking concern from …

Young humpback whale leaps out of Seattle bay, dazzling onlookers
1 year, 4 months ago

Young humpback whale leaps out of Seattle bay, dazzling onlookers

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A humpback whale visiting the …

Man finds humpback whale 'frozen' in ocean. But there is a twist | Video
1 year, 7 months ago

Man finds humpback whale 'frozen' in ocean. But there is a twist | Video

India Today  

In a rare and fascinating spectacle, an Australian TikTok celebrity, Brodie Moss, captured footage of a humpback whale seemingly frozen in the middle of the ocean. The video, which has since gone viral, shows the whale's tail piercing the calm ocean surface, remaining almost entirely motionless. As he paddled backward to maintain a safe distance, he noticed a baby whale …

Humpback whale remains entangled in rope off Broome despite DBCA attempts to help
1 year, 8 months ago

Humpback whale remains entangled in rope off Broome despite DBCA attempts to help

ABC  

Marine rangers are continuing to search the Western Australian coastline for a humpback whale entangled in rope off Broome. The migratory whale was first seen by members of the public on Saturday afternoon off Broome's Gantheaume-Minyirr Point. A long rope with a white float could be seen wrapped around the whale's tail. The humpback whale was photographed with a rope …

Humpback whale spotted off Cornwall coast in rare sighting
1 year, 9 months ago

Humpback whale spotted off Cornwall coast in rare sighting

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A humpback whale has been spotted off the coast of …

Research tracks Australian southern right whales to feeding grounds for first time
2 years ago

Research tracks Australian southern right whales to feeding grounds for first time

ABC  

Whales tagged and tracked off Australia's south coast are travelling thousands of kilometres, a new study has revealed. Key points: Australian southern right whales have been tracked to feeding grounds in the Southern Ocean A project is tracking five whales tagged off southern WA last year Researchers hope it will shed light on the threatened species Scientists tagged five southern …

Viral video: 41-feet-long humpback whale washes ashore New York beach
2 years, 1 month ago

Viral video: 41-feet-long humpback whale washes ashore New York beach

Firstpost  

A male humpback whale was found beached at New York’s Lido Beach on Monday. According to local reports, this was the tenth whale to wash ashore on the Atlantic coast of New York and New Jersey in the last two months. A humpback whale washed ashore on a beach in Long Island, NY, on January 30 and later died. This …

Whales wave goodbye to Queensland coast as turtle nesting season gets underway
2 years, 5 months ago

Whales wave goodbye to Queensland coast as turtle nesting season gets underway

ABC  

A Queensland tourism operator says visitor numbers are finally back to pre-COVID levels as the whale season wraps up for another year. Key points: Hervey Bay has had a successful tourism whale season, but operators say they have capacity for more visitors Researchers say a citizen science project monitoring the migrating whales has been successful The turtle hatching season is …

Humpback whale pull off incredible move to free itself from the ropes of a buoy in Canada
2 years, 5 months ago

Humpback whale pull off incredible move to free itself from the ropes of a buoy in Canada

Daily Mail  

A humpback whale seen off the Pacific coast of Canada has pulled off a stunning move during a rescue mission after it put itself in danger by getting caught into fish nets for two-days-long. A humpback whale was caught in 300 feet of fish nets off the coast of Texada Island in British Columbia, Canada, according to the Fisheries and …

Humpback whales' migration along Australia's east coast best time to hear marine animals sing
2 years, 9 months ago

Humpback whales' migration along Australia's east coast best time to hear marine animals sing

ABC  

Just beneath the water's surface off Queensland's coast, humpback whales can be heard singing clearly to each other, as new research shows they are learning complex tunes from other regions. Key points: Researchers at the University of Queensland believe whales are capable of learning complex songs from other regions Only male whales sing, with their distinct patterns changing every year …

Humpback whales have close brush with humans during migration along Bundaberg coast
2 years, 9 months ago

Humpback whales have close brush with humans during migration along Bundaberg coast

ABC  

A surf skier has described the moment a humpback whale swam so close it could have scraped its barnacles off, as experts suspect the creatures are exploring more along the Queensland coast. Key points: A surf skier and photographer is capturing close encounters with humpback whales off Bundaberg's coast Marine biologist Wally Franklin says they are likely "curious" juvenile whales …

Humpback whales no longer listed as endangered after major recovery
3 years, 1 month ago

Humpback whales no longer listed as endangered after major recovery

ABC  

Humpback whales will be removed from Australia's threatened-species list, after the government's independent scientific panel on threatened species deemed the mammals had made a major recovery. Key points: Humpback whales will no longer be considered an endangered or vulnerable species Climate change and fishing still pose threats to their long-term health Some conservationists warn the delisting has come too soon …

33 Humpback Whales Practise 'Unique' Bubble-net Feeding for the First Time in Australia, Old Video Goes Viral
3 years, 9 months ago

33 Humpback Whales Practise 'Unique' Bubble-net Feeding for the First Time in Australia, Old Video Goes Viral

News 18  

For the first time ever, a group of humpback whales was spotted practising bubble-net feeding off the New South Wales coast. The whales work together in a group and strategically blow bubbles and manipulate the prey to make feeding easy. As these marine mammals usually feed on the coast of Antarctica during the summer months and migrate to North Australia …

Australian Police Rescue Young Humpback Whale Entangled in Fishing Nets Off Sydney Coast
3 years, 9 months ago

Australian Police Rescue Young Humpback Whale Entangled in Fishing Nets Off Sydney Coast

News 18  

Australian marine police cut free a juvenile humpback whale entrapped in fishing ropes and buoys off the coast of Sydney late on Sunday. “The whale appeared to have fish netting wrapped around it with a couple of floating buoys,” Police Superintendent Brad Monk told media on Monday. The whale appeared in distress.” Humpback whales migrate north from the cold Antarctic …

Humpback whales found singing off the coast of New York
3 years, 10 months ago

Humpback whales found singing off the coast of New York

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Using underwater sound recording equipment, scientists have found the first evidence …

Whale pod breaks migration pattern, scientists believe it's an effect of climate change
3 years, 11 months ago

Whale pod breaks migration pattern, scientists believe it's an effect of climate change

Firstpost  

Another explanation is “predator avoidance,” with the bowheads steering clear of orca whales. Scientists believe this behaviour – never previously detected – could be driven by the effects of climate change, and be a potential harbinger of shifting dynamics across the region’s ecosystem. “The evidence is clear that BCB bowheads overwintered in their summer foraging region in the eastern Beaufort …

Humpback whales move north as scientists believe warm oceans are the cause
4 years, 6 months ago

Humpback whales move north as scientists believe warm oceans are the cause

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Humpback whales are steadily moving north, and warmer seas and melting ice may be the …

NT scientists weigh up options to help move humpback whales out of Kakadu's East Alligator River
4 years, 6 months ago

NT scientists weigh up options to help move humpback whales out of Kakadu's East Alligator River

ABC  

A team of whale experts from around Australia are considering how to shepherd two humpback whales out of Kakadu's East Alligator River, as concerns mount over the risk of a possible stranding. Key points: Scientists hope they will be able to corral the whales using whale calls or loud noises One expert believes the whales are likely lost and confused …

Humpback whales stray up crocodile-infested tropical Aussie river
4 years, 6 months ago

Humpback whales stray up crocodile-infested tropical Aussie river

Deccan Chronicle  

Sydney: A trio of humpback whales -- usually bound for Antarctica this time of year -- took a wrong turn, heading up a crocodile-infested north Australian river with scientists hoping Saturday they will all return to the sea safely. Two of the creatures, first seen in the East Alligator River in Kakadu National Park earlier this week, are already believed …

Humpback whales caught in shark nets off Gold Coast are freed
4 years, 9 months ago

Humpback whales caught in shark nets off Gold Coast are freed

ABC  

Two humpback whales caught in shark nets off Main Beach on the northern end of the Gold Coast have been freed by fisheries officers and a team of marine experts. Key points: The humpbacks were spotted by tradie Scott Clarke at 11.00am A whale researcher said releasing the animals was difficult because of weather conditions A marine animal release team …

Humpbacks spotted off NSW coast as whale watchers adapt to COVID-19
4 years, 10 months ago

Humpbacks spotted off NSW coast as whale watchers adapt to COVID-19

ABC  

Humpback whales have already been spotted off the New South Wales east coast as they move to warmer northern waters. Key points: Whale watching operators kick off for the June long weekend The ORRCA Census Day is planned for June 28 The humpback whale population could be around 40,000 this year But this year's annual migration may be a different …

Coronavirus halts whale research as unusual humpback activity surges off the Gold Coast
4 years, 11 months ago

Coronavirus halts whale research as unusual humpback activity surges off the Gold Coast

ABC  

A Gold Coast whale expert says coronavirus has brought scientific fieldwork to a standstill, as the first humpbacks of the season are spotted off the city's coastline. Key points: Whales are on the move off the coast of Byron Bay, but researchers can't study them University researchers would normally be surveying the whales at this time of year Land-based observations …

Southern right whale dolphins wash up on Port Fairy's East Beach in south-west Victoria
5 years, 2 months ago

Southern right whale dolphins wash up on Port Fairy's East Beach in south-west Victoria

ABC  

For the first time in recorded history dolphins that usually stick to deep, offshore seas have been found stranded on a Victorian beach. Key points: Southern right whale dolphins have never been recorded washing up in Victoria before Two of the dolphins have been found dead at a Port Fairy beach within weeks of each other The species inhabits deep …

Southwest Atlantic humpback whales bounce back from brink of extinction
5 years, 5 months ago

Southwest Atlantic humpback whales bounce back from brink of extinction

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Humpback whales that frequent the southwest Atlantic have recovered from the brink of extinction and …

Humpback whale freed from shark nets in delicate rescue off Broadbeach
5 years, 9 months ago

Humpback whale freed from shark nets in delicate rescue off Broadbeach

ABC  

Rescuers have managed to free a whale that became entangled in a shark net off the Gold Coast. Key points: The humpback whale was spotted around 8am with the net caught around the mammal's tail Choppy conditions hampered the rescue but the whale was successfully freed around 11:30am Conservation groups have now reiterated calls for shark nets to be removed …

Humpback whale freed after becoming caught in fishing ropes off Port Elliot coast
5 years, 11 months ago

Humpback whale freed after becoming caught in fishing ropes off Port Elliot coast

ABC  

A 10-metre humpback whale that became tangled in fishing ropes off the South Australian coast has now been set free after a delicate rescue operation that lasted several hours. Key points: Initial reports said a humpback whale was tangled in craypot ropes near Chiton Rocks A local whale expert said it was likely "distressed and exhausted" An exclusion zone was …

Whale census shows healthy humpback population migrating north
6 years, 9 months ago

Whale census shows healthy humpback population migrating north

ABC  

Hundreds of humpbacks have been spotted by whale watchers off the east coast of Australia on the annual migration census day. In last year's census, Port Macquarie logged the most number of humpback whales out of all the count sites in New South Wales with 352 humpbacks sighted. A vast majority of the population of the east coast humpback whale …

Humpback whale breaches in front of boat off Port Macquarie NSW coast
6 years, 9 months ago

Humpback whale breaches in front of boat off Port Macquarie NSW coast

Daily Mail  

Amazing footage has captured a migrating humpback whale spectacularly breaching just metres away from a boatload of stunned tourists. The vision was captured just 20 minutes into a Port Jet Cruise Adventures whale watching tour off the waters of Port Macquarie, on NSW's mid-north coast. Scroll down for video A humpback whale realises it's show time and gives an acrobatic …

Recreational boaters risk death to swim with humpbacks off WA's Ningaloo Coast
7 years, 5 months ago

Recreational boaters risk death to swim with humpbacks off WA's Ningaloo Coast

ABC  

Authorities in northern Western Australia are warning amateur boaties they are risking their lives by attempting to swim with humpback whales off the Ningaloo Coast. The coastal town of Exmouth is in its second year of commercial humpback whale swimming trials, but the trials seem to have prompted some people to try to approach humpback whales in dinghies and on …

Newport lifeguards try to keep humpback whale carcass from reaching shore
7 years, 11 months ago

Newport lifeguards try to keep humpback whale carcass from reaching shore

LA Times  

Newport Beach lifeguards had their eyes trained on the horizon Friday, trying to make sure a 55-foot dead humpback whale — nicknamed Scarlet by local boaters — that was seen Thursday didn’t make its way to the beach. “It’s a mess, and it stinks.” Lifeguards saw the massive carcass heading toward shore near the Newport Pier about 3 p.m. Thursday. …

Swimming with humpback whales in Western Australia: The ethical way to get up close to nature's giants
8 years, 3 months ago

Swimming with humpback whales in Western Australia: The ethical way to get up close to nature's giants

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy “Just sign your life away here,” grins Murray “then we’ll get going.” He hands me a …

Two humpback whales freed from fishermen’s nets off US coast
8 years, 10 months ago

Two humpback whales freed from fishermen’s nets off US coast

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two humpback whales have …

Humpback whale swimming tours set to begin off WA's Ningaloo coast
9 years, 5 months ago

Humpback whale swimming tours set to begin off WA's Ningaloo coast

ABC  

Tours giving people the chance to swim with humpback whales are to be trialled in Western Australia next year after the success of a similar program with whale sharks at Ningaloo Marine Park. "The WA population has recovered better than any other humpback whale population in the world," Mr Jacob said. Mr Jacob said while humpback whales would still be …

Abandoned humpback vanishes in harbour
16 years, 7 months ago

Abandoned humpback vanishes in harbour

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. "The calf was in much worse condition than we originally thought and the injuries were a lot worse as …

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