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 by the murky conditions It is the first time in recorded history humpbacks have been seen in Kakadu Northern Territory Government scientist Dr Carol Palmer is part of the emergency response to guide the whales out of the river. In an interview with ABC Radio Darwin, Dr Palmer said a team of experts was looking into the use of whale calls and also underwater noise pollution to encourage the wales back out to sea. Growing Australian humpback population could mean more whales in strange places Dr Pirotta said one reason we could be seeing humpbacks in the East Alligator River was because they were natural explorers.

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History of this topic

Tasmanian authorities begin euthanising stranded whales
1 month ago

Tasmanian authorities begin euthanising stranded whales

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 Wildlife authorities in Tasmania have …

Experts give up hope for 157 false killer whales stranded on a beach in Australia’s Tasmania state
Trending News
1 month ago

Experts give up hope for 157 false killer whales stranded on a beach in Australia’s Tasmania state

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Marine experts have given up hope of rescuing more than 150 false killer whales that stranded on a remote beach on Australia’s island state of Tasmania, officials said on Wednesday. In this photo provided by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, a man and a woman inspect whales after more than 150 false killer whales …

90 stranded false killer whales to be euthanized in Tasmania after failed rescue bid
1 month ago

90 stranded false killer whales to be euthanized in Tasmania after failed rescue bid

CNN  

CNN — Australian wildlife officers have made the difficult decision to euthanize 90 false killer whales stranded on a remote beach in Tasmania, after rough ocean conditions made it impossible to refloat them. Tasmania’s Marine Conservation Program The animals appear to be false killer whales, authorities say. Tasmania’s Marine Conservation Program The last time so many false killer whales were …

A new model accurately predicts the migration of humpback whales
3 months, 2 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 …

Rescuers search for humpback whale tangled in ropes, buoys off Gippsland coast
8 months, 3 weeks 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 …

How killer whales move around Australia now better understood, thanks to citizen science project
10 months, 2 weeks ago

How killer whales move around Australia now better understood, thanks to citizen science project

ABC  

Killer whales have long been a challenge for researchers, particularly off Australia's south-eastern coast. But over the past three decades, data on sightings collected by the public and logged by citizen science project Killer Whales Australia is helping to create a better understanding of the elusive apex predators. After a great white shark carcass washed up near Portland in Victoria's …

Southern right whale census records lowest count on southern coastline in years
1 year, 6 months ago

Southern right whale census records lowest count on southern coastline in years

ABC  

Southern right whale numbers on Australia's southern coastline could be at a 16-year low, according to a researcher who conducts an annual aerial survey. Key points: Southern right numbers between Fremantle and Ceduna are down by more than 200 on last year There are hopes that a strong breeding season will see a population boost next year An Eyre Peninsula …

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 …

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 …

Gray whale numbers along North America’s west coast down
2 years, 5 months ago

Gray whale numbers along North America’s west coast down

The Hindu  

The number of gray whales migrating along the Pacific Coast of North America has steadily declined by nearly 40% from a 2016 peak, and the population produced its fewest calves on record this year, according to U.S. research released on Friday. The 38% drop from the population's 2016 high of 27,000 whales to 16,650 this year resembles previous fluctuations but …

Australia: 230 pilot whales stranded in Tasmania, half feared dead
2 years, 5 months ago

Australia: 230 pilot whales stranded in Tasmania, half feared dead

India Today  

Marine conservation experts were rushing to the Australian state of Tasmania on Wednesday to try and rescue a pod of about 230 whales stranded on the west coast, with officials fearing half of them may have already died. The animals, which appear to be pilot whales, are stranded on Ocean Beach, the Tasmanian department of natural resources and environment said …

Warmer waters bring in rare whale sightings off South Australia's west coast
2 years, 8 months ago

Warmer waters bring in rare whale sightings off South Australia's west coast

ABC  

The dirt road into the small South Australian hamlet of Fowlers Bay, on the state's west coast, hugs a looming mountain of sand that leads down to crystal-clear water where some of nature's largest creatures play. Key points: Whale season off the west coast of South Australia is in full swing Warmer waters have seen unusual events including southern right …

Humpback whales no longer listed as endangered after major recovery
3 years 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 …

Whale numbers down in aerial survey along Western Australia's southern coast
3 years, 7 months ago

Whale numbers down in aerial survey along Western Australia's southern coast

ABC  

Fewer-than-expected southern right whales have been spotted during one of Australia's longest-running aerial surveys along WA's south coast. Key points: Fewer whales than expected were recorded during the annual survey between Fremantle and Ceduna The aerial survey was completed by two separate crews in WA and SA this year due to border restrictions Higher than normal freshwater discharge from rivers …

Removal of humpback whales from threatened species list would come too soon, say conservationists
3 years, 11 months ago

Removal of humpback whales from threatened species list would come too soon, say conservationists

ABC  

The removal of humpback whales from Australia's threatened species list comes too soon and would add further dangers to emerging 'complex' risks, according to nine research and marine conservation organisations. Key points: The federal government is considering removing humpback whales from its threatened species list It's estimated that there are 40,000 humpbacks migrating through Australian waters each year, up from …

Humpback whales have been spotted in a Kakadu river. So in a fight with a crocodile, who would win?
4 years, 4 months ago

Humpback whales have been spotted in a Kakadu river. So in a fight with a crocodile, who would win?

ABC  

In recent months, three humpback whales were spotted in the East Alligator River in the Northern Territory's Kakadu National Park. And of course, there was one big question I was repeatedly asked: in an encounter between a crocodile and a humpback whale, which animal would win? The whales are part of Australia's west coast humpback whale population, which each year …

More than a dozen whales found dead on New Zealand beach
4 years, 5 months ago

More than a dozen whales found dead on New Zealand beach

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 More than a dozen whales have died after becoming stranded on New Zealand’s North Island, …

Trouble in Australia's Humpback Whale Paradise as tourists dry up
4 years, 5 months ago

Trouble in Australia's Humpback Whale Paradise as tourists dry up

China Daily  

Every year, mother and calf humpback whales use Jervis Bay as a rest-stop on their journey between breeding grounds in the north, and Antarctica where they spend the summer feeding. Every year, mother and calf humpback whales use the large, protected bay as a rest-stop on their journey between breeding grounds in the north, and Antarctica where they spend the …

Trouble in Australia's Humpback Whale Paradise as tourists dry up
4 years, 5 months ago

Trouble in Australia's Humpback Whale Paradise as tourists dry up

China Daily  

Every year, mother and calf humpback whales use Jervis Bay as a rest-stop on their journey between breeding grounds in the north, and Antarctica where they spend the summer feeding. Every year, mother and calf humpback whales use the large, protected bay as a rest-stop on their journey between breeding grounds in the north, and Antarctica where they spend the …

Australia to euthanise beached whales after worst mass stranding in country’s history
4 years, 5 months ago

Australia to euthanise beached whales after worst mass stranding in country’s history

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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Hundreds more pilot whales found stranded on Australian coast
4 years, 5 months ago

Hundreds more pilot whales found stranded on Australian coast

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 More pilot whales were found …

Hundreds of whales dead after stranding off Australia’s Tasmania
4 years, 5 months ago

Hundreds of whales dead after stranding off Australia’s Tasmania

Al Jazeera  

Rescuers trying to free a pod of whales stuck on sandbars off Tasmania have found more stranded animals, raising the total to 470 and making it one of Australia’s biggest beachings. “The best assessment that we’ve got from this morning is that somewhere between 50 and 70 whales are potentially still alive,” Deka said. In 1996, 320 pilot whales washed …

Rescuers battle to save 270 whales stranded in Australia
4 years, 5 months ago

Rescuers battle to save 270 whales stranded in Australia

Al Jazeera  

Scientist says up to a third of the stranded animals may already be dead as ‘challenging’ rescue operation kicks off. Rescuers were scrambling on Tuesday to save 270 whales stranded off the coast of the Australian island of Tasmania, amid fears that about a third of the animals had already died. Scientists said the long-finned pilot whales became stuck on …

Hundreds of whales stranded in Australia
4 years, 5 months ago

Hundreds of whales stranded in Australia

The Hindu  

At least twenty-five whales have died and scientists are trying to rescue 250 more that are stranded in a remote bay on the Australian island of Tasmania, officials said on Monday. Tasmania’s environment department said the whales had become stuck on a sandbar in Macquarie Harbour, on the island’s rugged and sparsely populated west coast. Nic Deka, who is managing …

Whale swims free of crocodile-filled Australian river
4 years, 5 months ago

Whale swims free of crocodile-filled Australian river

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. There have been no previous recorded sightings of whales …

In Tasmania, A Mission To Rescue 270 Stranded Whales
4 years, 5 months ago

In Tasmania, A Mission To Rescue 270 Stranded Whales

NPR  

In Tasmania, A Mission To Rescue 270 Stranded Whales Enlarge this image toggle caption Brodie Weeding/AP Brodie Weeding/AP Along the western coast of Tasmania, marine conservationists are gathering to conduct a massive operation: the rescue of some 270 pilot whales that have been stranded on sandbars there. Nic Deka of Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service told the Australian broadcaster ABC …

A humpback whale is stranded in a crocodile-infested river after taking a wrong turn
4 years, 6 months ago

A humpback whale is stranded in a crocodile-infested river after taking a wrong turn

CNN  

CNN — A humpback whale has become stranded in a crocodile-infested river in Australia, after apparently becoming confused during migration. In a “very unusual” event, three of the animals entered East Alligator River in Kakadu National Park last week. Posted by Kakadu National Park on Friday, September 11, 2020 “As far as we’re aware, this is the first time this …

Northern Territory biologists 'out fishing' in Kakadu when they found humpback whales
4 years, 6 months ago

Northern Territory biologists 'out fishing' in Kakadu when they found humpback whales

ABC  

Marine ecologist Jason Fowler was out fishing with friends on his boat in Kakadu's East Alligator River when he got a whale-sized surprise. Key points: Humpback whales have been spotted in Kakadu National Park for the first time in recorded history Boats have been temporarily banned from part of the East Alligator River until the whales return to the sea …

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 appear in Kakadu river
4 years, 6 months ago

Humpback whales appear in Kakadu river

ABC  

For the first time, humpback whales have been spotted in the East Alligator River in the Northern Territory's remote Kakadu National Park. Key points: Parks Australia said they did not want boats to inadvertently force the whale further up the river The last of the three whales was still in the river and not in distress Kakadu National Park and …

Where are all the whales? Fewer southern rights spotted off Albany coast
4 years, 6 months ago

Where are all the whales? Fewer southern rights spotted off Albany coast

ABC  

Far fewer southern right whales are being spotted off Western Australia's Great Southern coast this winter compared to last year's bumper season. Key points: Fewer southern right whales are being spotted in Albany compared to last year One whale tour operator believes it could be due to the high level of fresh water in King George Sound A marine biologist …

Whale entanglements and deaths expected to rise as numbers continue to grow, experts say
5 years, 8 months ago

Whale entanglements and deaths expected to rise as numbers continue to grow, experts say

ABC  

The entanglement of two humpback whales on the NSW coast has highlighted the man-made threats marine life face at an increasing rate. Key points: Marine rescuers were unable to disentangle two whales off the NSW coast over the weekend Experts say we can expect to see more entanglements as whale populations increase Humpback whale numbers are increasing by up to …

World's largest humpback whale population booming thanks to Australia's Kimberley region
6 years, 4 months ago

World's largest humpback whale population booming thanks to Australia's Kimberley region

ABC  

Humpback whales, once hunted around the world to the point that they became so rare that the industry built on their blubber went belly-up, is booming. "These are the most successful humpback whales, population-wise, of any humpback whale population on the entire planet," Mr Jenner said. Dr Kelly Waples is a research scientist with the WA Department of Biodiversity Conservation …

Orca sightings off NSW coast spark call for marine mammal research funding
7 years, 4 months ago

Orca sightings off NSW coast spark call for marine mammal research funding

ABC  

The growing number of humpback whales migrating along the New South Wales north coast is bringing a corresponding rise in attacks by alpha predators. "We've had them this year from Byron Bay down to South West Rocks we believe it was the same pod," Mr Ling said. Dr Harrison said recent sighting of orcas off the north coast highlighted the …

Drones shed new light on newly discovered, Australian humpback dolphin in WA
7 years, 10 months ago

Drones shed new light on newly discovered, Australian humpback dolphin in WA

ABC  

Marine researchers using aerial drones to film a newly discovered species of Australian dolphin say the bird's eye view is shedding new light on the mammals' behaviour, with researchers hoping the information will help with conservation efforts. The Australian humpback dolphin population, officially classified in 2014, is spread throughout waters right across the north of Australia — from Shark Bay …

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 …

Humpback whale population growth shows no sign of slowing down, says Queensland researcher
9 years, 6 months ago

Humpback whale population growth shows no sign of slowing down, says Queensland researcher

ABC  

Australia's humpback population is the healthiest it has been since whaling ended along the east coast in the 1960s according to a Queensland whale counting group. Humpback whale facts: Average weight is 40 tonnes Whales are generally black on their backs and white on their underside Barnacles often form on the jaw, pectoral fins and the edges of the tail …

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