A record number of endangered southern right whales have been spotted off the coast of South Australia as scientists recorded nearly 200 individual whales migrating from sub-Antarctic waters to calving grounds along South Australia's coastline.
It’s the highest number observed since 2016, with 70 mother-calf pairs seen at Head of Bight alone. There have also been large gatherings of whales spotted at Fowlers Bay and Encounter Bay.
This year’s calving season also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Great Australian Bight Marine Park, a key nursery for southern right whales. Many of the whales return to the same calving grounds where they were born, with some females giving birth to their 12th calf.
Dr. Claire Charlton, Flinders University marine biologist and chief scientist of the Australian Right Whale Research Program, described the season as a relief after years of lower sightings.
“We were hoping for a bumper year, and we’re really relieved that there’s a lot of whales around. It’s a good sign that they still are recovering and coming to our waters – this is a good sign of hope,” she said.
It took decades after southern right whales were protected from whaling in 1935 to see signs of their recovery and return to Australian waters. Their comeback was made possible by long-term conservation and legal protections.
Despite the high numbers this year, Southern Right Whales are still listed as endangered in Australian waters – with current populations estimated at just 16–26 per cent of pre-whaling numbers.
Scientists remain cautious of this and are continuing to monitor the impact of an ongoing algal bloom and marine heatwaves, which may affect the food chain and reproductive health of marine life in the region.
This year’s record whale numbers are a hopeful sign that long-term conservation efforts are effective and nature can recover when natural spaces are protected.
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