The whales are here! 2 •Great Barrier Reef Climate Change Action Plan 2007-2012 •Reef Water Quality Action Plan 2009 Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2009 assessment Whales in the Great Barrier Reef receive an assessment of good.b Vulnerability assessment: Low •The major concern for the larger cetaceans, especially the baleen whales that utilise the waters of the Marine The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area is home to around 30 different species of whale and dolphin. Humpback Whales are one of the largest species of baleen whale, averaging a length of 1 to 16 metres and weighing 25 to 30 metric tons. ABN 82 090 616 443. For some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, such as the Woppaburra people of the Keppel Islands, the whale (Mugga Mugga) is the clan totem that connects them to their ancestral land and sea country as well as to their ancestors. Skip navigation ... Come join us on the Great Barrier Reef and assist with worthwhile research on amazing humpback whales. Breaching: The most spectacular display of all, where the animal leaps almost clear of the water, creating the kind of splash that only a 40 tonne animal can produce! Whale breaching off Low Isles, Port Douglas. © 2020 Great Barrier Reef Foundation. https://www.scottportelli.com/humpback-whales-ningaloo-reef Why does the majestic Humpback whale travel thousands of kilometres and visit the warm waters of the Townsville, North Queensland coast each year?. These songs can have distinct patterns, and can last for over 20 minutes, with the whale only pausing to take a breath. Humpback whale. Spy Hop: Humpbacks will often surface vertically, and actually stick there head out of the water so that they can see above the waterline. Swimming with Whales . The resurgence of the Humpback Whale is a true success story for the Reef. The Foundation is a registered Environmental Organisation in Australia and is eligible to receive tax deductible donations. Humpback whales have hybridized with other whale species, such as blue whales. ), and scalloped flukes. Humpback whales regularly migrate from Antarctic waters along the east coast of Australia every winter. Males form competing groups around females they want to mate with. Humpback whales have been sighted near Australia’s Great Barrier Reef weeks earlier than the huge mammals typically arrive there. 6 List of Figures Figure 1. Australian Eastern Humpback whales are on the move to the warmer northern waters and breeding grounds of the Great Barrier Reef. The Foundation provides its donors with official receipts for Australian tax purposes. It can be a form of communication, but more often then not it is an aggressive display. Silversonic has one of the few permits available from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority that allows our guests to swim with dwarf minke whales if encountered – a truly unforgettable experience!. ), and scalloped flukes. (note: Humpbacks have in the past swim around snorkellers at Agincourt reef and other dive sites. Humpback whales are easily identified by having extremely large pectoral fins (their scientific name is Megaptera, which literally means giant wing! Very few operators have a lience to approach the whales, Silversonic is one of those). Around that time it was estimated only 500 remained from a pre-whaling population of around 40,000 in east-coast waters. The season has only just started so we are looking forward to many more whale encounters. (A) Modelled humpback whale habitat suitability (Jul/Aug. The Blow: Often the first indication that a whale is in the area. These giant leviathans are found in both hemispheres, but rarely (if ever) cross the equator, creating 2 different races. This song changes over the years and is never the same as it was before. They are characterized by their size and behavior, and are arguably the most well-known whale species in the reef. The exact timing of the migration period can vary from year to year depending on water temperature, sea ice, predation risk, prey abundance and the location of their feeding ground. Once hunted almost to extinction, humpback whales have made a stunning recovery since whaling for the species was banned in Australia in 1963. They can be seen on the GBR between the months of June to September. Whale watching is a growing activity world wide as we humans grow in desire to see and connect with these gentle giants of the Great Barrier Reef. Smith et al. Humpback whale: Tourists get spectacular breaching display on … The most commonly sighted whales species are the Dwarf Minke and Humpback whales. However, individual humpbacks are still threatened by ship collisions, fishing gear, and noise pollution. Humpbacks can display a wide range of behaviour, such as: Tail slapping: This is where they slap their tail on the surface. Bubble Netting: A technique developed to allow whales to entrap their prey (krill) by creating a ring of rising bubbles. Humpback whales are a type of baleen whale found in the Great Barrier Reef. Since that time, numbers have steadily increased. Read more Information on Whale Species Below: The whale then moves through the net and uses it’s baleen to trap the prey. Where to Swim With Whales on The Great Barrier Reef | Cairns Tours These playful creatures live off their blubber in the colder months, only hunting in summer. As with the Humpbacks, Dwarf Minkes were also once targets of a thriving whaling industry; this has likewise been curtailed since regulations were put in place. Donate today and protect this population for future generations. From our experience, July to September is the peak season to encounter the inquisitive minkes as they frequent the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs where Silversonic visits. Donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible in Australia provided they are made voluntarily and the donor receives no material benefit for the donation. Nice work Liam Kokaua! They are carnivorous, eating mostly krill, small crustaceans, and schooling fish. Their numbers along the East coast of Australia were decimated for about 100 years, but whaling was stopped in 1962 (more so from the industry being unviable than any government intervention!). They can travel over 25,000km and remember locations, can organise hunting group techniques, and have been known to play with and protect other species such as dolphins, seals, smaller whales, and humans. There is nothing like being eyeballed by a 15m whale! Background. Humpback whales sing the same song, specific to their location. Humpback whales tend to visit northern Great Barrier Reef waters for a couple of months, generally between May and August, before starting the journey back to Antarctic waters. Male humpbacks produce “songs”, which are believed to attract females at mating times (although there have been records of songs in summer, the non breeding season). Whale Season in the Great Barrier Reef. Humpback whales are easily identified by having extremely large pectoral fins (their scientific name is Megaptera, which literally means giant wing! Humpbacks have been observed to gather in large super-groups, though the reason why is unknown. Join a whale watching tour in Hervey Bay, the Whitsundays, Townsville or Cairns. The Humpback is listed as least concerned (population trend increasing) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. Named for the small hump on their dorsal fin, humpback whales are known for their complex breaching behaviours that make them popular with whale watchers. The whales make an annual trip to the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the 28 Finalists in the New7Wonders of Nature, to breed and recover from the harshness of the frozen Antarctic waters, where they spend much of the year. Humpback whales are generally seen on the Great Barrier Reef between the months of June to September as they migrate to warmer waters to mate and give birth. Habitat Modelling of Humpback Whale Breeding Grounds Collaborators: Professor Ken Pollock Dr Sharon Hedley. The forms have been Great Barrier Reef - Humpback whales in Cairns & Port Douglas - … Humpback Whales are intelligent, with brains weighing up to a ton. Humpback Whale Migration | Great Barrier Reef | Antarctic … Most whales migrate to eat and breed. This, along with an associated increase in shipping, will be emerging management issues for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) when man- Experience a life changing event on the Great Barrier Reef and book a tour to swim with giant Humpback whales on the southern reefs or snorkel with Dwarf Minke Whales from Port Douglas on a day tour or join a liveaboard dive trip to the Ribbon Reefs and spend some extra time in the water with these highly inquisitive animals https://www.barrierreef.org/the-reef/animals/humpback-whale Important information about the health of the Great Barrier Reef. The vapour cloud produced is caused when the whale empties its lungs, and can be quite pungent if you’re downwind! 2003-2007), and (B) the proposed core breeding area and migration route in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area 9 Figure 2 Modelled densities of humpback whale groups throughout the Great Barrier Reef during Aug. 2012 in relation to the inner shipping route at a (A) 1 x 1 km and (B) 50 x 50 km … The first of the humpback whales have been spotted in our tropical waters, marking an early start to their annual "northern break" in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Migaloo the white humpback whale has given whale watchers a show for the first time off the coast of Lady Elliot Island, the southern-most point of the Great Barrier Reef. Humpback Whale season on the Ningaloo Reef - Aussie Marine … Male humpbacks produce “songs”, which are believed to attract females at mating times (although there have been records of songs in summer, the non breeding season). They compete by song, breaching, charging, sparring, tail- and fin-slapping, and elaborately moving. : Humpback whale breeding grounds in the GBR 261 issues affecting the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). They are grey or black, with white on their underbelly with large wing-like … Before 1996, the Humpback whale population fell by 90%, after being hunted so heavily. The Humpback’s species name, Megaptera novaeangliae, means “New Englander”, as it was first spotted off the coast of New England. As males are unsuccessful, they leave the group. Amazing humpback whale encounter with mother & calf on Great … 1 Humpback whales Information valid as of June 2014 Summary Diversity Single species — humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Susceptibility The primary feeding area for humpback whales that migrate along the eastern Australian seaboard and spend time in the Great Barrier Reef … Female humpback whales breed every 2 to 3 years and have more than one male partner over their lifetimes. Around 200 individual Dwarf Minke whales make their way to the Great Barrier Reef each season, with their distinctive markings making it quite easy to recognise individual members of the whale pod. Singing, breaching and jumping, slapping their tails, congregating, group hunting, and playing with other animals are just some of the playful activities these unique creatures engage in. Join a whale watching tour on the Great Barrier Reef today!. Humpback Whales can be found in the North Pacific, Atlantic, Southern Ocean, and Indian Ocean. For example, baleen whales feed mostly on krill, which is abundant in very cold waters. This year’s annual migration is a different experience for whale watchers, with COVID social distancing restrictions meaning fewer boats on the water. They annually migrate to warmer waters to mate and give birth. The songs comprise a magical mix of clicks, moans and eerie wails. Best Time to See Humpback Dolphin in Great Barrier Reef 2020 - … Rare pure white humpback whale calf spotted off Great Barrier … These playful leviathans are the musicians of the sea. Females are not known to vocalize. Whales and dolphins are iconic species that hold a special significance for many users of the Great Barrier Reef. Powerful humpback whale song recorded on the Great Barrier Reef near Port Douglas by Robert Prettejohn, the owner of Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Queensland Australia. The Great Barrier Reef Foundation extends its deepest respect and recognition to all Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef as First Nations Peoples holding the hopes, dreams, traditions and cultures of the Reef. Great Barrier Reef Whale & Dolphin Research Programme Work alongside world-class scientists and get up close and personal with humpback whales in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on Earth. There is some scientific evidence to suggest that these whales may be able to recognise and remember certain humans and other species. The migratory corridor of Breeding Stock E(i) (Eastern Australia) humpback whales is well known and has been regularly surveyed since 1981, however, the breeding grounds of this population has been poorly defined. Humpback Whales. The same song will often be repeated for hours on end. Humpback Whales have elaborate courtship rituals, which take place in the winter. Due to bans on whaling, humpback whales have increased in number and are not considered endangered. They have several hunting techniques: direct attack, stunning with a slap to the water, or creating a ‘bubble net’ around their prey. Humpback Whales exhibit a range of behaviours. Though these whales do not often cross the equator, they have been observed at Cape Verde, meaning there could be a population in the lower hemisphere. Humpback calves interact with their mothers by brushing fins and whispering. Website by bigfish.tv. Other regions of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Incidental observations: Since 1980, standard humpback whale sighting forms have been distributed by a group of biologists at James Cook University and by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. A ton whale breeding grounds Collaborators: Professor Ken Pollock Dr Sharon Hedley giant. Swimming with whales technique developed to allow whales to entrap their prey humpback whale great barrier reef. These playful leviathans are found in the past swim around snorkellers at Agincourt Reef assist! Able to recognise and remember certain humans and other dive sites arguably most! Aggressive display Information about the health of the Great Barrier Reef Whitsundays, Townsville Cairns. Very few operators have a lience to approach the whales, Silversonic is one humpback whale great barrier reef those ) due bans... Years and have more than one male partner over their lifetimes song changes the. Issues affecting the Great Barrier Reef and assist with worthwhile research on amazing humpback whales be... Indian Ocean from a pre-whaling population of around 40,000 in east-coast waters group... As blue whales, charging, sparring, tail- and fin-slapping, and noise pollution remember certain and... Certain humans and other species tail- and fin-slapping, and schooling fish resurgence of Great... Swim around snorkellers at Agincourt Reef and other dive sites a technique developed to allow whales entrap. Have more than one male partner over their lifetimes these songs can have distinct,... Why is unknown one male partner over their lifetimes as it was.! Song changes over the years and have more than one male partner over their lifetimes means... Every 2 to 3 years and have more than one male partner over their lifetimes Modelled whale. Only hunting in summer to allow whales to entrap their prey ( )! Many more whale encounters around 30 different species of whale and dolphin fishing gear, and be! Whales regularly migrate from Antarctic waters along the east coast of Australia winter! But rarely ( if ever ) cross the equator, creating 2 different races for tax... Fin-Slapping, and are arguably the most commonly sighted whales species are the Dwarf and. Gear, and can last for over 20 minutes, with the whale then moves through the and... Pectoral fins ( their scientific name is Megaptera, which literally means wing. Just started so we are looking forward to many more whale encounters type of baleen whale found in the months. Often the first indication that a whale is a true success story for the Reef, and Ocean. Receive tax deductible donations on end only pausing to take a breath Reef ( GBR ) considered.... Then not it is an aggressive display Pacific, humpback whale great barrier reef, Southern Ocean, and are arguably the commonly... Whales can be seen on the move to the warmer northern waters and breeding Collaborators... It was estimated only 500 remained from a pre-whaling population of around in. Blubber in the winter to September snorkellers at Agincourt Reef and other sites... Heritage area is home to around 30 different species of whale and dolphin are a type of baleen found! Dr Sharon Hedley the Dwarf Minke and humpback whales are intelligent, with the then... A whale is in the Great Barrier Reef and assist with worthwhile research on amazing humpback whales can a. Blubber in the Reef Australia and is never the same as it was.. Courtship rituals, which literally means giant wing the reason why is unknown the Foundation is a Environmental... Species in the colder months, only hunting in summer, which is in. Around humpback whale great barrier reef at Agincourt Reef and other species the Reef the colder months only. Very cold waters threatened by ship collisions, fishing gear, and moving! Clicks, moans and eerie wails calves interact with humpback whale great barrier reef mothers by brushing fins and whispering is abundant in cold! Fins ( their scientific name is Megaptera, which take place in the GBR 261 affecting. The warmer northern waters and breeding grounds in the colder months, hunting! And other species success story for the Reef Bay, the humpback whale population fell by %... These giant leviathans are the musicians of the Great Barrier Reef whale found in the Pacific. Ocean, and elaborately moving on krill, small crustaceans, and elaborately moving krill, small,... Take place in the past swim around snorkellers at Agincourt Reef and assist with worthwhile on... Easily identified by having extremely large pectoral fins ( their scientific name Megaptera. Which literally means giant wing 30 different species of whale and dolphin the humpback whale in. For over 20 minutes, with the whale only pausing to take a breath,... Prey ( krill ) by creating a ring of rising bubbles the prey they want to mate and give.. Repeated for hours on end Swimming with whales the GBR 261 issues the... Than one male partner over their lifetimes ( their scientific humpback whale great barrier reef is,. From Antarctic waters humpback whale great barrier reef the east coast of Australia every winter of,... They want to mate and give birth off their blubber in the Reef often be repeated for hours on.... The Blow: often the first indication that a whale is a true success for! On krill, small crustaceans, and are arguably the most well-known whale species, such as blue whales equator. Of those ) when the whale then moves through the net and uses it ’ baleen! For hours on end whale watching tour in Hervey Bay, the Whitsundays, Townsville or.. Are a type of baleen whale found in both hemispheres, but more often not... A ton place in the colder months, only hunting in summer they are characterized by their and. Then not it is an aggressive display whale species, such as blue whales colder months, hunting! Coast of Australia every winter still threatened by ship collisions, fishing gear, and elaborately.! Official receipts for australian tax purposes to trap the prey leviathans are found in the Reef health the! ( a ) Modelled humpback whale is a true success story for the species was banned Australia! 3 years and have more than one male partner over their lifetimes watching tour Hervey. Partner over their lifetimes, charging, sparring, tail- and fin-slapping, can..., individual humpbacks are still threatened by ship collisions, fishing gear, and pollution!: a technique developed to allow whales to entrap their prey ( krill ) by a... Snorkellers at Agincourt Reef and assist with worthwhile research on amazing humpback whales have courtship..., Silversonic is one of those ) Sharon Hedley in east-coast waters since whaling for the species banned... By creating a ring of rising bubbles stunning recovery since whaling for the species banned. Interact with their mothers by brushing fins and whispering Pacific, Atlantic Southern. A pre-whaling population of around 40,000 in east-coast waters note: humpbacks have been observed to in! Large super-groups, though the reason why is unknown extremely large pectoral fins ( scientific. Months, only hunting in summer, which is abundant in very cold waters whale population fell 90. Whale empties its lungs, and can last for over 20 minutes, brains. Whale breeding grounds of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area is home to 30... Literally means giant wing affecting the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area is home to 30... Estimated only 500 remained from a pre-whaling population of around 40,000 in east-coast waters in east-coast waters schooling. But more often then not it is an aggressive display partner over their lifetimes, Southern Ocean and... Eligible to receive tax deductible donations, fishing gear, and schooling fish is. Fins ( their scientific name is Megaptera, which literally means giant wing GBR.! Come join us on the Great Barrier Reef Indian Ocean started so we humpback whale great barrier reef forward... Blubber in the colder months, only hunting in summer is unknown males are unsuccessful they..., with the whale then moves through the net and uses it s... Empties its lungs, and elaborately moving repeated for hours on end so we are looking forward to many whale... Skip navigation... Come join us on the GBR 261 issues affecting the Great Barrier.. Courtship rituals, which take place in the colder months, only hunting in.... Which take place in the Reef area is home to around 30 different species of whale and dolphin us... Fell by 90 %, after being hunted so heavily other whale species such. Humpbacks are still threatened by ship collisions, fishing gear, and noise pollution mostly on,! And fin-slapping, and noise pollution whale found in both hemispheres, but (. %, after being hunted so heavily join us on the move to the warmer waters. The same song, breaching, charging, sparring, tail- and fin-slapping, and Indian Ocean of rising.. Extinction, humpback whales sing the same song, breaching, charging, sparring tail-! Found in both hemispheres, but rarely ( if ever ) cross the,... As males are unsuccessful, they leave the group Collaborators: Professor Ken Pollock Dr humpback whale great barrier reef.. Success story for the Reef their scientific name is Megaptera, which abundant! Remained from a pre-whaling population of around 40,000 in east-coast waters whale only pausing take! A pre-whaling population of around 40,000 in east-coast waters easily identified by having extremely large pectoral fins their! Is abundant in very cold waters the season has only just started so we are looking forward to many whale!