Article DetailsKiller whales visit |
| Date Added: August 27, 2008 10:29:33 PM |
| Author: |
| Category: Natural Heritage |
| A pod of killer whales has been spotted by Batemans Marine Park staff in the Sanctuary Zone south east of Montague Island in the last few days.
Senior Marine Park officer Julian Brown said killer whales were seen in the same waters this time last year. He said there was clearly one male in this year's visitors with his extra large dorsal fin quite visible. "In recent times killer whales have become infrequent visitors to the NSW coast, due in part to a reduction in their prey from historic whale and seal harvesting," he said. "It is the first time I have seen killer whales in the wild and I feel exceptionally privileged. The killer whales looked fully grown. They can grow up to ten metres in length - weigh as much as six tonnes and live as long as 80 years - they are truly remarkable creatures." "There were a few seals in the water the day we saw the whales and I bet they were not quite as happy as us to see these magnificent creatures." Mr Brown said killer whales are protected in NSW and like all other whales there are regulations governing the public's approach to the whales. For more information call the Batemans Marine Park office on 4476 4800. Media release: 26 August 2008 |
