Whale of a time in Byron Bay

IT’S been a bumper start to the whale season in Byron Bay, with

regular sightings of playful humpbacks breaching and spy-hopping as they make their annual migration.

Local tour operators are reporting spectacular whale activity, but there have also been concerns about entanglements. Crews remain vigilant, ready to assist whales caught in fishing or shark nets as the animals journey north from Antarctica to Queensland to mate and give birth.

Wild Byron Sea Safaris captain Glenn Sanders said the season so far has been phenomenal, with a run of calm seas and gentle winds in early June creating ideal conditions.

“From the very first sighting, our guests have been treated to an abundance of majestic whales cruising, breaching and tail-slapping their way northward,” he said. “Dolphins often join the party and curious whales sometimes glide right alongside our vessels.”

Wild Byron, which departs from Brunswick Heads, partners with several research organisations focused on marine life conservation and whale behaviour. These include a University of NSW study on neonate humpback whales that revealed a significantly extended calving range. The findings are now being used by state and federal agencies to help protect vulnerable whale calves.

Byron Bay Whale Watching director Joshua James also described the past few weeks as outstanding.

“It’s been really good in terms of numbers,” he said. “There’s been lots of juveniles and adults heading up and they have been really active, quite inquisitive and coming into the bay. It’s been a bit windy, so they have been breaching a bit.”

Mr James, a marine scientist whose tours depart from The Pass, said that while whale watching tours offer an unforgettable experience, land-based viewing is also worthwhile.

“Up at the lighthouse is a great place to look for them,” he said. “If you want to be sure, go on a windy day when they are more active.”