{"id":188631,"date":"2026-06-04T10:00:26","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T00:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/?p=188631"},"modified":"2026-06-04T11:48:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T01:48:52","slug":"committee-for-lorne-whales-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/news\/committee-for-lorne-whales-again\/","title":{"rendered":"Committee for Lorne: Whales &#8211; again!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As some readers may know, I submit articles for publication in both the Surf Coast Times and the Lorne Independent.\u00a0 The themes are almost always my own choosing, and\u2014where possible\u2014I avoid cross-pollination between the two journals.\u00a0 I also try to avoid repeating the same subject matter.<\/p>\n<p>However, given that our coastal resident population changes over time, some topics warrant an occasional reprise, and our annual pastime of whale watching is one of them.<\/p>\n<p>For those who remember my past dips into this subject &#8230; [1] <em>\u2018Whales are on their way\u2019<\/em> [Lorne Independent: 7\/2022] and [2] <em>\u2018The Mighty Orca\u2019<\/em> [The Surf Coast Times: January 2023], when an orca pod made a non-seasonal and unexpected appearance [admittedly, orcas are not whales at all, but the largest of the dolphin family] &#8230; please forgive the repetition. \u00a0The following article is a revision of the Lorne Independent article from June 2022.<\/p>\n<p>For those new to our whale season, or who are simply passing us by in our winter months, it is time to begin scanning the horizon. \u00a0The whales are\u2014or should be\u2014coming!\u00a0 Astute GOR travellers may soon notice knots of hardy people, dressed warmly against the biting Antarctic wind, gazing out to sea in rapt expectation, with binoculars, cameras, and smartphones at the ready.\u00a0 They will likely be watching whales, dolphins, or diving gannets\u2014and sometimes all three\u2014and the show can be quite exhilarating.<\/p>\n<p>If anyone is seeking additional information, try Googling some of the existing Bass Strait whale-watching sites:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swifft.net.au\/whaleface\/\">https:\/\/www.swifft.net.au\/whaleface\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GreatOceanRoadWhales\/\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GreatOceanRoadWhales\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/visitgreatoceanroad.org.au\/whale-watching\/\">https:\/\/visitgreatoceanroad.org.au\/whale-watching\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These sites are all worth checking and provide helpful information, though some rely on volunteer input and can thus lag behind [or occasionally be at the forefront] of current sightings.\u00a0 The One and Only Lorne Facebook page can generally be relied upon to post whale sightings in real time.<\/p>\n<p>My favourite is the Swifftnet \u2018WhaleFace\u2019 website [<u>note<\/u>: Swifft has two \u2018ff\u2019s] because it takes a scientific approach and documents individual whales by their callosity patterns. \u00a0As the site notes: <em>\u2018&#8230; we call this project WhaleFace because\u00a0it is the unique patterns of white features (called callosities) on the Southern Right Whale\u2019s head that help us identify and follow individual whales.\u2019\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>A Canadian website <a href=\"https:\/\/baleinesendirect.org\/\">https:\/\/baleinesendirect.org\/<\/a> describes the appearance of callosities as follows:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u2018&#8230; they are found at the end of the rostrum [the \u2018beak\u2019 or \u2018snout\u2019 of a whale], on the lower lips and chin, above the eyes and in front of and behind the blowhole. Callosities are peculiar to the \u2018right whales\u2019 <\/em>&#8230; [NB: the Southern Right Whale is the most frequently seen whale around our coast].<em> \u00a0Callosities are\u00a0congenital \u2018growths\u2019, are already present in the foetus and at various prenatal stages, and are not caused by the external environment.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-188635\" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Whale.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"559\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Whale.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Whale-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Whale-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Whale-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Whale-1536x1032.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Whale-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 559px) 100vw, 559px\" \/><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Again, quoting from the same website:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u00a0\u2018&#8230; <\/em><em>callosities are irregular patches of thickened and keratinised tissues and are a habitat for three species of amphipod crustaceans that specialise in right whales.\u00a0 Two of these crustaceans, Cyamis ovalis\u00a0and\u00a0Cyamis gracilis, are white and are found on normal callosities in healthy individuals.\u00a0 The third,\u00a0Cyamis erraticus, is orange and is only found in the wounds of sick or very young whales.\u00a0 These small crustaceans [also called whale lice or cyamids] feed on the whales\u2019 skin and travel from one whale to another by direct contact.\u00a0 They appear to do the whale no harm.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<p>One bonus of these unique and distinctive markings is that, of all whales, they act as ideal \u2018fingerprints\u2019, allowing every whale to be identifiable. \u00a0Individual Southern Right Whales are often allocated a name, are looked for, spotted, and welcomed back each season by that name.<\/p>\n<p>Many coastal whale-ophiles have come to \u2018adopt\u2019 individual whales: \u2018<em>&#8230; look, there is \u2018xxxxxx\u2019 &#8230; <u>my<\/u> whale!<\/em>\u2019 as xxxxxx reappears, season after season. \u00a0Conversely, if xxxxxx is not spotted, its absence can be emotionally disturbing with: <em>\u2018&#8230; I wonder if he\/she is OK?\u2019 \u2014 <\/em>or<em>: \u2018&#8230; I hope something has not happened to him\/her\u2019<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>WhaleFace, with help and encouragement from DELWP [the Department of the Environment, Land, Water and Planning], is chock-full of information about whales. \u00a0If you want to learn more about the Southern Right Whale, you need to go no further than:\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swifft.net.au\/cb_pages\/team_southern_right_whale_south_eastern_australia_monitoring.php\">https:\/\/www.swifft.net.au\/cb_pages\/team_southern_right_whale_south_eastern_australia_monitoring.php<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Two questions are often asked about our two dominant whale species along the eastern seaboard of Australia\u2014the Humpback Whale and the Southern Right Whale.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><u>Why is the Southern Right whale called a \u2018right\u2019 whale?<\/u><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The Australian Museum states that: <em>\u201c&#8230; <\/em><em>the Southern Right Whale was once abundant in the waters of southern Australia, but numbers were drastically reduced during intensive whaling in the 1800s. \u00a0It was called the &#8216;right whale&#8217; as\u00a0it was regarded as\u00a0 the right whale to catch because of its meat and high oil content.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><u>What is the difference between a \u2018right\u2019 whale and a humpback whale?<\/u><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A Southern Right whale does <u>not<\/u> have a dorsal fin on its back and is unique in that it will always \u2018wear\u2019 a distinctive pattern of callosities. \u00a0It is the only whale that does.\u00a0 On the other hand, a Humpback has a small dorsal fin and long pectoral flippers, and they just love to show off their tail flukes. \u00a0Both are similar in size and weight, with adults of both species averaging 12-16m in length and weighing 40-50 tonnes. \u00a0Both species are seasonally present in Australian waters from late April to November [Lorne: most commonly June to October] as they migrate north from their Southern Ocean feeding grounds to mate and calve in the warmer waters of Southern Queensland.<\/p>\n<p>As for dolphins [and an occasional orca family], years ago we would commonly see pods numbering in the hundreds as they chased schools of Bass Strait couta across the horizon. \u00a0Now that the couta have gone, large dolphin pods are rare, though lone animals or small families are quite commonly seen harmlessly enjoying the surf at our Lorne Point alongside and among our local surfers.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, years ago we saw few, if any, whales, yet now they quite frequently meander past each winter. \u00a0While I miss the dolphins, I do rejoice in the whales. \u00a0Deep down, I harbour a hope that\u2014one day\u2014we may be regularly graced with both!<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>John Agar<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Feature Writer<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>A word from the chairman<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The chilly blast of this past week is a sombre reminder that the warmer weather and sunny days we have been experiencing for most of the year will soon be just a memory of the summer of \u201926.<\/p>\n<p>So many of our community are already experiencing the warmer weather of the northern hemisphere.\u00a0 Although some of the despatches back to Lorne are referring to days of extreme heat and it\u2019s not the height of European summer yet.<\/p>\n<p>No doubt more Lorneites (this author amongst them) will make the pilgrimage to the Lorne of the North, Port Douglas, as the cold weather set in.<\/p>\n<p>For those of us who spend most, or all, of winter in Lorne, remember to spare a thought for those local businesses who remain open to serve our community over the coming months.\u00a0 The heady days of the summer season are over.\u00a0 Although this past summer season wasn\u2019t all that flash for reasons of floods and fires, and that\u2019s all the more reason to \u201cspend local\u201d.\u00a0 The businesses in Lorne provide a terrific service to us and we are very fortunate to have such variety and diversity.\u00a0 Most of our hospitality businesses now offer meal specials for Locals.\u00a0 In fact, there a sufficient of them on offer at the moment that you could eat out well for a reasonable price on every night of the week!\u00a0 Might be a bit of overkill , but you know what I\u2019m getting at \u2013 your support of our local businesses over these quieter times is just one more indication of the great community in which we live.<\/p>\n<p>***<\/p>\n<p>The Lorne Market on the Foreshore, run by Lorne p-12 College is on this Saturday.\u00a0 It\u2019s worth your while to stop by, taste some delicious feed and pick up some goodies from the wide array of stallholders.<\/p>\n<p>Proceeds from the Market are used by the school to help fund projects at the school.\u00a0 Recent projects include the Avenue of Honour, new Adventure Playground equipment and exercise equipment.\u00a0 A walk along Smith St past the School will showcase all these projects.\u00a0 Out of school hours, the adventure playground and exercise equipment is available to the whole community.\u00a0 With no locked gates and fences, Lorne P-12 College truly is an integral part of our wider community.\u00a0 When you have a look at these features in Smith St, take a moment to consider that every project is carried out with deep involvement from the students.\u00a0 The result is outstanding.\u00a0 The students have a real sense of ownership.\u00a0 There are now over 200 students at Lorne P-12 College and they come from as far away as Birregurra, Winchelsea and Anglesea.\u00a0 Lorne P-12 College is now regarded as the school of choice in the region.\u00a0 When you visit the market on Saturday, say hello to the staff and volunteers at the Lorne P-12 tent.\u00a0 Their enthusiasm and commitment to the task is incredible.\u00a0 Then go for a shop around the market knowing that by supporting this venture, you are helping Lorne P-12 to be such an amazing asset in our Community.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pete Spring<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Deputy Chair, Committee for Lorne<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>(STILL standing in for Chairman John Higgins who is STILL swanning around in Europe.\u00a0 Not even a Postcard!)<\/strong><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Lorne Ward Events Calendar<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><strong>June<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><strong>LAAC Fishing Comp No. 4,<\/strong>\u00a0Weigh-in cut off 12.30pm. Free roast lunch for members &amp; competitors, presentations will all be held at Stribling Reserve downstairs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>20<\/strong><strong><em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><strong>Lorne Dolphins F<\/strong><strong>ootball and Netball V Western Eagles,\u00a0<\/strong>at Stribling Reserve, juniors match from 8:45am, seniors at 2pm<\/p>\n<p><strong>20\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Deans Marsh Winter Solstice,\u00a0<\/strong>Coming together for food, song and dance, we pause and joyfully celebrate the longest of nights. 5-9pm at Deans Marsh Hall &amp; carpark<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As some readers may know, I submit articles for publication in both the Surf Coast Times and the Lorne Independent.\u00a0 The themes are almost always my own choosing, and\u2014where possible\u2014I avoid cross-pollination between the two journals.\u00a0 I also try to avoid repeating the same subject matter. However, given that our coastal resident population changes over [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/news\/committee-for-lorne-whales-again\/\">Read More&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":149,"featured_media":188630,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-188631","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Committee for Lorne: Whales - again! - Surf Coast Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Whale watching season has arrived on the Great Ocean Road. 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