Humpback whales surge in population, disrupting Sydney water traffic

Australia is currently witnessing a remarkable phenomenon where Sydney's harbor serves as a migration route for humpback whales, as they journey from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to breeding areas off the Queensland coast. This migration occurs during winter, particularly in June and July, when it is common for these majestic creatures to come into close proximity with urban life, sometimes halting water traffic due to their sheer size and curiosity. Humpback whales, which can reach lengths of 16-17 meters and weigh up to 40 tonnes, are often spotted by residents of Sydney as they engage in incredible aerial displays. This close interaction is unprecedented, as fewer than a thousand whales existed before they were declared a protected species in 1963. Today, their numbers have rebounded dramatically to about 40,000, which has resulted in increased encounters with boats and fishing nets. Local wildlife scientists, such as Dr. Vanessa Pirotta from Macquarie University, are studying this unprecedented return of humpbacks to the area. They note that these whales are incredibly curious animals, often found breaching the surface in urban settings where people can easily observe them during routine activities, such as morning walks or coffee runs. Sightings of famous individual whales, like Migaloo, the all-white humpback, have also become a part of the local culture. However, this increased visibility and interaction with humans bring challenges. As their population grows, concerns are rising regarding entanglements with fishing gear and potential collisions with vessels. Additionally, changing environmental factors, such as overfishing of krill and the effects of climate change, could be influencing their migratory patterns. This situation presents both opportunities for public engagement in whale conservation as well as the need for thoughtful measures to coexist with these giants of the sea.