Humpback cow and calf off Cable Beach, Broome
A whale and dolphin survey released today shows the area between Gourdon Bay and Camden Sound is globally significant critical habitat for the Kimberley Humpback Whales.
“Kimberley Humpback Whales are now considered to be the largest single population of Humpbacks in the world and should be regarded as one of our national treasures” said marine researcher Richard Costin.
The highest concentration of whales was recorded on 2nd of August, 2009 between Willie Creek and James Price Point north of Broome with 18 whales recorded per hour of sighting effort.
The highest concentration of whales in Camden Sound, recently proposed as a marine park by the WA Government, was recorded on the 14th of July with 10 whales per hour of sighting effort.
The area between Broome and the Lacepede Islands, which includes James Price Point, is as significant as Camden Sound as a calving and resting area for Humpback Whales.
The survey recorded 582 pods of whales which represented 969 whales including 98 calves.
There was a high percentage (28%) of calves in the Broome area between the 1st of September and the 17th of September showing its significance as a maternity area.
“Australia has an international obligation to protect the whales and their habitat and the WA Government have a unique opportunity to do that right now by putting in place a world class marine reserve along the Kimberley coast” said Mr Costin.
The report is available at www.kimberleywhales.com.au
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
