Last week’s ‘words from the chairman’ of the Committee for Lorne were about whales. In a not very surprising coincidence, an opportunity to learn more about them, including ways we can contribute to their welfare, comes up on 8 June in a Webinar organised by the Friends of Lorne.
Mandy Watson, a scientist from DELWP in Warrnambool, who has been monitoring and protecting whales in Victoria for over 25 years, will speak followed by Q&A. Mandy’s work includes photo-identification of southern right whales.
The large whales that we are most likely to see around Lorne are classed as threatened species in Victoria, starting at the relatively low level of ‘vulnerable’ (humpback whales), to ‘critically endangered’ (blue whales and southern right whales). Although the populations of all species have increased since they became protected, there is no room for complacency.
Water temperatures, just like air temperatures, are increasing because of climate change. And just as temperature affects wind systems and food supply on land, so too does it affect ocean currents and food supply in the sea. So what?
Two relatively recent whale appearances and non-appearances may have been influenced by climate change. The appearance was the out of season sighting of blue whales at Easter in feeding grounds off Portland. This was not an early start to the whale season, but a late end to the usual blue whale season which is in summer. The non-appearance was of calving, southern right whales at Warrnambool last winter.
Female southern right whales usually return to the same place every three years to calve. So, 2017’s whales were expected again in 2020. Why didn’t they show up? Is this just a glitch or is it a warning?
Mandy comments “What’s possible is that the calving cycle has extended because of some sort of adverse event arising from climate change, such as a change in food distribution or availability.”
If the breeding cycle has increased from three years to four years, then the breeding females from 2017 should reappear this year, 2021. Mandy is concerned that any extension of the calving cycle is a red flag for the recovery of the species, because a longer breeding-cycle means a slower recovery of population numbers.
Although the presence of whales at any time of year is welcomed by the tourist industry, atypical behaviours are a cause for concern among scientists.
To learn more about whale protection and conservation, and how you can help, come to the free webinar with Mandy on Tuesday 8th June at 7 pm. You have to register in advance to receive the link (www.friendsoflorne.com.au).
You can scan the QR code on this article with your smartphone to access the Friends of Lorne website and register for the Webinar.
Email committee@friendsoflorne.org.au for more information, especially if you have not watched a Zoom talk before and need to be sure you can get it to work for you.
Mary Lush
Friends of Lorne
