***Apologies for the multiple cross postings***
Some of you may be aware of the large congregation of Sperm Whales off Eden
that have been reported over the past few weeks (some details of a recent
trip are below from Pete Constable). Many other species have also been seen
including Pilot Whales, False Killers, Orcas, Common and both Bottlenose
Dolphin species.
I'm trying to organise a day trip this Sunday to try to find some of these
animals. Details - including the boat we use and whether we depart from
Eden or Merrimbula - will be decided when I get an idea of numbers. But the
cost is going to be around $100 for a full day (7am to 5pm or so) at sea.
I've no idea what the weather will be doing yet, which may throw a spanner
in the whale watching works (as it did this Sunday). But if we do go we'll
be spending most of our time on the edge of the continental shelf so there
should be a few interesting birds around too.
Can you let me know ASAP if you are interested and I'll confirm the boat
and let you know more details.
cheers
Jon Hall
ACT regional office
ABS
02 6207 0283 - phone
02 6207 0282 - fax
Hi all,
Pete has sent this improved email with added info.
please ignore all previous emails as this one is correct
The Data goes as such for the weekend. 23rd & 24th April 2005, 2 clear
sunny days, millpond water conditions and a water temp of 19.5 - 21.8
degrees. Ove r 100 Sperm whales estimated by observations of 2 fishing
charter Boats from Freedom Charters out of Eden at 36:54-56 Sth -
150:23-25
East. A pod of 13 Killers at 37:09 Sth - 150:19 East (sighted by Manfred
on
a fishing trip on Connemara) & a Pod of 6 Rissos at 36:48 Sth - 150:17 E
sighted by Broadbill out of Merimbula.
Tuesday 26th April, Departing Merimbula on Sea Eagle skippered by John
Matterson on a very cloudy, but mild day with 1/2 meter swell & some chop.
The first encounter was 70 Commons dolphins at 36:54 Sth - 150:04 E in a
water temp of 19.7 followed by 2 False Killer Whales at 36:53 Sth - 150:11
E. Next came approx 50 Sperm Whales at 36:54 to 36:57 Sth - 150:22 to
150:24 E. Water Temp 21.8. The group from Maquarie Uni took 19 core
samples
from the Commons & 21 samples from the Sperm Whales for DNA testing. It
was
interesting working with a very professional outfit even if my phone drove
them mad whilst trying to l iase with Dave Donnelly to organise a trip for
the next day. The animals were logging in singles & upwards to groups of
12. An excellent day thanks Merimbula Marina, Matto & the group from
Maquarie Uni.
Wednesday 27th April, a group of 11 people, including Jenny Robb, Kelvin
Aitken, John Ford, Chris Lekos & Bronwyn ? Jason Edwards (who stood up for
some of the trip) Lyn & Alan Scrymingeour, Gary & Collette? & myself
chartered 'Connemara' of Freedom Charters out of Eden, skippered by
Manfred
& crewed by Rosie Smith. We went out of Twofold Bay & came across 30 plus
Common Dolphins at 37:04 Sth - 150:00 E. Shortly after we sighted 3 Rissos
Dolphins at 35:53 Sth - 150:12 E Water temp 21.8. We proceeded to the
Northern most point where the large pod of Sperm Whales that had been
sighted over the last 5 weeks, had been seen. Turning due South, we then
proceeded till we came across a lone Minke whale. A good but breif
sighting
at 36:55 Sth - 150:24 E. 12 miles later, we found the pod of approximately
50 Sperm Whales at 37:02 to 37:30 Sth - 150:24 to 150:25. What started as
a
calm but very cloudy day, turned into the most beautiful day on earth to
reveal a very placid initial pod of 14 Sperm whales. These animals
absolutely wowed everyone with spyhopping, spouting, lunging, rolling,
tails etc. It was probably the most exquisite couple of minutes I have
ever
had with Whales, in my 9 years of filming Cetaceans. We had 3 hours with
various sized groups of the 50 odd whales, up till a perfect sunset scene,
leaving 15 minutes prior to total sunset towards home where we came across
a large group in excess of 80 Common Dolphins. Spectacular shots taken by
3
professional stills photographers on board should reveal some great photos
for the days activities. The atmosphere on the boat was very high & all on
board were treated to a brilliant day on The Sapph ire Coast, which is
fast
becoming the Cetacean Mecca of Australia. 4 species in one day. Well done
Freedom Charters, Manfred, Rosie & John.
Cheers PC
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