DELWP natural environment program officer Mandy Watson said it had been “a relatively quiet season for the critically endangered species across Victoria.” 

She said the southern right whales that were spotted frequenting our shorelines from May to September had now migrated south for the summer.

Ms Watson said whale reports had been received across the state from Portland to Lakes Entrance.

A total of five cow-calf pairs were recorded in Victorian waters with most of those sightings occurring in the Portland area, along with several other adult whales engaged in mating and socialising.

“It’s hoped that this is a sign of longer term recovery for the species into what was historically a very important area for the giant mammals,” Ms Watson said. 

The last confirmed sighting at Logans Beach was on September 14 where a cow – calf pair was reported. Cow-calf pairs were spotted at Portland (September 17 and 21) and Narrawong (September 18).

She said keen wildlife photographers contributed photos to the research catalogue for DELWP’s Southern Right Whale photo-identification research program, and assisted during the four-day rescue operation to free an entangled whale near Portland in August.

“We would like to thank all of the whale watch volunteers and data contributors who provided information to support the Southern Right Whale research program this year.” 

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