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Pod of Humpback Whales Halts Sydney Ferries in Peak Migration Surge

Scientists warn that warming oceans pose new threats to whales on their 10,000km migration

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Overview

  • Thousands of humpback whales are migrating from Antarctic feeding grounds to breeding waters along Australia’s east and west coasts this season.
  • A pod of three to four whales entered Sydney Harbour on Monday, pausing Freshwater ferry services for about five minutes.
  • Interactive maps released by the WWF and global research groups reveal shipping lanes, fishing nets and noise pollution as hazards along the migration route.
  • Researchers report shifts in migration patterns with calves now being born further south off Tasmania and New Zealand due to rising sea temperatures.
  • Conservation initiatives are trialling modified fishing gear and calling for stronger marine protected areas to reduce entanglements and vessel strikes.