A humpback whale was recently sighted in Sydney Harbour, captivating both tourists and locals while temporarily disrupting ferry services in Circular Quay. The majestic creature put on quite a display, prompting an immediate response from NSW maritime crews, who worked to escort it back out to sea.
Marine scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta confirmed the sighting on social media, highlighting the stunning visual while noting the challenges it posed for navigation among boats in the harbour. Authorities, including the New South Wales Water Police, Port Authority, and Transport for NSW, advised all vessels in the area to keep a vigilant watch for the whale and ensure it could move safely back into the open ocean.
The whale is part of a larger migration of approximately 40,000 humpback whales journeying from Australia’s east coast to Queensland to mate and give birth. This annual trek spans about 10,000 kilometres, starting around April and concluding near Queensland by November, as reported by the Department of the Environment and Water Resources. During migration season, sightings of whales along the NSW coast are common, with another instance reported earlier this month when two whales were seen breaching near Lennox Head.
This remarkable event not only provided a spectacle for onlookers but emphasized the importance of ensuring marine life can safely traverse their migratory paths, amidst increasing human activity in coastal waters.