Breaches, close-up encounters and a whole lot of humpbacks — Ulladulla’s ORRCA whale census delivered on all fronts this year.
Local volunteers responded to the callout for help, gathering before sunrise on Sunday 28 June at Warden Head Lighthouse for the annual count, part of ORRCA’s (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia) statewide census day.
“We sighted 140 whales at Ulladulla between sunrise and sunset — all humpbacks, plus lots of dolphins and a few seals too,” said local ORRCA pod leader Marianne Cool.
“Lots of people braved the wet and cold conditions, including lots of ORRCA volunteers from the local pod. We got lucky that we had some whales come in real close, plus some breaches too.”
Across the state, 1,950 whales were recorded at 27 census sites — a result ORRCA President Ashley Ryan says reflects growing public interest in marine conservation and the remarkable comeback of the humpback population.
“Every sighting helps strengthen our understanding of whale movements, behaviours and migration trends, while also supporting the rescue and research work ORRCA undertakes throughout the year,” Ryan said.
All sightings were logged through ORRCA’s online reporting platform, feeding directly into research used to protect these animals year-round.
ORRCA is entirely volunteer-run, and plays a critical role in the rescue, research and welfare of whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs in Australian waters.
Spot a whale, dolphin or seal in trouble? Call the ORRCA 24/7 Rescue Hotline on (02) 9415 3333.