In an extremely rare wildlife encounter, passengers on a ferry cruising Sydney Harbor were treated to the incredible sight of a juvenile Antarctic minke whale swimming right alongside their boat. The unusual appearance of this cold-water species in the warm waters near Australia’s biggest city has scientists intrigued and speculating about the implications.
Video captured by the Cronulla and National Park Ferry Service shows the distinctive dark grey and white coloration of the 4-5 meter long minke whale as it surfaces next to the ferry approaching Bundeena wharf on Monday morning. Gasps of surprise and delight can be heard from those on board at the once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience unfolding before them.
A Whale Out of Place
Antarctic minke whales, as their name suggests, are typically found in the frigid waters around Antarctica. They undertake long migrations to tropical breeding grounds but a sighting this close to Sydney is “very, very rare” according to marine scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta.
“I have never seen one in Sydney Harbor, it’s really unusual to see them in the warm waters off Sydney”
– Dr Vanessa Pirotta, wildlife scientist at Macquarie University
Dr Pirotta said the age and size of this individual suggests it may be following humpback whales on their southerly migration but something has gone amiss. The juvenile may have become disoriented or strayed from the usual Antarctic minke migration route.
Is Climate Change to Blame?
While more data would be needed to say definitively, Dr Pirotta believes climate change and warming oceans could potentially be influencing the migration patterns and distribution of minke whales and other species. As their usual feeding and breeding habitats undergo change, more animals may venture beyond their typical ranges.
“We can’t say directly, but with all the changes we’re seeing in the marine environment such as warming oceans and shifting currents, that could potentially be influencing where the whales are traveling to.”
– Dr Vanessa Pirotta
Keeping an Eye on the Unusual Visitor
The ferry company notified the relevant authorities to monitor the health and safety of the whale. Experts will attempt to collect identification photos to see if this same individual has been spotted before. They also urge boaters to keep their distance to avoid distressing the animal.
While just one sighting doesn’t necessarily indicate a trend, scientists say occurrences like this underscore the need to carefully monitor whale populations and factor climate change into species conservation efforts. More frequent surveys and tracking may help determine if warming seas are increasingly driving Antarctic minke whales and other species off-course.
Antarctic Minke Whales at a Glance
- Size: Up to 10 meters long, 5-6 tons
- Lifespan: Up to 50 years
- Range: Typically the Southern Hemisphere from Antarctica to the equator
- Diet: Mainly krill and small fish
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Antarctic minke whale populations were heavily impacted by commercial whaling in the 20th century. While they have fared better than some other species and are now protected, climate change and other human impacts continue to pose a threat to their recovery. Sightings like this juvenile’s adventure in Sydney Harbor may become more commonplace as the whales contend with a rapidly changing ocean environment.
