NSW: Whale settles into Sydney Harbour

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-1999
NSW: Whale settles into Sydney Harbour

SYDNEY, Aug 22 AAP - Thousands of onlookers gathered on boats and on the foreshores of
Sydney Harbour today to catch a glimpse at the harbour's newest resident -- a southern right
whale.

The whale, which is believed to be pregnant, spent its fifth day frolicking off Sydney's
shores and National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) officers say it's likely she would give
birth in the harbour area.

A NPWS spokeswoman said the whale spent most of today in Middle Harbour wowing spectators
near Balmoral and Reef beaches.

The spokeswoman said the whale's behaviour was consistent with a female getting ready to
calve.

"She has been off the coast of Sydney or in the harbour for five days now, and that is
quite unusual ... usually they will come in for a few hours or half a day and then go again,"
she said.

"The fact that she is hanging around is the behaviour you would expect from a pregnant
female who is looking for calm, shallow waters to calve."

A whale last calved off Sydney's coastline in 1993, near the northern beaches.

The spokeswoman said officers today were kept busy on the harbour, ensuring hundreds of
boats kept at least 100m away from the whale.

The whale was first spotted off Bondi Beach last Wednesday and NPWS officers say they are
continuing to investigate the possible prosecution of at least two surfers who reportedly
approached the whale and tried to ride it.

Boat owners have been warned to keep at least 100 metres away from the whale, so as not to
distress it, or face fines of up to $110,000.

AAP nd/arb/de

KEYWORD: WHALE NIGHTLEAD

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