Urgent call for caution: boat strikes pose grave threat to confirmed humpback nursery in Moreton Bay
Groundbreaking research from Griffith University on Quandamooka Sea Country reveals a sobering reality alongside its nursing humpback calves: multiple whales bearing propeller scars.
For a vulnerable calf, a collision can leave lasting trauma or even be fatal.
New footage from suction cup cameras on humpback whales reveals a consistent number of mum-and-bub pairs resting at the surface and socialising in the shallow waters of Moreton Bay. This confirms Moreton Bay as a key resting and nursing zone for humpback whales on their vast migratory paths, leading researchers to advocate for slower speeds and more caution from the State government when re-zoning Moreton Bay.
Whales resting in shallow waters. Photo: Amanda Dawson
With high vessel traffic in the warmer months of their southern migration season, please slow down to protect these gentle giants with babies in tow. From August to December, slow down in Moreton Bay to ensure the bay remains a safe nursery.
The study was performed as a collaboration between Griffith University and the University of Hawaii, in partnership with Quandamooka Traditional Owners and industry partners including Port of Brisbane, DHI, Stradbroke Flyer, and Healthy Land & Water. Healthy Land & Water supports this work as part of our broader Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program, painting a clearer picture of South East Queensland's diverse ecosystem health.
