Encounter Marine Park attracts the crowds for whale watching and caring for the environment
Encounter Marine Park didn't disappoint the hundreds of local and international tourists, volunteers and staff during the whale season, giving everyone something to spout on about.
Rangers were on hand at Bashams Beach to chat to the public about the whales they were watching.
Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges spokesperson said a pop-up day at Middleton allowed rangers to share their knowledge of the marine park and its inhabitants.
"We had more than 150 local and international tourists keen to know more. The whales even 'popped-up' to attend too," spokesperson said.
As part of marine park celebrations, the South Australian Whale Centre at Victor Harbor hosted whale-focused events, including Whale Discovery Days and The Science Behind Southern Right Whales, attracting more than 400 people.
Two sets of Mothers' and Calf have been in the Encounter Marine Park between Port Elliot and Middleton for many weeks. Photo courtesy the SA Whale Centre.
Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges (AMLR) Volunteer Support Officer Rachel Godoy said even wild weather one day couldn't put a dampener on the 35 enthusiastic volunteers, who attended the Friends of Granite Island planting day and managed to get nearly 600 plants in the ground.
"Strong winds meant no vehicles could cross the causeway, but that didn't stop Natural Resources AMLR staff, rangers and volunteers from wheelbarrowing all the equipment - and some very welcome warm soup - to the planting site," Ms Godoy said.
The Sea Shepherd Marine Debris Team also hosted a clean-up at Port Noarlunga, and in just two hours, participants collected 3815 pieces of debris, including 1060 cigarette butts.
Ms Godoy said that so far this season, two southern right whale calves have been born in Encounter Bay.
To find out about joining Friends of Granite Island, contact the Victor Harbor office of Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges on 8552 0300.
AMLR Parks and Wildlife Manager Richard de Groot and Natural Resources AMLR Volunteer Support Coordinator Rachel Godoy make an urgent soup run to Granite Island to deliver hot soup to hard working volunteers.
SA Whale Centre co-ordinator Ben Boothby said a number of whales had been sighted this season with the first whale sightings starting in March.
"They were mainly of Humpback whales who are quite transient and do not stay in the Encounter Bay area long because they are travelling up either the east or west coast to places like Broome and Hervey Bay," Mr Boothby said.
"We had limited sightings at the start of the season in May of Southern Right Whales and in most cases we watched them for a couple of days and then they were gone. Thankfully 13 weeks ago, female Southern Right Whale Anu, that has been here before, gave birth to a calf now called Fletcher and he and Mum have been here every day since.
"They were then joined by Nettie, another returned female whom gave birth to Emmett six weeks ago and they too have utilised the Encounter Marine Park as their chosen nursery area. We expect Anu and calf to leave fairly soon, but hope Nettie and calf are here for a few weeks longer."
Mr Boothby said compared to the last two years, numbers overall have been down of whale sightings, but each day has been quite consistent since both Cow and Calf pairs moved in.
"The most we have had on any one day was eight Southern Right Whales along our coastline. Along the other parts of SA, the Head Of The Bight had up to 102 Southern Right Whales at one point, Fowlers Bay had over 50, Sleaford Bay near Port Lincoln had up to 10 at a time also. It is cyclic, so perhaps it was our turn for low numbers this year and we hope next year is better," Mr Boothby said.
Popular pastime for all ages is watching the whales that are attracted to the waters of the south coast. Photo courtesy the SA Whale Centre.
The SA Whale Centre is also holding a school holiday program titled 'A Chip off the Old Rock'. The program runs from October 1 to 10, 2pm to 3pm, each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week. It is an opportunity to discover where sand comes from, what it is used for and why it is important.
"It is hands on fun for kids with experiments, sand art and creating a musical instrument," Mr Boothby said.
Cost is $8 for children and $4.50 for adults. To book or for more information on the SA Whale Centre including a role as a volunteer, contact 8551 0750 or www.sawhalecentre.eventbrite.com
The SA Whale Centre is always in need of more volunteers.