Mother and calf.
Camera IconMother and calf. Credit: Supplied/Kyle Gillespie

All’s whale and good at Marmion Marine Park

Mark DonaldsonJoondalup Times

YOU might say it’s been a ‘worthwhale’ visit to Marmion Marine Park for ocean onlookers this week.

Snap-happy Waterman Bay’s visitors have a had a field day in light of the arrival of a Southern Right whale and calf in local waters.

Komocean.com.au lensman Kyle Gillespie captured one of the more detailed images (above) of the pair basking in the sunlight.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Local resident Douglas Coughran was also among the crowd with camera in hand.

The Waterman’s whales. Douglas Coughran
Camera IconThe Waterman’s whales. Douglas Coughran Credit: Supplied/Supplied

And birdzeyeview.com‘s Jaxon Roberts landed some impressive aerial footage, which can be seen below.

The mammals arrived just in time for Perth’s whale watching season, which begins at the end of August and runs through to December.

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions marine park coordinator Mel Evans reminded whale watchers to keep a safe distance from the creatures.

She said disturbing them could cause distress.

“Southern right whales will spend considerable amounts of time resting near the surface of the water close to shore if they are left alone. If they are subject to frequent disturbance, they are likely to leave the area,” she said.

“The mother and calf appear to be in excellent physical condition and are displaying normal behaviours like spy hopping, logging and waving.

“Viewing whales is best done from the higher vantage points on the mainland, rather than from vessels which are required to remain a safe distance of at least 100m from the animal.”

She said fines of up to $10,000 applied for interfering with whales.

Swimming with whales could only be done with a licensed commercial tour operator off the Ningaloo Reef.

MORE: Two injured following southern suburbs police chase

MORE: Two men charged after graffiti attack on Supreme Court

MORE: Burns attack victim Dana Vulin says she has ‘no time to hate’

MORE: All star line-up for Falls Downtown revealed