A Nelson Bay boatie made a surprising discovery in the bay on Monday – whales.
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Wayne Lang was out on his boat when he spotted two whales in the middle of the bay, between Little Beach and Barnes Rock, about midday.
Frank Future, a whale lover and tourism operator of Imagine Cruises, said it was not uncommon to see whales inside heads – the Tomaree (Nelson Bay side) and Yacaaba (Tea Gardens side) headlands.
“This time of year it’s more common to see because the mothers are bringing their calves through,” Mr Future said.
“We saw our first mother and baby going south yesterday (Tuesday).
“We’re expecting over 2000 baby whales in the next six weeks.”
Mr Future said mother whales will bring their calves into the bay if they are exhausted or if there are threats such as sharks.
As for the white whale Migaloo, Imagine Cruises is keeping a keen eye out for him.
Migaloo was sighted on his southern migration in waters off the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Imagine posted on its Facebook page that it believes Migaloo should pass Port Stephens “just in time for the beginning of the school holidays”.
However, Mr Future said Migaloo tended to go out wide to take advantage of the East Australian Current rather than come close to the Heads.
“We’ll certainly be keeping a good look out for him, that’s for sure,” Mr Future said.