Orcas Kill Time Awaiting Humpback Snack

Thursday, August 20, 2009
WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - There were predators in the ocean off Wollongong yesterday morning - but there was no need to sound the shark alarm.

The distinctive dorsal fins of the Orcinus orca, better known as the killer whale, were spotted off Austinmer Beach about 6am and again about 8.45am at North Wollongong Beach.

Eager whale watchers gathered at both sites, hoping to catch a glimpse as the pod headed south.

The whales were in search of their favourite food, humpbacks. Humpback whales typically head for cooler Antarctic waters this time each year to feed.

Jervis Bay Marine Park ranger Frances Clements said orcas tended to follow their noses rather than any set pattern.

"Their migration depends on where their prey is," she said.

"Particularly at the top of their menu would be baby humpbacks."

She said it was impossible to know if the whales sighted yesterday were the same as those seen cruising past the entrance to Sydney Harbour on Tuesday, as multiple pods could be present.

While swimmers needn't worry about an encounter with a killer whale, Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre PhD student Wally Franklin said orca attacks on humpbacks could be vicious.

"They work together, they work as a team and can be quite violent," he said. "It's been estimated that one in 10 humpback whales have some kind of marking from an orca attack."

Ms Clements said it was a rare treat to see orcas in the wild, even if their intentions were predatory.

"It's a really great thing to see them. Everyone's excited."

Source: The Illawarra Mercury