Whale experts around Australia ponder multiple strategies to encourage two humpback whales out of a river in Kakadu National Park, as concerns grow over the risk of a stranding in the murky river, where crocodiles are common.
A team of whale experts from around Australia are considering how to shepherd two humpback whales out of Kakadu's East Alligator River, as concerns mount over the risk of a possible stranding.One expert believes the whales are likely lost and confused by the murky conditionsNorthern Territory Government scientist Dr Carol Palmer is part of the emergency response to guide the whales out of the river.
The NT team will try to tag one of the whales to better monitor its movement in the coming days before deciding on what interventions will be required. It is the first time in recorded history that humpbacks have been seen 20 kilometres upriver in Kakadu.An exclusion zone for all boats is in place for 30 kilometres upstream from the river mouthDr Vanessa Pirotta is a marine scientist who specialises in whales."Unlike dolphins, these whales do not have echo location. So they may be navigating using sight and sound, and this makes it difficult for the whale to navigate," she said.
The NT Government and federal authorities have set up a boat exclusion zone along the river to protect the whales.Dr Pirotta said one reason we could be seeing humpbacks in the East Alligator River was because they were natural explorers.
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