"Scotch Mist"

As we head out of Princess Royal Harbour, Bernie calls us up and tells us that 2 whales have been seen half way between Michaelmas Island and the Safe Water Marker. Its calm in King George Sound but I can see the white water on the south western end of Breaksea so I am pleased to learn of the whales position. We put the hammer down and over take our competitor as we leave the channel. We arrive at the whales after most people have enjoyed a coffee and are now ready with their camera poised. We find the 2 whales heading out and at times after they have taken a dive they surface close to the boat. We stay with these whales as they head over towards Bald Head. Now the scotch mist moves in and people comment that they are pleased we have a roof over our heads. We are getting close to the outer limits of King George Sound so we leave the whales and head over to Breaksea Island and check out some lazy New Zealand fur seals. We travel the length of Breaksea and then head over towards the northern side of  Michaelmas Island and then along the coast towards home. Hoping to find a quiet Southern Right whale laying close into the shore. No luck. When will we see the large numbers of Southern Rights like last year?
"Master of the Vessel Silver Star II"
Paul Guest

Southern Right Whales

21st June would have to be the earliest I can remember that a southern right whale has mad an appearance in King George Sound. Today my phone started ringing at around 7am with a local fisherman on the line, telling me that they had been stopped in Emu Point channel, by a very quiet and large southern right whale. We investigated but could not find it, so headed south, app-on hearing reports of an unidentified whale being being seen off flat rock. A  small humpback joined us for some time. Children on board could not believe how big it was bit were even more amazed when I told them that it was just a juvenile and that humpbacks get to be twice that size and weigh up to 45 tonne. Bernie our spotter called us on the radio to inform us that the southern right had been spotted just off Marine Drive. We did find her on our return journey back to the marina. We stayed with her for about 20 minutes  and in that time she just surfaced a couple of times. We say "her " as it is my belief that the southern right whale is most likely a cow looking for a quiet bay to give berth to her bouncing baby.
 
Master of the vessel Paul Guest