Freedom III moved into her new berth today ready for the first whale watching on the Fraser Coast for the 2012 season on Saturday 21st July. It’s not such a long walk along the jetty as we are just near the marina office. Barry our very knowledgable and well loved skipper is in town and rearing to get out and find the first humpback whales of the season. The whales in the bay are being a little elusive but the numbers should grow with each day.
Last weekend was our final fishing charter with nine guests in very wet conditions. The fishing was great and everyone got a good feed to take home. While out there Keith was amazed at how many humpbacks were on the way north, leaping and cavorting in the open ocean east of Fraser Island, just south of Lady Elliot Island. Dolphins were visiting the boat and at one point during the night they were throwing a squid around like a toy for 10 minutes. Today, while doing a lap outside the harbour, a happy group of dolphins was spotted feeding and playing around. One even rode our bow wave almost into the harbour.
We are happy to be offering our help to The Oceania Program again this year by observing, recording and photographing the humpback Whales visiting Hervey Bay to assist in their ongoing research into the unique behaviour of the humpback whales when they visit the Fraser Coast. Wally and Trish Franklin have been studying the whales in Hervey Bay since the late 80′s and have identified many whales which regularly visit Hervey Bay with newborn calves. More information on their work can be found here:
The Oceania Project, established in 1988, is a Not-for-profit, Research and Information organisation dedicated to Raising Awareness about Cetacea (Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises) and the Ocean Environment. Participate in the Annual Whale Research Expedition and visit our shop iWhales.org.
Their DVD’s and books help fund their research. We regularly show thier DVD’s onboard and they are a popular item we have for sale.
Well it is time to start ordering the fresh food for our buffet lunch and baking scones and profiteroles for our delicious morning tea. Hope to see you onboard Freedom Whale Watch for amazing whale watching on the Fraser Coast-Home of the Humpback and gateway to Fraser Island.
