The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- Whale watchers in southwest Western Australia reported humpback whale sightings down about 60% during the usual northward migration, while rare, weakened albatrosses and petrels appeared far off course on Australia's east coast.
- Researchers link these unusual movements to persistent marine heat waves in the Southern Ocean, including areas near Heard Island and the Tasman Sea that are among the fastest-warming waters on the planet.
- The sightings may indicate shifting prey, currents and migration patterns, and Australia's first confirmed H5N1 bird flu case adds further pressure on stressed seabirds.
- Scientists warn that limited monitoring of the Southern Ocean makes it hard to tell whether this is a short-term wobble or a genuine ecosystem shift.
What to watch next
- Whether humpback whale sighting numbers recover as the migration season continues
- Updates on the extent and duration of the marine heat waves near Heard Island and the Tasman Sea
- Any further H5N1 bird flu cases among Australian seabird populations
Coverage1
1 report
English national1
All filed from India
Named Australia · Antarctica · Heard Island · McDonald Islands · Southern Ocean · Tasmania · Tasman Sea · Western Australia · Phys.org
The 1 report is listed beside the record.
Ask this story
Answers cite the reports above, or say they can't.