A new study has revealed how migrating Humpback Whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) use two very different rest stops along Australia’s east coast — and why protecting them matters.
Every year, these whales make a long journey between tropical breeding grounds and rich polar feeding areas. The trip drains energy, especially for mothers with new calves, and so having safe “stopover” spots along the way helps them recover.
Researchers compared two such bays: Hervey Bay and Moreton Bay in Queensland. They found that even though both are used by migrating whales, they serve different functions.
- In Hervey Bay, there was a diverse mix of whale groups — mother-calf pairs, single adults, juveniles, and social groups. The bay showed signs of both resting and social interaction.
- In Moreton Bay, the majority of sightings were mother-calf pairs. The site seems to be used mainly for resting and nursing, rather than large social gatherings. researchportal.murdoch.edu.au+1
Why does this matter? Resting in shallow, protected waters gives calves a safer start — less energy spent on swimming, more time to nurse and develop. But if these stopover sites are disrupted (by boats, noise, shipping traffic) the impact could be serious for mothers and calves.
The authors emphasize that stopover sites are not “one size fits all” — each has its own role. For conservation, this means management plans should be tailored: protect social stopovers for broad whale groups, and prioritize calmer zones for vulnerable mothers and calves. PLOS+1
In short: migrating whales need both “playgrounds” and “nurseries” along their route — Hervey Bay appears more like the former, Moreton Bay the latter. Recognizing and protecting both is key to helping these magnificent animals thrive.
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