Warning after 'unusual sightseer' in harbour prompts calls from worried Aussies
Footage of an 'unusual sightseer' who joined revellers in Sydney Harbour over the weekend has triggered a warning to Aussies as whales begin their migration along the coastline in the weeks ahead.
Locals out on their boats, jet skis and kayaks were stunned to see the young humpback, estimated to be between almost five-metres-long, swimming between moored yachts near Little Manly around 7.30am on Saturday.
The site prompted 15 calls to ORRCA, a spokesperson for the volunteer rescue group told Yahoo News Australia on Monday. While whales are not seen frequently in the area, it is normal behaviour for humpback and southern right whales to enter harbours for a quick explore or to take a break from their long journey north.
'It's probably just come in for a bit of a rest, a bit of adventure,' the spokesperson told Yahoo. However, the whale's stop-off wasn't as relaxing as it had probably hoped.
After being approached by curious people on jet skis and kayakers enjoying their morning paddle, the animal 'unfortunately became distressed'.
'The whale was heard vocalising and seen tail slapping and peduncle throwing in a warning to those getting too close, creating quite the spectacle for onlookers,' ORRCA said online.
'This sort of behaviour was dangerous for both the whale, humans and moored, unattended vessels as all were in close.'
Thankfully, after the young humpback whale travelled towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it turned around and exited around 9am.
🐬 Aussie dad and son's incredible encounter while fishing 5km off coast
🛥️ Tourists witness brutal event as whales 'change their behaviour' in seconds
🐋 Boat skipper's incredible encounter stuns Aussies: 'Right place, right time'
There are strict rules in place around the country to ensure the safety of marine mammals and people, especially during the whale migration season which runs from May to November.
In NSW, boats and paddlecrafts must maintain a safe distance of 100 metres from whales. This increases to 300 metres if a calf is also present. Jet skiers must always maintain a distance of 300 metres from whales, dolphins and dugongs.
'A personal watercraft (PWC) can make fast and erratic movements and less noise underwater than other vessels,' the NSW Government states online. 'This means PWC are more likely to collide with a marine mammal.'
Breaching these regulations can result in significant penalties, with individuals facing on-the-spot fines of $1,320. Commercial operators such a whale watching tours can be fined $3,300.
In Victoria, boats must stay at least 200 metres away from whales, while jet skis are required to keep a 300 metre distance or face penalties of up to $3,698. People can be fined a maximum of $25,542 in Queensland for being in the no-approach zone, DES says on their website.
Anyone who encounters a whale while out on the water in NSW should keep their distance, 'adhere to the exclusion zone' and contact ORRCA.
'That way we can get our members to make sure the whale is okay, and we can support NSW Parks and Wildlife with whatever they need done to make sure that the animal is safe,' the group's spokesperson told Yahoo.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Hidden Problem with Father's Day Cards
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Every June, I find myself in the same situation — standing in the stationary aisle with my kids, staring at dozens of Father's Day cards that don't quite meet our needs. We gaze into a sea of navy blue and tan, and are given a limited choice of themes: golf clubs, hamburgers on the grill, fishing gear or a necktie. The kids and I look at each other and shrug; none of these cards helps them articulate what they want to say, which is: Thank you for cooking dinner every night, thank you for the days when you leave work early because we need you at home, thank you for being our chauffeur on the weekend and thank you for making us feel loved. But there are no cards that capture those thoughts. So, we just choose the most innocuous of the bunch and move on. Another Father's Day card … check. I find this annual routine deeply unsatisfying. It's not just due to the lack of aesthetic choices — it is because these cards do not adequately match the current reality of today's fatherhood. The implicit message in these cards is that the essence of fatherhood lies not in a man's involvement with his family, but in his profession or his hobbies. Ironically, rather than celebrating Dad as part of the family, we focus on his activities from his family. This message is not new; this perception has existed as long as any of us have been alive. For generations, we have defined the venerable father as a man who financially provides for his family. He might also do other things for the family, but those are tangential, additional. According to tradition — and to the limited selection of Father's Day cards — a good dad is a man who brings home a paycheck and then is allowed to sneak away to his favorite fishing hole or play a round of golf. Of course, there are many ways that any parent can provide for their family. There are household tasks, such as laundry, cooking, dishes, grocery shopping, cleaning. There are caregiving tasks: giving kids a bath, helping with homework, taking time off work when kids are sick — not to mention scheduling and managing all the appointments, from dental check-ups to haircuts. And perhaps, the toughest of all, there is emotional work with kids: helping them through a challenge at school, or being there after their first heartbreak. Society has long coded these activities as a female responsibility, and data tells us that women still do the majority of this work. But little by little, our perception of a 'successful father' is evolving, and more dads are embracing household work as a way to provide for their family. According to the Survey of Contemporary Fatherhood, more than 90% of today's dads believe that fathers should play an active role in their children's lives, that a dad's involvement is essential for children's well-being. We are seeing a rise in stay-at-home dads. And more dads are looking for a flexible work schedule; not because they want to golf or go fishing, but because they want to be present at home, support their partner's career, and spend more time with their kids. This redefinition of fatherhood is not just the result of natural progression. Social change requires intentional behavior. Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice does research, advocacy and programming to change the way we think about fathers and fatherhood. One core component of Equimundo's work is specifically aimed at increasing men's role in caregiving, and they've found that more dads doing more hands-on care work in the home does not just benefit their partners and kids — it also benefits dads. 'Men themselves benefit as they embrace the daily joys that come along with doing the hands-on work that care requires,' says Gary Barker, founder and CEO of Equimundo. 'Our research from around the world finds that men who report being more involved in the daily care of their children and emotionally closer to their children are happier, they are more motivated at work and they tend to take greater care of themselves. Whether they live with their children, or live apart, involved fathers are happier and healthier. And for those of us who have the experience, it is a self-evident truth that the relationships with our children are among the most powerful and meaningful parts of our lives." Maybe you're thinking sure, this all makes sense. But why make such a fuss about a greeting card we send once a year? Father's Day is an important cultural touchpoint. According to Hallmark, Father's Day is the 4th largest card-giving holiday in the United States, and roughly 72 million cards are exchanged every June. Imagine the subconscious, reinforcing impact of those 72 million messages on our culture year after year. This year, let's move past the old stereotypes and use card-giving as a way to embrace an expanded definition of a 'good dad.' We can use Father's Day to highlight that fatherhood is so much more than a 9-to-5 at the office or a weekend BBQ. We can celebrate those dads who are providing for their families in many different ways, and honor fathers for the care work they do. We can also challenge outdated cultural norms, and set clear expectations of what we expect fatherhood to look like in the future. 'Many of us have in our heads that mothers are the main caregivers," Barker agrees, "the ones who really know what they are doing and that dads are really kind of deficient when it comes to care. That's why it's so important that we send daily messages that [dads] can and should be just as much the caregivers as moms.' This may be especially important for the new dads in our lives. A new generation of men are entering parenthood, perhaps celebrating their first Father's Day this year. They have the luxury of a blank slate, and a lifetime of opportunities ahead of them. Do we want to limit these new dads to the traditional role of "provider?" Or do we want to help them fully embrace a wider range of fathering possibilities — to be the dad they want to be. As a researcher and writer of gender norms, I will be the first person to admit we still have a lot of work to do before achieving household gender equality. And, still, I believe it is important to celebrate our successes — and think about the ways we are each embracing change. In that spirit, Good Housekeeping has created four Father's Day cards for you to download, print (double-sided works best) and give to the dads in your life. These cards, we hope, come closer to illustrating our evolving expectations of fatherhood: a dad giving a bath, a dad reading books, a dad and grandpa preparing a meal, and a dad doing a TikTok dance with his teenager — all of which aim to capture those sweet, every day moments that dads share with their family. We made two versions of each card: a color version, and one that also works as a coloring page that kids can fill in themselves. I showed these four illustrations to my kids and asked, which one is best for your dad? They knew immediately — their favorite was the dad reading books. When I asked why they chose that one, they replied, 'Because it is so real. It's so cozy. That's something that we have done with dad ever since we were little … something we still do with dad all the time.' My kids were drawn to the illustration because it made them feel something. Unlike a photo of golf clubs or a necktie, this illustration captured a snapshot of fatherhood; a routine that made them feel warm, content, important, and loved. Hopefully, when my husband opens this card on June 15th, he'll feel the Message: "Best Dad. Better Dancer. Happy Father's Day!" Shop Now Shop NowInside Message: "Dad, you've taught me so much! Happy Father's Day!" Shop Now Shop NowInside Message: "Thanks for all that you do! Happy Father's Day!" Shop Now Shop NowInside Message: "I couldn't ask for a better role model. Happy Father's Day!" Shop Now Shop Now You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Drivers warned as tragic scene on Aussie roadside prompts calls for rule change
A driver's devastating ordeal on a quiet rural road has prompted an outcry from Aussies — with some calling for major change. Queensland's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) confirmed to Yahoo News that a cassowary was hit by a car near Mission Beach on Thursday, with the sad scene prompting some to call for a drastic reduction in speed limits on roads that cut through the bird's natural habitat — and for drivers to pay more attention to native animals. The area in Far North Queenslad is famous for its cassowary population, with many flocking from around the world to see the giant flightless birds which are adored and feared in equal measure. Local residents regularly share excited tales of the elusuive creatures exploring their backyards, making the loss a huge blow to the community. Video shared by Mission Beach Wildcare showed the male cassowary, which "ran straight out in front of a car," lying under a blanket on the side of Tully Mission Beach Rd. The driver who hit the bird immediately called for assistance after the tragic accident. The impact of the car alone did not kill the bird, but sadly the severity of the injuries it sustained caused it to be "humanely euthanised", the department told Yahoo. Sadly, the cassowary was accompanied by two juvenile birds, who must now fend for themselves. "A member of the public reported the incident and remained with the bird until the department could arrange for a veterinarian to attend the scene and assess its condition," A DETSI spokesperson told Yahoo News. "Two juvenile cassowaries that were with their father at the time of the incident were unharmed. "Following a thorough assessment, the veterinarian determined that the juveniles were of sufficient age and stage of development to be left in the wild, rather than having to be taken into care." DETSI's policy is to avoid removing wild animals from their natural habitat unless "absolutely necessary". Yahoo Understands that officers will continue monitoring the young birds to make sure they are coping on their own. "New wildlife crossing signage has also been installed in the area to alert motorists to the presence of cassowaries along Tully Mission Beach Road and help prevent further incidents," the department said. A spokesperson for Mission Beach Wildcare explained that many of the locals know the birds well, making it an especially tough blow. The spokesperson pleaded with drivers to "please be aware of our wildlife" as traffic flow increases with the tourist season kicking in, fearing this is the first of many "more casualties on the horizon". Speed limits along the road which connects the town of Tully to Mission Beach, reach as high as 100kph in some parts, prompting calls from some local residents to drastically alter rules around speed in the region. "Drivers just need to slow down and watch out for wildlife," one local resident said, with others echoing this call. Earlier this year, NRMA released details of its Wildlife Collision Hotspots across Australia — with 12,100 claims related to cases of animals being hit by cars in 2024. The statistic makes the last 12 months the second worst in the past five years. Data revealed that the most common time for incidents to occur is in autumn and winter when days are shorter, cooler and nocturnal animals are more active. Worryingly, incidents jumped by 25 per cent between March and April last year. Sadly, there is another issue impacting cassowary populations. They are being fed by humans, causing them to cross roads "more frequently than necessary" for an easy meal. Authorities have repeatedly pleaded with tourists and residents to never feed or interact with the wild animals. The birds have been seen brazenly entering camper's tents, indicating that it has become habituated to receiving food from humans. In another incident, wild footage emerged of a cassowary chasing after a woman with a McDonald's Big Mac, renewing the pleas to steer clear of the world's most dangerous animal. DETSI said that visitors and residents can help reserve wild populations of cassowaries in the following ways: Never approach cassowaries. Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them. Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal and can be dangerous for the birds and for humans. Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids. Always slow down when driving in cassowary territory. Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road. Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash. Cassowary sightings in north Queensland should be reported to QPWS by calling 1300 130 372. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Incredible drone photo shows 'prolific' problem costing Australia $100m annually
An Australian pest controller has highlighted a destructive issue impacting rural Australia, causing a $100 million burden on the agricultural industry every year. Incredible drone images of an oat paddock on the mid North Coast of New South Wales highlight just how effectively and systematically feral pigs can dig up crops in search of their next meal. Licensed shooter Nathan told Yahoo News that pigs are "prolific" in the area. It took him just four hours to take down 75 of the invasive beasts earlier this week. "It looks like a WW2 field in Normandy after a mortar barrage," he said of the destruction caused by the pests. To Nathan, it highlights exactly what a population of feral pigs can do in a "very short space of time" on soft, wet ground. In NSW, it's estimated that pigs occupy up to 60 per cent of the state. They spread weeds, disease, and outcompete native species. While it's widely accepted that feral pigs will never be completely eradicated in mainland Australia, the shocking images have prompted calls for a "realistic" approach to tackling the issue. Dr Carol Booth from the Invasive Species Council told Yahoo News pigs are "well known" for causing such damage, adding that it's a "real problem". The omnivorous animals will "eat all sorts", even digging up native turtles and their eggs. "They're after roots and grubs and insects and seeds and worms, so there's a lot of food for them in the soil," she explained. "It's not just in paddocks but in natural habitats, and you often come across diggings and instantly recognise them as pigs." The economic burden of such destruction falls heavily on crop growers and pastoralists. "If they get a big mob of pigs, they'll lose some of their crop or pasture," Booth said. President of the Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association (APDHA), Ned Makim previously told Yahoo the onus has fallen on landowners to eliminate the species — who he likened to rodents. Some land owners are calling in vertebrate pest controllers like Nathan while others are offering free accommodation to shooters whose sole responsibility is to keep their populations down. 🐗 Bold new national park plan to hunt invasive species 📸 Incredible photos show major triumph in $100m invasive outback battle 🔥 Unexpected way pristine Aussie island wiped out invasive threat Dr Booth said that authorities need to be "totally realistic" about what it will take to solve the huge problem of feral pigs. "They are highly adaptable and they are very widespread," she said, adding that it's "not feasible" to control their populations across the entirety of our vast country. Many have called for bounties for feral pigs, foxes and cats, with one politician telling Yahoo we're "losing the battle" against the species. But Dr Booth doesn't think it's the right solution, arguing ground shooting alone is "fairly limited" across large areas. 'If you're trying to control pigs at a landscape level, hunters are not the solution because they are not effective enough," she explained. She argues a combination of aerial shooting, ground shooting, baiting and trapping is required to manage feral pig numbers, all while focusing on key at-risk areas. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
