Latest news with #NSWNationalParksandWildlifeService
NDTV
2 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Drone Footage Shows Endangered Whale Calf Being Hit By Speedboat: "Absolutely Horrific"
A harrowing drone video has captured the moment a speedboat collided with an endangered whale calf off the coast of New South Wales. The impact clipped the calf's back and sent the boat's occupants tumbling. The collision was captured on a drone by photographer Michael Hatte, who was filming the whale mother and calf near Stanwell Park. He expressed his helplessness in preventing the accident as the boat drew closer to the whales. The video shows a small speedboat running over the whale calf, sending the three occupants tumbling. After the impact, the calf dove deeper into the water to rest beside its mother. Fortunately, both the whale and calf escaped without major injuries. "I had already stopped filming, but could see the boat heading straight for the pair that were just below the surface. I pressed record and captured the whole event, which is 3 seconds long. Bub moving it's head just at the right time, impact could have been devastating," Mr Hatte wrote while sharing the video on his Instagram page. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Hatte (@michaelhatte) "It was absolutely horrific," Michael Hatte later told Yahoo News, describing the moment. "I'm not an emotional guy, but I was absolutely gutted after the incident," he said. The footage has gone viral, sparking widespread concern and outrage over the incident. A NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesperson said the footage was "alarming", considering only a handful of calves are born each year in NSW. "This is the only mother and calf pair known in NSW waters so far this season. Boaties must keep an active lookout to avoid this happening again during the whale season," they said in a statement. Southern right whales, an endangered species, are slowly recovering from decades of commercial whaling, but still face significant challenges. Whale scientist Dr. Vanessa Pirotta described the recent incident as "tragic", emphasising the need for boaters to be vigilant, especially during the May to November migration period when these whales are most active. Whale expert Dr. Barry McGovern of the Pacific Whales Foundation noted that southern right whales tend to swim just below the surface, making them difficult to spot, which can increase the risk of collisions with boats. "They also don't have dorsal fins like your humpback whales so they can be really difficult to see and if you're travelling at speed it can be very easy to miss them, to not see them. The larger boats can really impact them," he said.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Dolphin calf reunited with mum after dramatic rescue from fishing wire
A distressed baby dolphin has been reunited with its mum after it was entangled in braided fishing line. The bottlenose dolphin calf was first spotted in mid-June on the NSW south coast, prompting an emergency response to save the mammal. A coordinated multi-agency rescue operation was led by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) and Sea World Foundation. READ MORE: 'The best is still yet to come': unlikely political duo announce pregnancy A spokesperson for ORRCA said drone operators spotted the mum and calf just off Mckenzies Beach in Malua Bay near Batemans Bay on July 24. "Sea World Foundation team managed to catch the calf and successfully remove the entanglement," an ORRCA spokesperson said. READ MORE: What makes a song 'Australian'? Triple J's Hottest 100 reignites bigger question Bottlenose dolphins are named for their thick snout, are generally grey in colour and are found in temperate and tropical waters. A distressed baby dolphin has been reunited with its mum after it was entangled in braided fishing line. The bottlenose dolphin calf was first spotted in mid-June on the NSW south coast, prompting an emergency response to save the mammal. A coordinated multi-agency rescue operation was led by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) and Sea World Foundation. READ MORE: 'The best is still yet to come': unlikely political duo announce pregnancy A spokesperson for ORRCA said drone operators spotted the mum and calf just off Mckenzies Beach in Malua Bay near Batemans Bay on July 24. "Sea World Foundation team managed to catch the calf and successfully remove the entanglement," an ORRCA spokesperson said. READ MORE: What makes a song 'Australian'? Triple J's Hottest 100 reignites bigger question Bottlenose dolphins are named for their thick snout, are generally grey in colour and are found in temperate and tropical waters. A distressed baby dolphin has been reunited with its mum after it was entangled in braided fishing line. The bottlenose dolphin calf was first spotted in mid-June on the NSW south coast, prompting an emergency response to save the mammal. A coordinated multi-agency rescue operation was led by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) and Sea World Foundation. READ MORE: 'The best is still yet to come': unlikely political duo announce pregnancy A spokesperson for ORRCA said drone operators spotted the mum and calf just off Mckenzies Beach in Malua Bay near Batemans Bay on July 24. "Sea World Foundation team managed to catch the calf and successfully remove the entanglement," an ORRCA spokesperson said. READ MORE: What makes a song 'Australian'? Triple J's Hottest 100 reignites bigger question Bottlenose dolphins are named for their thick snout, are generally grey in colour and are found in temperate and tropical waters. A distressed baby dolphin has been reunited with its mum after it was entangled in braided fishing line. The bottlenose dolphin calf was first spotted in mid-June on the NSW south coast, prompting an emergency response to save the mammal. A coordinated multi-agency rescue operation was led by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) and Sea World Foundation. READ MORE: 'The best is still yet to come': unlikely political duo announce pregnancy A spokesperson for ORRCA said drone operators spotted the mum and calf just off Mckenzies Beach in Malua Bay near Batemans Bay on July 24. "Sea World Foundation team managed to catch the calf and successfully remove the entanglement," an ORRCA spokesperson said. READ MORE: What makes a song 'Australian'? Triple J's Hottest 100 reignites bigger question Bottlenose dolphins are named for their thick snout, are generally grey in colour and are found in temperate and tropical waters.
7NEWS
21-07-2025
- General
- 7NEWS
Southern right whale and calf hit by speedboat off Sydney's south coast
Australian boaties have been urged to remain vigilant after three people aboard a speedboat collided with a whale and its calf south of Sydney. Troublesome vision was captured of a southern right whale and its calf south in waters off Stanwell Park on Saturday afternoon. The pair were swimming just beneath the surface when they were hit by the boat. It is understood both the whale and calf escaped without major injuries. The whales have just begun their annual migration and will continue travelling north this week. The mother was first detected off Bass Point on June 12 without the calf, and then near Meriumbula on July 10 with her baby. Whale expert Dr Barry McGovern from Pacific Whales Foundation said southern right whales often stay just below the surface and can be very hard to spot. 'They also don't have dorsal fins like your humpback whales so they can be really difficult to see and if you're travelling at speed it can be very easy to miss them, to not see them,' he said. 'The larger boats can really impact them. 'Whales can suffer some serious injuries from vessel collisions and in some cases they can be fatal, particularly with the larger vessels.' He urged any boaties off Sydney's coast to stay vigilant and said the best thing to do is to slow down if they are travelling through the area. 'If you're in an area where you know there are whales, or people have seen whales previously, it's best to keep it slow,' McGovern said. 'If there's whales below, keep it slow — that's what we always say. 'Our research has shown boats (that) are travelling less than 12 knots, which is about 22km/h, there's a much lower chance of hitting a whale. 'It allows you to see if the whales are there in the first place and even if there is a collision, at the slower speeds, the injuries are less likely to be as severe.' There is an exclusion zone of 300m for whales with calves, and 100m for whales without newborns. This not only applies to vessels in the water but also drones in the air. 'While seeing one in Sydney is exciting, it's important to remember that this whale and her calf must be given space and quiet as they travel north,' NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ranger Natasha Funke said. 'Southern right whales rely on sheltered coastal bays to rest and feed their young, and they need to do this without interference, so we encourage people to enjoy this spectacle from land or a safe distance on the water.' .
The Advertiser
04-07-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
One in five crashes: why drivers are urged to take care in school holidays
With 20 per cent of serious crashes occurring during school holidays, police are urging drivers to take extra care before getting behind the wheel. As school holidays begin on July 7, motorists who plan to hit the roads should drive according to the weather conditions, which are typically adverse during the winter months, police said. In the July school holidays last year, eight people died in crashes, the same number as in 2023. Police data showed that almost 20 per cent of crashes involving injuries or fatalities happened during the 12 weeks of public school holidays. So far this year, 190 people have died on the NSW roads, 29 more deaths than at this time last year. Officers will be conducting enforcement patrols and operations over the next two weeks. Over previous holiday periods, Hunter-based highway patrol officers have warned drivers to be careful around known traffic pinch points, such as the M1 Pacific Highway at Hexham. In the 2024 Christmas holidays, police said heavy holiday traffic was expected across Heatherbrae, Hexham and Beresfield. The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace, which has caused backed-up traffic on Hunter roads, was expected to be completed by 2028. Traffic and Highway Patrol commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said wet weather could contribute to serious crashes. "Drivers need to be aware of the risks when travelling in wet and snowing conditions, with black ice a serious hazard on our roads at this time of year," Mr Driver said. A dusting of snow fell on the Barrington Tops this week as severe weather bombarded the east coast of Australia. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service warned driving conditions were hazardous due to the combination of wind and wet conditions. He said drivers should take extra care, reduce their speed and focus when heading off on road trips. "As always, don't speed, wear a seatbelt, never drive when tired, do not use a mobile phone while driving and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol," he said. In the 2025 January and April school holiday period, there were 1305 crashes where people were injured, including 37 fatalities. It has been a tragic few weeks on the Hunter roads, with several serious crashes ending in fatalities. A young boy died in a two-car crash north of Scone on June 25, while a 55-year-old woman died in a North Lambton crash, and a 28-year-old woman lost her unborn baby. Local legend Lenny Wilton died after being hit by a car outside his Awaba home, and in a separate incident, a 38-year-old woman died in a two-car crash in Fennell Bay. With 20 per cent of serious crashes occurring during school holidays, police are urging drivers to take extra care before getting behind the wheel. As school holidays begin on July 7, motorists who plan to hit the roads should drive according to the weather conditions, which are typically adverse during the winter months, police said. In the July school holidays last year, eight people died in crashes, the same number as in 2023. Police data showed that almost 20 per cent of crashes involving injuries or fatalities happened during the 12 weeks of public school holidays. So far this year, 190 people have died on the NSW roads, 29 more deaths than at this time last year. Officers will be conducting enforcement patrols and operations over the next two weeks. Over previous holiday periods, Hunter-based highway patrol officers have warned drivers to be careful around known traffic pinch points, such as the M1 Pacific Highway at Hexham. In the 2024 Christmas holidays, police said heavy holiday traffic was expected across Heatherbrae, Hexham and Beresfield. The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace, which has caused backed-up traffic on Hunter roads, was expected to be completed by 2028. Traffic and Highway Patrol commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said wet weather could contribute to serious crashes. "Drivers need to be aware of the risks when travelling in wet and snowing conditions, with black ice a serious hazard on our roads at this time of year," Mr Driver said. A dusting of snow fell on the Barrington Tops this week as severe weather bombarded the east coast of Australia. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service warned driving conditions were hazardous due to the combination of wind and wet conditions. He said drivers should take extra care, reduce their speed and focus when heading off on road trips. "As always, don't speed, wear a seatbelt, never drive when tired, do not use a mobile phone while driving and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol," he said. In the 2025 January and April school holiday period, there were 1305 crashes where people were injured, including 37 fatalities. It has been a tragic few weeks on the Hunter roads, with several serious crashes ending in fatalities. A young boy died in a two-car crash north of Scone on June 25, while a 55-year-old woman died in a North Lambton crash, and a 28-year-old woman lost her unborn baby. Local legend Lenny Wilton died after being hit by a car outside his Awaba home, and in a separate incident, a 38-year-old woman died in a two-car crash in Fennell Bay. With 20 per cent of serious crashes occurring during school holidays, police are urging drivers to take extra care before getting behind the wheel. As school holidays begin on July 7, motorists who plan to hit the roads should drive according to the weather conditions, which are typically adverse during the winter months, police said. In the July school holidays last year, eight people died in crashes, the same number as in 2023. Police data showed that almost 20 per cent of crashes involving injuries or fatalities happened during the 12 weeks of public school holidays. So far this year, 190 people have died on the NSW roads, 29 more deaths than at this time last year. Officers will be conducting enforcement patrols and operations over the next two weeks. Over previous holiday periods, Hunter-based highway patrol officers have warned drivers to be careful around known traffic pinch points, such as the M1 Pacific Highway at Hexham. In the 2024 Christmas holidays, police said heavy holiday traffic was expected across Heatherbrae, Hexham and Beresfield. The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace, which has caused backed-up traffic on Hunter roads, was expected to be completed by 2028. Traffic and Highway Patrol commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said wet weather could contribute to serious crashes. "Drivers need to be aware of the risks when travelling in wet and snowing conditions, with black ice a serious hazard on our roads at this time of year," Mr Driver said. A dusting of snow fell on the Barrington Tops this week as severe weather bombarded the east coast of Australia. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service warned driving conditions were hazardous due to the combination of wind and wet conditions. He said drivers should take extra care, reduce their speed and focus when heading off on road trips. "As always, don't speed, wear a seatbelt, never drive when tired, do not use a mobile phone while driving and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol," he said. In the 2025 January and April school holiday period, there were 1305 crashes where people were injured, including 37 fatalities. It has been a tragic few weeks on the Hunter roads, with several serious crashes ending in fatalities. A young boy died in a two-car crash north of Scone on June 25, while a 55-year-old woman died in a North Lambton crash, and a 28-year-old woman lost her unborn baby. Local legend Lenny Wilton died after being hit by a car outside his Awaba home, and in a separate incident, a 38-year-old woman died in a two-car crash in Fennell Bay. With 20 per cent of serious crashes occurring during school holidays, police are urging drivers to take extra care before getting behind the wheel. As school holidays begin on July 7, motorists who plan to hit the roads should drive according to the weather conditions, which are typically adverse during the winter months, police said. In the July school holidays last year, eight people died in crashes, the same number as in 2023. Police data showed that almost 20 per cent of crashes involving injuries or fatalities happened during the 12 weeks of public school holidays. So far this year, 190 people have died on the NSW roads, 29 more deaths than at this time last year. Officers will be conducting enforcement patrols and operations over the next two weeks. Over previous holiday periods, Hunter-based highway patrol officers have warned drivers to be careful around known traffic pinch points, such as the M1 Pacific Highway at Hexham. In the 2024 Christmas holidays, police said heavy holiday traffic was expected across Heatherbrae, Hexham and Beresfield. The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace, which has caused backed-up traffic on Hunter roads, was expected to be completed by 2028. Traffic and Highway Patrol commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said wet weather could contribute to serious crashes. "Drivers need to be aware of the risks when travelling in wet and snowing conditions, with black ice a serious hazard on our roads at this time of year," Mr Driver said. A dusting of snow fell on the Barrington Tops this week as severe weather bombarded the east coast of Australia. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service warned driving conditions were hazardous due to the combination of wind and wet conditions. He said drivers should take extra care, reduce their speed and focus when heading off on road trips. "As always, don't speed, wear a seatbelt, never drive when tired, do not use a mobile phone while driving and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol," he said. In the 2025 January and April school holiday period, there were 1305 crashes where people were injured, including 37 fatalities. It has been a tragic few weeks on the Hunter roads, with several serious crashes ending in fatalities. A young boy died in a two-car crash north of Scone on June 25, while a 55-year-old woman died in a North Lambton crash, and a 28-year-old woman lost her unborn baby. Local legend Lenny Wilton died after being hit by a car outside his Awaba home, and in a separate incident, a 38-year-old woman died in a two-car crash in Fennell Bay.
Sky News AU
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
New push to end controversial protections for NSW's Snowy Mountain brumbies
The future of NSW's Snowy Mountain brumbies may hang in the balance if a new bill is passed to repeal controversial protections for the invasive species. Independent Wagga Wagga MP Joe McGirr gave notice on Wednesday of his intention to introduce a Bill to repeal the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act. The Act, introduced by former deputy premier John Barilaro, recognised the 'heritage' value of brumbies and mandated their population be reduced to 3000. While it will be years until a new target is set, Invasive Species CEO Jack Gough said even one horse in Kosciuszko would cause 'enormous amounts of damage'. 'The question is the scale of damage that we're prepared to accept,' Mr Gough said alongside Mr McGirr on Wednesday. 'Having 1/3 of the national park set up as an area that is essentially a horse paddock instead of a national park is not something that Australians want.' Mr Gough admitted it would be difficult to reduce the number of feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park to zero, but stressed the risk the brumbies posed. 'We know that the Australian landscape did not evolve with large, heavy, hard-hoofed animals that are cutting up that landscape,' he said. 'They are draining the peat moss and are causing enormous amount of damage to the homes of our native species.' In May, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service reported as few as 1500 brumbies may be left in the park following extensive aerial culling. While images released by the Park service showed recovery to the fragile alpine ecosystem, the method of reducing horse numbers has been controversial. Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst said there was 'no justification' for aerial shooting at Kosciuszko, and that the party would not be supporting Mr McGirr's bill. If it was passed, she expressed concern it would result in a 'push to kill any remaining animals that are there in the park'. 'The push to actually repeal this act, to open the doors to allow for that killing is mind boggling,' she said. Ms Hurst called on NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to 'keep her word' about aerial shooting. Ms Sharpe told a budget estimates committee aerial shooting had 'ceased for now' in the horse retention area after the population reports were released. Further aerial shooting has taken place outside of the retention area from June 10 until June 30, targeting 'all feral animals'. In a statement, Ms Sharpe said the state government was close to reaching the legislated targeted of 3000 wild horses in Kosciuszko, two years ahead of deadline. 'We're now focused on population management,' she said. 'We will have a look at the Bill, as we do with all Bills.' Future of the Brumby Bill remains unclear If passed, the Mr McGirr's bill would create a transition period from January 1 until July 1, 2027, at which point the previous management plan would end. The Wild Horses Community Advisory Panel will also be dissolved, with the state government freed up to create a new management plan. On Wednesday, Mr Gough and Mr McGirr expressed their confidence that the Bill would be approved with support from Labor and Liberals. Mr Gough said the so-called Brumby Bill had 'no friends left' in either the upper or lower houses, including from the Liberals, Greens, and Labor. Ms Hurst was less certain, raising the possibility it may not be supported by Nationals Party or the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers party. Australian Brumby Alliance President Nikki Alberts is part of a vocal minority in the community who stridently oppose the shooting of brumbies in the park. She also expressed fears that if the Heritage Act was repealed 'they'll go in and shoot them (the brumbies) all'. Ms Alberts said the Alliance had put forward a proposal for management of the brumby population, with a focus on rehoming. Currently, the NSW government employs a range of brumby management measures, including trapping and rehoming and early-days immunocontraceptives. Originally published as New push to end controversial protections for NSW's Snowy Mountain brumbies
