LOCAL cetacean researcher Leanne Maffesoni has captured the breathtaking moment a humpback whale and its calf breached the water off Port Stephens.
“We saw several mum and calf pairs heading south, however this female calf and her mum were next level,” Leanne said.
Leanne has spent over 27 years photographing cetaceans along the east coast of Australia, the South Island of New Zealand, and in the Kingdom of Tonga.
She has her own group, Port Stephens Marine Mammal Research, and spends her free time collecting data on the migrating humpback whales.
Her research focuses on pod dynamics, animal behaviour and photographic identification.
Since beginning her marine life studies in Hervey Bay in 1997, Leanne has continued to expand her knowledge and passion for whale conservation, eventually settling in Port Stephens to pursue her work further.
She describes herself as “always learning” and says she feels “blessed” to have strong friendships within the research community.
On this particular morning, Leanne was treated to a lively display from the whales as they travelled south.
She said the pair displayed head lunges, lob tails, pec slaps and peduncle throws.
“All these behaviours are copied from their mums or escorts.
“These lessons should keep this girl in good stead for many years on her future migrations up and down the east coast.”
Leanne continues to document these encounters, helping to deepen our understanding of the species that frequent the Port Stephens coastline each year.
By Cosette DE LORENZO
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