media release 21 April 2010

World’s largest animal, a Blue Whale, sighted today off Canterbury Coast

A sighting of the world’s largest animal, a very rare Blue Whale, off the Canterbury coast today highlights the most active period of whale sightings for many years according to local cruise operator Black Cat Cruises.

“Black Cat has been operating for twenty five years and over the last twelve months we have seen more varieties of whales than ever before off Banks Peninsula,” Black Cat Cruises Managing Director Paul Bingham said.

Sightings have also included a Fin Whale, Orca, Curviars beaked, Humpback, Pilot and Southern Right Whales as well as good numbers of Hector dolphins.

“It’s just been incredible. We’re not sure why there has been such an increase in whales off the coast but it’s certainly proving to be a bonus.”

The blue whale is the largest animal that has ever lived on earth and is found in all major oceans of the world. Its population has been severely depleted to commercial whaling.

Prior to commercial whaling Southern Hemisphere numbers were estimated at 250,000. Today estimates have their population at less than 500 in Southern Hemisphere waters.

Blue whale can weigh up to 136,400 kg (300,000 lb) and grow as long as 34 metres in length.

Ends

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