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Media Release – Friday 2 November 2012

It has been a few weeks since the last confirmed sighting of Australia’s most popular humpback whale, the albino humpback, Migaloo, but there’s every chance he and offspring, Migaloo Junior (MJ), could be lurking in Eurobodalla waters.

As one of only a handful of albino whales in the world, seeing a white whale in the flesh is a once in a lifetime experience. Migaloo makes headlines around the world when he is spotted, and with his Facebook pages, Twitter account and YouTube videos, Migaloo is one social media savvy mammal!

Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor, Lindsay Brown, says that the annual spring whale migration along Australia’s coast is a tourist highlight in the Eurobodalla, and the appearance of an albino whale would make a big splash in the region.

“We’re asking everyone to keep an eye out for Migaloo or MJ,” said Clr Brown. “People can identify the whales by their distinctive white colouring over coming weeks.”

He says a sighting of Migaloo was made in Coffs Harbour on 1 October 2012, and there was an unconfirmed sighting of MJ recorded off the Tweed Coast on the far north coast of NSW on 18 October 2012.

“It appears Migaloo Junior is a bit slower in the southbound lanes of the ‘humpback highway’ compared to his full grown dad,” Clr Brown said. He says Eurobodalla is a great place for whale-watching, whether you are out on a boat tour or taking advantage of one of the many whale watching hotspots on the headlands between Batemans Bay and Narooma. “We’re hopeful that Migaloo and MJ will drop in for a visit and deliver the ultimate whale-watching experience,” said Clr Brown.

Whale numbers, particularly humpbacks, have continued to rise each year. Lots of sightings have been reported in the region over the last couple of weeks, and the season still has a few weeks to go.

To report sightings and post photos of whale watching experiences, go to the Eurobodalla tourism’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/eurobodalla or to Twitter @whale_watch with the hashtag #whaleon. Alternatively, you can call the whale hotline on 1800 802 528.

To find accommodation and whale watching holiday packages, visit http://www.eurobodalla.com.au

For an interview with Eurobodalla Shire Council, please contact Emma Pegrum, Media Officer, on 02 4474 1012, 0408 200 191 or council.media@eurocoast.nsw.gov.au.