The many visitors to One Tree Point have become used to seeing and meeting Ocean View Photographer, Maree Jackson with her binoculars and high powered cameras.
Maree has, for amy years, participated in the annual whale counts that track the twice yearly migration of wales along the Eastern seaboard. This year Maree is registered & participating in the ORRCA East Coast Whale Migration Research Project - Tuross Head/South Coast with research covering the period of 1 June to 31 July 2020. Maree told the Beagle "Research is carried out by Members of ORRCA to count whales, dolphins, seals & dugongs. In the case of Tuross three out of four isn't too bad however it was only a couple of years ago that a dugong managed to make its way as far south as Merimbula". "Due to my work I am been assisted by Nick & Danielle Brice & Pam Robinson. I greatly
appreciate their ongoing help & support."
"The sightings that we record document Time, Species – including the different type of whale, Number, Distance, Bearing, Weather and Tidal Conditions".
"Due to safe distancing requirements we need to rope off a corner of One Tree Point to
ensure this occurs. When we have not put the rope up people will come right into the
area" "The research is creating great interest in the whale migration with all ages and I am answering many questions in regards to the whales while scanning for blows, breaching & their backs as they come up. "It requires focus and I apologise to people that I cannot turn around to talk to them as I have to keep looking
"Fortunately most are very understanding and content to look over the folder I provide of
details and photos on the different species that people can go through. "Presently most Humpback whales have been out wide but there have been a few about 500 metres from the shore line along with two Pilot Whales that were approximately 400 meters from One Tree. Point. These Whales were confirmed and identified by three people so it was great to see them so close to shore and to be able to record them". Maree said that photos will be put up when time permits on her Facebook page:-
