STAR of the South will be undertaking a five-month aerial survey to follow the movements of whales, including the pygmy blue whale.
The study will collect information with twice monthly flyovers of Bass Strait until the end of August, covering distances of around 1150km in the study area.
The aerial surveys will focus on spotting marine mammals – noting the species, their location and behaviour.
The plane can fly as low as 300m, and a trained and experienced marine mammal observer will identify the animals.
The pygmy blue whale is challenging to study as it can swim underwater for up to 90 minutes while moving great distances.
This makes aerial surveys one of the best ways to study the species.
Star of the South Chief Development Officer Erin Coldham said the area around Tasmania and Gippsland is identified as a possible foraging area, but it’s uncommon to see pygmy blue whales.
“We know these whales frequent the area between Phillip Island and past Adelaide, and in waters off Western Australia – but with limited research done in this area, we don’t really know much about their movements.
“This study will help us better understand if they’re in Gippsland waters, and whether they're feeding, breeding or socialising.”
Leading the research is Blue Whale Study, which has conducted ecological whale research in southern Australia for 20 years.
Findings will be made available in early 2024.
These investigations are co-funded with the Victorian Government through the Energy Innovation Fund.
Star of the South’s offshore wind project are proposed to be located off the Wellington coast of Gippsland.
The project is in the feasibility phase with environmental assessments currently underway to inform project planning and approvals.
