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Central Coast residents invited to join annual whale census during migration season

Community members are being asked to record humpback whale sightings as part of the ORRCA census tracking spring migration patterns.

By The Daily Central Coast · Published 25 July 2026

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Central Coast is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

Oceanside during Daytime. Photo by Gilberto Olimpio on Pexels

As peak whale migration ramps up along the Central Coast coastline, the community is being encouraged to participate in the annual ORRCA (Oceanic Research and Rescue Community Alliance) whale census this weekend. According to conservation experts, the count collects important data to better understand humpback whale migration patterns and population health.

The Central Coast's location along major humpback migration routes between Antarctic feeding grounds and breeding areas in the Coral Sea makes the region a prime observation point. Local residents have consistently reported bumper migration numbers in recent years, though the annual count provides the systematic data needed to track longer-term trends.

For Central Coast residents, participation in the census represents an opportunity to contribute to marine research while experiencing one of the region's most spectacular natural events. The data collected helps scientists and conservation authorities understand how climate change, shipping activity and other environmental factors are affecting whale populations, information that ultimately shapes marine policy at state and national level.

Sources: nbnnews.com.au.

References Sourced but Not Limited to:

nbnnews.com.au · Central coast encouraged to take part in orrca whale census

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