Whale watching season in Sydney has begun, and thousands of humpback whales are already travelling north on the East Australian Current ‘highway’ straight past Waverley. They are migrating to warmer waters to breed and feed so that they can build up fat and survive their return to the colder Southern Ocean.
Join internationally recognised whale expert, Dr Vanessa Pirotta, author of the Humpback Highway, to watch and learn about these amazing creatures as they pass by Waverley’s intertidal marine protected area and the Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve.
Dr Vanessa Pirotta, author of the Humpback Highway will be hosting this event and families can explore the amazing world of whales whilst enjoying some delicious nibbles.
When: 10am to 11.30am, Saturday 29 June
Where: Marks Park , Waverley
What to bring: warm clothes, a picnic blanket and binoculars if you have them.
Tickets: www.events.humanitix.com/whale-picnic
About Vanessa
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist, woman in STEMM/STEAM, science communicator, author and vessel operator.
She is a passionate and experienced science communicator who plays an important role in society by making science accessible. She’s represented Australia internationally as the international runner up of the world-renowned science communication competition FameLab, spoken on the TEDx platform, been recognized by the Australian Financial Review as one of the top 100 Women of Influence and listed as one of Science & Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM.
She is the lead scientist of the scientific and citizen science program Wild Sydney Harbour, which is learning more about marine life in Sydney Harbour, Australia. As part of this, Vanessa is leading scientific research with local First Nations rangers, the Gamay Rangers. Together, they are combining First Nation Knowledge and scientific research to learn more about marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and fur seals
Vanessa’s research uses innovative technologies for wildlife conservation. Most notable works include drones to collect whale snot and the use of computer algorithms and AI for the detection of illegal wildlife trafficking.
Vanessa is also a proud children’s and big kids author, with her books The Voyage of Whale and Calf and Humpback Highway: Diving into the mysterious world of whales, serving as an annual reminder of humpback whale biology and ecology in Australian waters.
This event is brought to you by Waverley Council with support from the Waverley Action Group
