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Some of our older news..
June 22, 2005. Campbell denies whalers using Tas, WA ports
Federal Environment Minister Senator Ian Campbell has denied that Japanese whalers are using Hobart in Tasmania and Fremantle in Western Australia as resupply and refuelling ports. June 22, 2005. Whale watchers may have got too close
Victoria's Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is investigating two incidents in which boats may have ventured too close to whales in south-west Victoria. June 21, 2005. Environment officials to probe sea lion deaths
Staff from the South Australia Environment Department are investigating the deaths of a number of sea lions on an island off Eyre Peninsula.
Conservationists call for sea lions autopsies
A National Parks and Wildlife officer will today attempt to reach an island off Elliston on the South Australian west coast to inspect dead sea lions reported by an abalone farm company.
June 21, 2005. Environment officials to probe sea lion deaths
Staff from the South Australia Environment Department are investigating the deaths of a number of sea lions on an island off Eyre Peninsula. June 20-25, 2005. IWC Meeting in Korea deciding the fate of the Whales
>> Solomons' whaling stance 'dishonest'
>> Japan defiant as whaling talks wrap up
>> NZ lobbies for more support for anti-whaling stance
>> Japan minke hunt bid falls short
>> Burger chain adds whale to menu
>> Japan threatens whaling commission withdrawal
>> Japan loses 'scientific' whale hunt bid
>> Japan loses bid to scrap Antarctic whale sanctuary
>> IWC condemns Japan's whaling program
>> Japan loses whaling bid
>> 'Stalled vote' causes concern at whaling meeting
>> Aust could do more to protect whales, scientist says
>> World's first virtual rally held at IWC
>> Early win for anti-whaling lobby at IWC
>> North coast anti-whaling group attacks IWC
>> Criticism intensifies over Japan whaling June 14, 2005. Latest from AUSCETNET Newsgroup Feb 10, 2005. Beaked whale found dead Shell Harbour, NSW
A beaked whale (possibly Arnoux) whas found dead yesterday at Shell Harbour. Cause of death unknown. Samples were taken by ORRCA to determine possible cause of death and to identify species. Feb 9, 2005. Updates from AUSCETNET Newsgroup Feb 8, 2005. Updates from VIC Strandings Newsgroup Feb 5, 2005. ORRCA AGM - record attendence
It was the largest attendence of an ORRCA AGM on record. With more people wanting to participate on the committee than there were places.
ORRCA is looking stronger than ever, financially, resources, enthusiasm and most importantly people wanting to contribute. In the Presidents address, Ronny Ling, re-emphasised our core values "... we are here for the benefit of the marine mammals thru research and rescue" and that "we [ORRCA] are not a political organisation." Ronny Ling congratulates and thanks all members over this past year for their contributions and work. A special thanks and life time membership was awarded to Bunny Horne for her work for many years as on the ORRCA helpline operator. For more infomation on new committee watch for the upcoming newsletter. Sept 29, 2004.
Congratulations to our 11 new ORRCA Rescue Members for completing the first training workshop for 2004, conducted over the weekend of 25-26 September. It was a rewarding time for all. Fantastic effort by the workshop crew for making this the best Rescue Training Workshop ever. July 25, 2004. Whales in International News
Underwater cameras to assist whale rescues - ABC 24.7.04
Baby whale stranded on NSW beach - ABC 23.7.04
Anti-whalers at IWC call for more humane killing - Sydney Morning Herald 22.7.04
Norwegians under fire for whaling plan - ABC 22.7.04
Whaling resolution hailed as victory for animal welfare - ABC 22.7.04
Australia Protests Whale Slaughter - Sydney Morning Herald 21.7.04
Humpback whale numbers rise - Sydney Morning Herald 21.7.04
Alarm at Japan's Whaling Agenda - Sydney Morning Herald 21.7.04
DNA of protected whales found at Japanese market - Sydney Morning Herald 20.7.04 July 23, 2004. Fur Seal hauled out in Cronulla
There has been a fur seal hauled out at South Cronulla for a few days and it has recently exhibited signs of being unwell. NPWS, on veterinary advice, request that the anumal be monitored every day.
ORRCA are compiling a team and roster for at least the next week, if you can help, even for a short time, please contact the ORRCA Hotline. July 22, 2004.
Injured NZ Fur Seal dies.
Taronga Zoo notified ORRCA this afternoon that the NZ Fur Seal died last night. It was only 43kg but 1.5 m long and should have been more like 70 kg. On Examination , its mouht was badly infected with several stingray barbs imbedded. The fur seal first hauled out in Harbord on Sunday, ORRCA attended and concern was raised about its welbeing, the seal was then hauled out on Monday at Freshwater and on Tuesday Narrabeen, it was then taken to Taronga on NPWS request for veterinary assessment and care. July 21, 2004. Baby Humpback Dies at Cooloola QLD
A baby humpback died after stranding itself twice today at Cooloola, North Noosa, despite rescue attempts by park visitors and staff. July 13, 2004.
Baby Humpback Euthanased
Baby humpback stranded near on a beach near Ballina had to be euthanased. The unfortunate and tragic but humane decision was decided after all attempts from NPWS, Sea World and ORRCA were not able to help the neonate humpback. Thank you all for your efforts, it is always difficult to loose a battle like this. July 13, 2004. ORRCA Email server problems
Sorry, we are experiencing problems our email server this may take several days to fix. Please call the ORRCA hotline if you are wanting to contact ORRCA, submit renewal or registration forms. June 28, 2004. Pygmy Sperm Whale Stranding
Where: Seal rocks
When: Monday 28th June 2004
What: 1.7m long, Male. It had a lot of damage to flukes and the dorsal fin had been bitten off. There were cookie cutter bites – one penetrating its rib cage. It had many other various wounds, and it was more than likely dead when it washed up to the beach.
Who: David Turner (NPWS) is going to forward photographs for final identification and further research.
Finally: Thanks to all members who offered there support, time and enthusiasm if case was an actual stranding. You made a difference! June 17, 2004.
Migaloo the Albino Humpback is Back!
The world's only known albino humpback whale has cruised past Sydney's coastline today, heading north for winter. Affectionately know as Migaloo, an Aboriginal word meaning white or white fella, the whale was first sighted off the Queensland coast in 1991.
Rare Albino Whale Cruises Sydney - The Australian
http://www.migaloo.org/ a site dedicated to Migaloo. June 21, 2004. 4:00pm
ABC Dead whales cause problems for Tas authorities
Rescuers are facing another weighty problem in Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast after saving a 14 metre long sperm whale on the weekend. Three out of four dead whales... June 16, 2004.
10:08am
ABC Rescuers work to save stranded whale
More than twenty people are making a net which will be used to rescue a 14-metre sperm whale stranded in Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast.. . June 15, 2004.
08:49AM
ABC Whale group warns of watching dangers
Australian Whale Conservation Society president Paul Hodda says 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin potentially put his life at risk by swimming with whales in Antarctica.... May 20, 2004.
11:15 AM
11m Juvenile Humpback Whale freed from shark nets off the coast of Currumbin in Qld. Reported to ORRCA hotline at 10 AM. A team from Government and Sea World took over an hour to disentangle the whale and appears to be "Okay". http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/20/1084917694559.html
http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/20/1085028468885.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1112126.htm April 24, 2004. ORRCA Committee Meeting & Zodiac Awareness
Successful and fun ORRCA April Committee Meeting along with a Zodiac awareness workshop conducted on the Gosford foreshore. April 15, 2004.
3:37 PM Dolphin birth surprises marine park staff
Staff at New South Wales marine park say they were caught by surprise when one of their dolphins gave birth. The 17-year-old dolphin, known as Calamity, took the day off performing and gave birth to a female calf last Thursday...
April 7, 2004. 9:47 AM Commercial fishers call for protection
South Australia's Seafood Council says the State Government must introduce legislation to compensate any commercial fishers displaced by the rollout of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The zones will be identified over the next 10 years in areas including the south-east to protect species such as whales... November 26, 2003.
1:26pm Experts study bite marks on beached whales
Scientists say teeth marks found on some dead pilot whales beached on Tasmania's west coast may shed some light on why they died... 25 Jan 01 Orrca Forum
An informal discussion group has been created where users of this web site can exchange news and information or get questions answered. News will no longer be posted to the page you are viewing now.
9 Jun 00 Humpback Freed
In a dangerous but well-planned operation a team of National Parks and Wildlife Service staff, led by NPWS Ranger and Orrca Vice-President Andrew Marshall, freed a migrating humpback whale which had become entangled in netting off Port Macquarie, New South Wales.
8 Jun 00 George Fitzsimmons
The tragic death of George Fitzsimmons in an NPWS bushfire hazard reduction operation at Mt Kuring-gai is deeply lamented by his many friends in Orrca. George had been a member of Orrca since 1992 and was a veteran of many rescues. His selfless dedication to the cause of marine mammals, his boundless enthusiasm and his strong leadership set an example for us all. Our thoughts are also with George's NPWS colleagues, many of them friends of Orrca, who suffered in the same tragedy.
11 Mar 00 Risso's Dolphin Rescued
A Risso's dolphin was returned to the wild after stranding at Terrigal Beach, New South Wales. Assistance was rendered by Orrca members Bess Hope, Jean Meaney, Ronny Ling, Barbara Ranger, Ralf Roedger and Donna Fegan, in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Terrigal Surf Club and Terrigal Dive Club.
5 Dec 99 New Committee Elected
Some familiar faces were farewelled and a new committee elected today at Orrca's fifteenth annual general meeting. Members who would like to become more involved in Orrca's activities are encouraged to contact a committee member.
6 Sep 99 Toowoon Bay Rescue
A young Bryde's Whale is swimming in the sea tonight, after having stranded overnight at Toowoon Bay on the New South Wales Central Coast. Orrca members George Fitzsimmons, Donna Fegan, Jean Meaney, Robyn Berry and Judi Johnson worked with NPWS and members of the public to refloat the 4.1 metre baleen whale.
Found by swimmers around 6:30am, the whale was returned to the water by 9:00am, where it was maintained for rehabilitation. Orrca was alarmed to hear mutterings about the green needle, the whale is too young to survive, etc. All too often in our experience, advocates of premature euthanasia carry the day despite all the evidence that is amassing of amazing recoveries from seemingly hopeless situations.
Generally rehabilitation takes 24 hours or more, however to the surprise of everyone the whale burst free from its many supporters at 11:25am, powering eastward and out of sight.
The speed of the rescue allows hope that the young whale may be able to find its mother. Another whale was reported in the vicinity.
Coordinating the rescue was Orrca Hotline operator Bunny Horne, who managed to cope not just with the rescue, but also with more than 40 incoming calls about Alexandria, the southern right whale visiting Botany Bay. The whale, known to be a female from DNA analysis of skin shed during tail slaps, demonstrated the curiosity of its species by approaching NPWS vessels with Orrca researchers on board, swimming around and underneath on many occasions -- despite the best evasive tactics of the skippers. (Click on the photos to enlarge.) Orrca has compared the white callosity patterns on Alex with its photographs and sketches of Dennis, the southern right whale born to Glennis off Sydney in 1993. Conclusion: Despite media speculation, it definitely is not the same animal.
Thousands of clifftop onlookers received an Orrca/NPWS information sheet on southern right whales. Over the 21-day visit, Orrca took over 700 phone calls on its rescue hotline -- "Where is the whale?? Where will it be tomorrow? When will it go? What sex is it? Why is it here? ".
We were more than glad to help, but Orrca's meagre resources felt the strain. Sydney callers were naturally unaware that their calls to our Hotline were diverted to the operator of the day in Jervis Bay, Newcastle or elsewhere -- with the long-distance costs being charged to Orrca!
6 Apr 99 Live Stranding
A very young pygmy sperm whale stranded live at Grassy Head near Kempsey on Sunday 4th April. Trained Orrca members were some hours away, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service decided to transport the animal to the "Pet Porpoise Pool" at Coffs Harbour for possible rehabilitation. The animal has died, but no further details are to hand.
3 Mar 99 Totally Wild
Orrca appeared on the box again today, with the screening of a segment on Totally Wild. Set on Quarantine Beach, Sydney Harbour, the program showed an enthusiastic team rescuing Millie, our plastic articulated black whale. Sam Barripp was the talking head, with stellar supporting performances from Michael Asbridge, Sally Dinglewall, Samantha Fulton, Leanne Williams, Glenn Young, and (from the National Parks and Wildlife Service) Ray Blackett.
19 Feb 99 Public Gift Fund Committee
Orrca members Michael Asbridge, Sam Barripp, Diana Glazer and Leanne Hatter will be in charge of approving the Committee's spending recommendations from the Public Gift Fund this year. The appointments were made by the Orrca Committee in line with the government's requirements for separate governance of tax-deductable donations.
8 Feb 99 Necropsy Seminar
Orrca's first Necropsy Seminar was a great success with participants travelling to Lane Cove from as far as Newcastle for the event. Topics included morphological examination, photographic techniques, data recording, what tissue samples are important, how to collect and store them, parasites and more.
Attendees included Sam Barripp, Peter Smith, Peter Pritchard, Patrick Fegan, Donna Fegan, Leanne Hatter, Robyn Berry, Jean Meaney, Marlene Vial, Vanessa Owens, Julie Kay, and Peta Hansen. Samantha Fulton was the instructor. There will be another Necropsy Seminar, as listed in the Diary. 30 Jan 99 Disentanglement Training
Pittwater and The Basin were the setting for Orrca's latest joint exercise with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for whale disentanglement training. Using two Zodiac inflatables and a mother ship towing Millie (our articulated black plastic whale), a joint team of ten intrepid souls practiced the use of specialised rescue equipment to free the entangled whale.
15 Jan 99 Orrca Diary
At its first meeting, the new committee set up a diary of events for 1999.
15 Jan 99 A Second Beaked Whale
A second scamperdown beaked whale washed up dead, at a location close to yesterday's live stranding site (see item below). It too was a 4m juvenile male. The two strandings are possibly related in some way.
Orrca conducted a necropsy on 16th January, screened on ABC television news. While an unusually large nematode (worm) was found in the right kidney, no clear cause of death has yet been established. Tissue samples will be analysed. The skeleton is to be displayed by the Australian Museum. On the necropsy team: Sam Barripp, Donna Fegan, Samantha Fulton, Bill Fulton, Bess Hope, Julie Kay, Jean Meaney. 14 Jan 99 Beaked Whale Stranding ![To enlarge picture click here]() Orrca rescue team battled to save a scamperdown beaked whale (Mesoplodon grayi) beached at Budgewoi NSW. The 4m juvenile male was transported to sheltered water at Norah Head. However after an hour in the water it suffered convulsions and died in rescuers' arms. Sightings of scamperdown whales alive or dead are extremely rare, and this is Orrca's first rescue attempt for the species. Rescue Team members came from the Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle: Sam Barripp, Steve Barry, Robyn Berry, Donna Fegan, Bill Fulton, Samantha Fulton, Bev Guthrie, Ronny Ling, Jean Meaney and Peter Pritchard. Many other members were ready on standby if needed. Julie Kay manned the Hotline. Orrca conducted a necropsy the same evening. The left kidney contained nematodes, thought to be in insufficient numbers to account for the stranding . 18 Dec 98 False Alarm on Dolphin Stranding
An adult male common dolphin, washed up on a NSW Central Coast Beach, proved to be severely decomposed when checked out by Cathy Miller, a member of the local Orrca Rescue Team. This was despite earlier reports from the public that the animal had stranded live. An Orrca research team performed the necropsy next day.
17 Dec 98 Entanglement Techniques
As part of its joint readiness program with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for whale entanglement incidents, Orrca is sharing information with NPWS Sydney on the latest overseas techniques learned on a visit to the Center for Coastal Studies in Massachusetts.
6 Dec 98 AGM
There was a good roll-up for Orrca's Annual General Meeting at Jenkins Hall. The show of support was appreciated by the many people who worked hard for members during the year. A new committee was elected.
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