Be prepared to paddle out for whales

A whale at play at Hervey Bay.

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Whales visiting our coast

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NEXT month boats packed with tourists will make their way out into Hervey Bay to celebrate Hervey Bay's iconic humpback whales but locals are being urged to turn their attention to what can happen to the majestic creatures when the season is over.

As part of National Whale Day residents will again be given the opportunity to take part in the annual Paddle Out for Whales event.

In a united stance against whaling, locals are asked to paddle out from Torquay beach to release 172 flowers, representing the number of whales slaughtered in the Japanese hunting season this year.

Paddle Out for Whales organiser Vicki Neville said community participation was integral for the message to receive high profile attention.

“Thankfully Japan did not meet their target quota of 985 whales this year,” Ms Neville said.

“But the bottom line is that the quota was there and whales en masse are still being hunted.

“It's events like Paddle Out for Whales that show the world our love of whales and with continued awareness out there and with events like these we will hopefully never see the Jaspanese return to Antarctica.”

The event will be held on Saturday, June 25.

Anyone wanting to take part in the paddle out is asked to register on the beach at the front of Aquavue Cafe from 1.30pm with entertainment kicking off from 2.30pm.