Scientists plan to track the rare white whale Migaloo
ABC News Australia, August 20, 2003
The Queensland Government is moving to protect Migaloo, the world's only known white humpback whale, by fitting it with a radio-tracking device.
Environment Minister Dean Wells says after a yacht hit the whale off Townsville on Saturday, the Government has decided to do more to protect it.
The skipper of the yacht says he accidentally hit and injured Migaloo with his trimaran when the whale surfaced in front of him.
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Queensland Parks and Wildlife officers found the humpback swimming near the Palm Islands yesterday. Wildlife authorities say the whale does not appear to have suffered any serious injuries in the incident.
"The white whale migaloo is well and swimming freely and doesn't appear to be injured," Mr Wells said.
Mr Wells says a tracking device will help authorities monitor Migaloo's movements. "My plan is to have the white whale Migaloo tagged with a transistorised tracking device so that we will be able to locate him and that way better ensure his safety," Mr Wells said.
"We'll continue to monitor the whale to ensure that it is in fact not injured," he added.
"The fact that it is swimming freely doesn't mean that it hasn't been penetrated by the yacht but at least the whale is swimming freely and that is good news."
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 Media contacts:
Working on an article or story about Migaloo? To arrange for interviews and photos, please contact:
Anne Rillero, Publicist, Pacific Whale Foundation at 808-249-8811 or 808-244-8390.
Or email: publicrelations@pacificwhale.org
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