Year's first humpback whales spotted off Australia's South West‏

The annual migration of humpback whales has begun off the South-West, with the first whales spotted along the coast near Albany and Augusta.

Whale-watchers were thrilled by the sight of this humpback which breached in recent days off Flinders Bay in Augusta.

It is thought that whales whales breach to communicate with each other – a cooee across a vast expanse of ocean. Others scientists say the animals use it to display they are fit and ready to mate.

Each year humpback and southern right whales migrate north in search of warmer waters to breed, playing and feeding close to the coast along the way.

Australia’s South West chief executive officer Jasmine Meagher said it was unique to see both southern right and humpbacks interacting in the waters together, so close to shore.

Whale-watching operator Naturaliste Charters said two blue whales were seen on their tour last week.

“We’re very lucky that the whale-watching season throughout Australia’s South West is one of the longest in the world, spanning six months of the year from June until December annually,’’ Ms Meagher said.

“In addition, we have one of just two southern right whale nurseries in Australia, where southern right whales go to calve each year.’’

Point Ann, within the Fitzgerald River National Park is frequented by calving southern right whales between June and November annually.

Whale watching tours started in early June from both August and Albany, and will continue for as long as whales are sighted.