Humpback whales found feeding during migration along Australia coast

New research led by Griffith University suggests that humpback whales migrating along Australia’s east coast are feeding more frequently than previously believed. This discovery challenges the long-held ‘capital breeders’ theory, which assumed whales fasted during their journey from Antarctic feeding grounds to tropical breeding waters, relying solely on stored fat.

By analyzing over a decade of social media posts and citizen science data from 2013 to 2024, researchers identified 199 feeding events involving 1,417 whales. The study found that feeding is a widespread strategy, particularly in southern New South Wales, eastern and southern Tasmania, and Victoria, which together accounted for approximately 85 percent of documented observations.

Feeding occurred during both northbound and southbound migrations. In Tasmanian and Victorian waters, feeding was observed in almost every month of the year, including summer months when whales were expected to be in Antarctica. Researchers noted that feeding hotspots align with nutrient-rich areas influenced by the East Australian Current and coastal upwelling. The study also documented large-scale feeding groups, with one event near Bermagui involving approximately 150 whales.