Tourist officer Margie Stott told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that there have been 166 different whales spotted in the current season — 23 more than in the previous record year of 2005.
Researchers have documented the births of more than 40 southern right whale calves since the season began in May. They join 56 adult whales, which have been frequently visible from seaside viewing platforms.
One of this season’s new calves was born white, which occurs in only about 2 percent of births.
It is said not to be an albino, and is expected to slowly darken as it matures.
In 1999, Australia took an unprecedented step to protect the marine mammals by establishing the Australian Whale Sanctuary within 200 nautical miles of its coast, and the coasts of its island dependencies and Antarctic territory.
The sanctuary has been the scene of rancorous confrontations over the past year between conservationists and Japanese whaling vessels.