A humpback whale with distinctive battle scars after running with a boatman in Tasmanian waters.
Key points:
- Blatter was stabbed to death by a boatman in Sydney about 20 years ago
- In 2008, 2013 and 2015 there were confirmed views of the Australian coast
- According to marine scientists, the whale acts as a reminder to humans to respect the marine environment
The whale, known as the Blatterner, has 30-centimeter scars on its left and right tail since it was cut by an impetus in Sydney in 2001.
He was spotted this week on Cape Hai beach on the Tasman Peninsula.
It was an incredible sight, said Yannie Ambroster, tour guide at Pennigot Wilderness Journey.
“From a distance the whale looked like a stripe, and I remember being told by one of the guests on the trip that it would be nice to get a photo,” Ms. Ambroster said.
Rosalind Butt, who owns a whale watching business in Eden, New South Wales, has seen Blatter twice in his 30s.
“First in 2008, it was my husband who first commented,” Ms. Butt said.
“It looks like a zebra, with stripes on it.
“The closer we got, the more badly cut it was. It must have been a big ship.”
Ms. Butt saw Blatter again in 2013 with a calf.
“We ‘ve seen a lot of whales with small scores, but nothing like what Blatterner has.”
Reminder to respect whales
Conflicts between whales and ships are not uncommon, says marine scientist Vanessa Prota.
“Some whales heal and heal, and [Bladerunner is] A great example of that, “said Dr. Prota.
“Contact between ships and whales can cause death.”
Dr. Byrotta said whales like Platoranner acted as a reminder to respect the rules and regulations when watching a whale.
“He is only one of a large population, but he can serve as a primary animal to remind humans that we all have to do our best to protect these animals,” he said.
“When we see a known person again, it’s a good thing. It allows them to perform better.”
In Tasmania, boats stay above 100 meters from a whale to avoid approaching animals.
“I would say you have to be incredibly lucky, especially if you go out looking for Blatter,” Dr. Prota said.