More whales spotted in Cook Strait

Cook Strait humpback whale surveyors have so far counted 30 whales, bringing numbers close to what was seen last year.

The month-long survey, which started on June 13, began quietly, with just eight whales spotted in the first week. The Conservation Department said there had been a definite increase in the number of whales passing through Cook Strait in the last week five whales were seen yesterday and three the day before.

Last year 37 humpbacks and four pygmy blue whales were spotted. The survey ends on Saturday.

- The Marlborough Express