Red marks spotted on a rare white whale as it makes its way along Australia's east coast have sparked fears the mammal may have skin cancer.
Experts are examining photos of Migaloo which last week swam the length of New South Wales and is now cruising toward Queensland's far north.
White Whale Research Centre founder Oskar Peterson says photos taken by whale watchers near Sydney this week show red markings on Migaloo's dorsal.
It's the first time he's noticed red spots on the whale since he first began tracking Migaloo in 1996.
Peterson says the whale's skin tone may make it more susceptible to sunburn, but he's hopeful there'll be some other explanation for the discolouration.
The photos are being examined by an expert at Southern Cross University.
Migaloo is travelling about 8km/h as it makes its annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland's tropical north.
The whale was spotted off North Stradbroke Island earlier this week and is likely to be near Fraser Island on Wednesday afternoon.
Migaloo, believed to be about 28 years old, usually makes it as far north as Cooktown, north of Cairns.
Special rules apply to Migaloo and other white whales, with boats and jetskis banned from going within 500m and aircraft restricted from going within 2,000ft.
Separate rules exist for those hoping to spot a glimpse of the 20,000 less rare whales expected to cruise up and down the Queensland coast this year.
Red marks spotted on a rare white whale as it makes its way along Australia's east coast have sparked fears the mammal may have skin cancer.
Experts are examining photos of Migaloo which last week swam the length of New South Wales and is now cruising toward Queensland's far north.
White Whale Research Centre founder Oskar Peterson says photos taken by whale watchers near Sydney this week show red markings on Migaloo's dorsal.
It's the first time he's noticed red spots on the whale since he first began tracking Migaloo in 1996.
Peterson says the whale's skin tone may make it more susceptible to sunburn, but he's hopeful there'll be some other explanation for the discolouration.
The photos are being examined by an expert at Southern Cross University.
Migaloo is travelling about 8km/h as it makes its annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland's tropical north.
The whale was spotted off North Stradbroke Island earlier this week and is likely to be near Fraser Island on Wednesday afternoon.
Migaloo, believed to be about 28 years old, usually makes it as far north as Cooktown, north of Cairns.
Special rules apply to Migaloo and other white whales, with boats and jetskis banned from going within 500m and aircraft restricted from going within 2,000ft.
Separate rules exist for those hoping to spot a glimpse of the 20,000 less rare whales expected to cruise up and down the Queensland coast this year.
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