The Department of Conservation is encouraging Otago residents to keep an eye out for whales.
The annual southern right whale migration runs from this week until October, when the mammals head north to protected shallow waters to breed.
Doc is asking the public to report any sightings of the distinctive whales, as they migrate along the coast from the sub-Antarctic islands to the east coat of Northland.
''Sighting reports are important, because they help researchers understand the whales' migrating patterns,'' Doc marine adviser Laura Boren said yesterday.
''Video and images of southern right whales are incredibly valuable, as they help confirm which whales are on the move around mainland New Zealand. As we learn more about them we gain an understanding [of] what we need to do to protect the magnificent creatures.''
The bay areas from Foveaux Strait to northern Otago are important breeding habitats for right whales, especially Preservation Inlet, Te Waewae Bay and the Otago coast.
The species was named because it was the ''right whale'' to hunt and was pursued to the brink of extinction in New Zealand.
However, a recent report by the University of Otago and University of Auckland confirmed an increase in numbers around mainland New Zealand. The report said there were 125 sightings of southern right whales between 2003 and 2010.
Most sightings were from around the Otago Peninsula and Southland coast.
Southern right whales
(Eubalaena australis)
Adult: 11m to 16m.
Newborn: 4.5m to 6m. Usually black, with irregular white patches and large, paddle-shaped flippers.
Can also be identified by their V-shaped blowhole spray, which can reach 5m high.
They are slow swimmers, but can also be acrobatic and inquisitive.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act requires people to keep 50m away from whales and 200m if a calf is present.
Southern right whale sightings can be reported to 0800 DOCHOT (0800 36 24 68).
Images or videos of sightings can be emailed to marinemammals@doc.govt.nz
