The excitement of conservation often centres on securing a special place. But the real reward comes afterwards - when wildlife continues to find refuge there.
That is why our team was thrilled to see footage captured by Dr Steve Enticott of Carbon Landscapes and Nooramunga Land & Sea (NL&S) showing a Southern Right Whale resting - and appearing to “wave” - in a channel beside Bullock Island.
Bullock Island is one of two neighbouring islands protected forever by NL&S through BioDiversity Legacy’s Local Landholding Entity model. Together with Little Dog Island, it safeguards 132 hectares of coastal saltmarsh in the Corner Inlet and Nooramunga wetland system.
Southern Right Whales visit Victoria’s sheltered coastal waters between May and October to rest, give birth and raise their calves. Sightings in Corner Inlet are uncommon, however, making this visitor especially exciting. An expert who viewed the footage believes it may be a young male.
The sighting is also a reminder that conservation does not stop at a property boundary.
Around 96 hectares of marine and intertidal habitat lies between the two islands. While Nooramunga Land & Sea does not own these waters, protecting the islands and their shorelines strengthens the connected channels, mudflats and coastal habitats that marine life depends on.
Seeing a Southern Right Whale resting beside Bullock Island brings that connection to life. It shows what permanent protection is ultimately for: not simply securing land, but helping create a healthier, more resilient landscape - and seascape - for nature.