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A humpback calf breaching off the coast of Rarotonga. PHOTO: NAN HAUSER. 20090107
September 3, 2020
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The effects of climate change may be a contributing factor in the delayed migration of humpback whales to Cook Islands waters, says a world-renowned whale researcher. Rarotonga-based whale researcher Nan Hauser says she’s observed 2020’s annual migration to be roughly six weeks late. Hauser said from mid-June to mid-August – historically known to be the beginning of prime whale watching season - only 16 whales were observed.

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