Former whalers are returning to the Tory Channel, not to hunt but to count whales for a Department of Conservation research project.
The whalers will help with a two-week survey near the Marlborough Sounds from June 12 to 27, spotting whales and analysing how they have recovered from whaling.
Former whaler Joe
Heberley said they would spot whales from East Head or from a boat.
DoC approached Mr Heberley about getting those with hands-on experience to help out.
"It is a brilliant idea and we are seeing more and more whales every year," he said.
On just one day early last July, fishermen in Cook Strait saw seven whales, he said.
Whale Watch in Kaikoura will also co-operate.
The boat-based team will use underwater hydrophones to listen for distinctive whale sounds, including any "singing" by humpback whales, and will record them.
New Zealand stopped whaling in 1964 when the last whaling station at Tory Channel was closed.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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