Humpbacks Mate with Great Barrier Serande

From Peter Michael

Scientists are hoping to uncover the equivalent of a humpback whale karaoke bar on the Great Barrier Reef while observing the creatures' mating ritual.

Male humpbacks are known to gather in groups at sites called "leks" off the Queensland coast to sing and impress females into mating with them. But exactly where remains a mystery.

The Great Barrier Reef is proving a huge drawcard for the gentle giants of the sea this year as an estimated 11,000 humpbacks head north on their annual migration. In an elaborate mating ritual, the males croon and the females listen, and assess, before pairing off, much like the late-night human tango witnessed in pubs and clubs.

Whale researchers also hope to identify other "hot spots" on the Reef, such as popular birthing grounds and the sheltered nurseries of newborn calves.