RARE albino whale Migaloo is set to pass through waters off Newcastle and Port Stephens this week, as the region's whale watch operators celebrate news that humpback whales could be spared from Japanese culls for another year.
With the world's whaling powers meeting in Chile at the 60th International Whaling Commission (IWC) summit, Japan has reportedly told the IWC it will not include humpbacks in its "scientific research" program until after 2009.
Medowie anti-whaling campaigner Skye Bortoli flew to Chile on Tuesday to deliver IWC delegates with artworks from Port Stephens students and express the Australian youth's view of whaling.
The humpbacks pass Australia's east coast every June to October on their way to warmer waters.
Newcastle operator Bruce Hodgkinson says he spotted more than 20 whales off Newcastle on Sunday. with AFP