Southern right whale 'close to extinction'

The southern right whale is close to extinction in NSW waters and needs protection, the state opposition says.
A report by the independent NSW Scientific Committee says there could be as few as 10 of the whales left in the state's waters, opposition environment spokesman Luke Foley said on Saturday.
"In its preliminary determination, the NSW Scientific Committee has proposed listing the southern right whale as an endangered species," Mr Foley said in a statement.
"This is a species facing extinction in NSW. It needs to be officially listed as an endangered species and a recovery plan needs to be developed immediately."
The southern right whale is often spotted close to shore along the southern and central NSW coastline between July and September.
Adults can grow up to 18m long and weigh up to 54 tonnes.
Mr Foley said Environment Minister Robyn Parker had refused to rule out dismantling or diluting the committee.
"Robyn Parker, of all people, should be sympathetic to endangered species," he said.