Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Whales, dolphins and porpoises are warm blooded, air breathing marine mammals which give birth to live young. 'Cetacean' is the scientific name which refers to whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Australian waters are home to a large number of unique and magnificent marine mammals, including 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Some of these species are permanent residents in Australian waters, whilst others are occasional visitors, migrating from their summer feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warmer waters of the Australian coast during the winter.
Australians have long recognised the importance of whales, dolphins and porpoises to our unique marine ecosystems, and believe that it is essential to ensure the survival of these mammals long into the future. The Australian Government has made whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation a priority and is a world leader in the protection and conservation of these species both in Australia and on an international scale.
Conservation and Values - Global Cetacean Summary Report
The Global Cetacean Summary Report presents the most current information on the conservation status of the world’s cetaceans, and includes new information from the 2008 meetings of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The report also highlights the main threats to their survival, and discusses the value of whale watching.
Conservation and Values - Global Cetacean Summary Report