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 (of the Order Cetacea) which refers to whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Australia's extensive coastline provides a wide range of aquatic habitats. Consequently, at least 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises are found in Australian waters including 10 large whales, 20 smaller whales, 14 dolphins and 1 porpoise.
Five whale species — the humpback, blue, fin, sei and southern right — are considered at risk and are listed as threatened species by the Australian Government. Recovery Plans have been developed for these species. A Recovery Plan aims to ensure the long-term survival in the wild of a threatened species by identifying the threats to the species, and by setting out actions necessary to stop the decline of the species.
Read the recovery plans for the:
The whales and dolphins which live in Australia's waters are listed below. They are categorised into their two main sub-orders; Mysticeti (Baleen whales) and Odontoceti (Toothed whales).
| Sei whale | Bryde's whale |
| Pygmy right whale | Blue whale [Distribution map] |
| Dwarf minke whale | Fin whale |
| Antarctic minke whale | Humpback whale [Distribution map] |
| Southern right whale [Distribution map] |