Whale and Dolphin Conservation
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Australia is fortunate to have many sites around our coastline that are ideal for whale and dolphin watching. Whale and dolphin watching is a growing industry in Australia and as of 2003 was estimated to be worth close to $300 million* a year to the Australian economy. During the past five years the industry has grown by 15 per cent per year.
* Total direct and indirect expenditure (reference: IFAW Report 2004, The Growth of Whale Watching Tourism in Australia).
The Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching are a clearly defined set of standards for all human activity around cetaceans. These help people understand that their actions may disturb these wild animals, and show them how to minimise any effect they may have while whale or dolphin watching. Read the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching
Whale and dolphin watching is regulated in the Australian Whale Sanctuary. Regulations apply to all people interacting with whales and dolphins including commercial operators (tourist or otherwise) and people conducting recreational activities. The regulations specify how vessels, aircraft and people must behave around these animals. For example, vessels must not deliberately approach whales closer than 100m. Within 300m vessels must use caution and travel at low speed. Touching or feeding whales and dolphins is prohibited.
For more information call: (02) 6274 2995
State and territory governments are responsible for conservation and protection of whales and dolphins in coastal waters (out to the 3 nautical mile limit). State and territory governments manage most of the human/whale interactions, and whale and dolphin watching. Each state and territory has its own regulations regarding whale watching in coastal waters.
Australia is fortunate to have a number of great whale and dolphin watching sites. There are numerous whale and dolphin watching operations around Australia that offer excellent opportunities to see animals in the wild. There are also many land-based sites where whales and dolphins come within metres of the coastline. Land-based whale and dolphin watching is an inexpensive way of seeing these magnificent animals in their natural environments. Read more about places to see whales and dolphins in the wild