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The boundaries of the proposed humpback whale Kimberley Calving grounds protected area (blue). Arrows indicate migratory paths of the whales into and out of the 24,000 square km wilderness region
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Call for a Whale Sanctuary
Mapping the extent of the Breeding Population "D" calving ground has once again become the focus of the Centre's activities as massive gas finds off the Kimberley coast create a demand for mainland production facilities. Identifying critical areas for the whales in this wilderness is a necessary first step in the site selection process.
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A cow and calf swim past an anchored fishing boat in the remote Kimberley - the tiny calf has been appropriately named "Promise" by Pam Canney
Photo by Pam Canney
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The Centre’s original ground-breaking work, mapping the boundaries of the calving ground during 1995 to 1997 with our original sailing catamaran WhaleSong (See History), showed an important calving site at Camden Sound, and cow/calf resting areas throughout the Buccaneer Archipelago and Pender Bay. Preliminary results from aerial, vessel and satellite tagging surveys in the 2007 and 2008 seasons confirm that these areas are still of critical importance to the population.
The Centre is advising government that a recognised marine protected area or whale sanctuary be established in what is now recognised as the core calving and breeding area for this population. Although the area is likely to be safe from the current round of industrial activity and planning, the area needs to protected from any future human activities that may change the nature of this wilderness area for this population of whales – the largest in the southern hemisphere.
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A pregnant female humpback whale in the early morning light near Camden Sound.
Photo by Curt Jenner
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You can help by adding your voice to those wanting to protect this area for generations to come - contact our federal politicians Click Here and our state politicians Click Here and tell them that your Kimberley Humpback Whale Calving Ground needs to be protected!
