2009 Kimberley whale survey highlights need to protect national treasure

Results of a new survey have highlighted the global significance of the Kimberley coast for Humpback whales and other rare and threatened marine species - further supporting the call for a network of marine protected areas along the Kimberley coast.

The aerial and sea-based survey was conducted over a 4 month period and was coordinated by marine researchers and Broome whale experts Richard Costin and Annabelle Sandes. The Wilderness Society has supported the research by providing funding for the aerial survey and organising the 2009 Wilderness Society whale trip during which our staff and members participated in and supported the survey work.

These new results have been released in the context of:
(a) the WA State Government and Woodside Ltd proposal for a large industrial hub to be created for fossil fuel (LNG) processing within part of the crucial Humpback feeding and breeding area, and;
(b) an announcement of a proposed ‘whale sanctuary’ marine park in the northern part of the whale ‘maternity ward’ - the Camden Sound region.

Survey results

Whale sightings from the 2009 survey on the Kimberley coast showing the location of the proposed James Price Point industrial hub in relation to numbers of whales recorded. (c) Kimberley whale watching

The new results reveal that the entire coast from Broome all the way up the Dampier Peninsula and across to Camden Sound is crucial calving, mating, feeding and resting habitat for Humpback whales and important for range of other species such as dugong and Australia’s own dolphin species, the little known Snubfin dolphin. This new survey builds on the limited amount of work undertaken previously in this remote part of the world and significantly expands the study area considered.

It is apparent that the area between Broome and the Lacepede Islands, which includes James Price Point, is a crucial migratory corridor, and could be as significant as Camden Sound as a calving and resting area for Humpback whales – contradicting claims by Premier Barnett that an industrial hub would have no impact on whales.

The survey recorded concentrations of whales in the area between Willie Creek and James Price Point (the site of a proposed large LNG industrial development) with 18 whales recorded per hour of sighting effort.  In comparison, the highest concentration of whales in Camden Sound, the area recently proposed as a marine park by the WA Government, had 10 whales per hour of sighting effort.

The full survey report can be downloaded here

What do the results mean for the Kimberley coast?

In a media release regarding the survey results The Wilderness Society’s Kimberley campaigner, Josh Coates said:

An estimated 20,000 Humpback Whales, including mothers and their newborns, are on their way home after spending winter in the warm waters just off WA's Kimberley coast.

This new information should also inform Environment Minister Garrett’s North-west Bioregional Plan; the Commonwealth heritage assessment; the Commonwealth Humpback Recovery Plan map; and the Western Australian Government’s Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy.

Tourism or polluting industry?

This survey shows the potential for a world class whale-watching industry off the coast of Broome that would provide long term employment for Indigenous and non-Indigenous local people. The whales are much more valuable to the local community than oil and gas and they will be there forever if we make sure their habitat is protected.

It is interesting to note that the whale watching industry in Hervey Bay, Queensland, generates $30-40 million annually. The Hervey Bay operators use a spotter plane to find whales while the only dedicated whale watching business out of Broome, Sentosa Charters, reports a 99% success rate in finding whales without spotter planes. Visiting Hervey bay operators were amazed at the number of whales to be seen off the Broome coast, part of the largest Humpback whale population in the world.

Australia has an international obligation to protect the whales and their habitat and the WA Government has a unique opportunity to do that right now by creating a world class marine reserve along the Kimberley coast – with Traditional Owner consent.

What you can do

1. Join the Hands Up supporter list and map. By registering your support you will send a clear message to State and Commonwealth Government and multi-national fossil fuel companies such as Woodside, Shell, Chevron BHP and BP that the Kimberley is not for sale! Click here to register and view the map.

2. Support our campaign - volunteer to help by contacting the Kimberley Campaigner and donate to The Wilderness Society today (see below).

3. Attend our next Kimberley Consulate community action (see events section on the Kimberley main page) or organise a community action in your area, wherever you are in Australian or around the world - contact the Kimberley Campaigner for support.

Further reading

The Kimberley coast is significant humpback whale breeding site. Photo: Annabelle Sandes

http://www.kimberleywhales.com.au/

10 reasons why the LNG development should not go on the Kimberley coast