Kimberley whale research highlights need to protect national treasure

The Wilderness Society (WA) Inc
Joint Media Release w/ Environs Kimberley and the Conservation Council of WA
22 October 2009

New research on endangered humpback whales has highlighted the global significance of the Kimberley coast for rare and threatened marine species prompting renewed calls for a comprehensive network of marine protected areas along the Kimberley coast.

The aerial and sea-based research has been coordinated by marine researchers and Broome whale experts Richard Costin and Annabelle Sandes.

Mr Costin said: ”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 a range of other species such as dugong, sea turtles, and Australia’s unique Snubfin dolphin.

“It is now becoming clear that the area between Broome and the Lacepede Islands, which includes James Price Point, is as important for whales as the Premier’s proposed marine park at Camden Sound.
“The results of this research call into serious question the proposal to build a massive industrial gas hub at James Price Point, and contradict claims made by Premier Barnett that an industrial hub would have no impact on whales.

“The survey recorded very high concentrations of whales in the area between Willie Creek and James Price Point (the site of a proposed industrial gas hub) 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.”

Environs Kimberley Director, Martin Pritchard, said: “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 in the long term, than oil and gas so it is critical that their habitat is protected.”

The Wilderness Society Kimberley campaigner, Josh Coates said: “The recent announcement by the State government regarding a proposed marine protected area for Camden Sound to protect whales is a good first step but will not by itself protect the world’s largest remaining population of Humpback whales.

“What is needed is a network of marine sanctuaries along the Kimberley coast to protect this national treasure from threats including large scale industrial development and to benefit local people including the Indigenous community.”

Conservation Council of WA Director, Piers Verstegen, said: “Australia has an international obligation to protect the whales and their habitat and the Federal and state Governments have a unique opportunity to do that right now by creating a world class marine reserve along the Kimberley coast – with Traditional Owner consent.”

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

Note for Editors: Richard Costin and Annabelle Sandes are two local whale experts who have coordinated the surveys over the past four years as personal commitment to preserving national treasure without government or industry resources or assistance.