Working together to save the Kimberley's whales

Surprisingly few Australians realise that the home and maternity ward for the group IV population of Humpback whales is located off the remote wilderness coast of the Kimberley region - in northern Western Australia.

The Kimberley coast is significant humpback whale breeding site. Photo: Josh Coates

Community, Scientists and Conservationists - uniting to save the Kimberley whales habitat

Kimberley residents, scientists, Traditional owners and conservation groups are uniting in efforts to protect and learn more about these majestic and mysterious creatures.

From June to November each year, humpback whales make their way home to calving grounds just north of Broome, where they stay for four months with their calves. The Kimberley coast is crucial habitat for the humpback whale, a protected species in Australia.

Humpback whales are born, grow up, breed, and live off the Kimberley coast. People commonly think of Southern waters as the home of humpback whales but in reality the Antarctic is their annual feeding area. The Kimberley is their home.

Whale survey work has been organized by local wildlife filmmakers, photographers and conservationists Richard Costin and Anabelle Saunders to learn more about the humpback whale population and draw attention to the threats faced by these special animals.  The Wilderness Society supported and participated in a survey trips in 2009 and 2008. Download the report on the 2006 - 2008 surveys here (pdf 5.5 meg).

2009 survey results now available!  download here

It is now becoming clear that the area between Broome and the Lacepede Islands, which includes James Price Point, is 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.

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.

Read more Here

Industrial development threatens the Kimberley marine environment

2009 Survey participants included The Wilderness Society representatives Josh Coates, Jill St John and Gaye French. The participants were heartened by the numbers and healthy behaviour of the whales, but raised concerns about the threats looming for this recovering population. High on the list of possible threats is a proposal to bring Browse basin gas onshore for conversion to liquid natural gas (LNG) and the risk of industrial accidents such as the West Atlas oil spill .

In December 2008 the WA premier Colin Barnett announced that James Price Point north of Broome is the Government's preferred site for a LNG based industrial facility. The 2008 survey recorded a high number of whale sightings in this area (11.2/hour) and the EPA report released in late 2008 refers to the area as a "high-density whale migration area. In 2009 an aerial whale survey conducted on the 30th August with the assistance of the Wilderness Society and Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures recorded a staggering 162 Humpback whales in 102 separate pods between Gourdon Bay in the south to the Lacepede Islands in the north, with the highest concentration recorded in the vicinity of the proposed industrial site at James Price Point.

A group of 'bull' humpback whales photographed in the vicinty of James Price Point in the Kimberley - a high density whale migration area. (c) Annabelle Sandes / Kimberley whale watching

It is feared that the noise and disturbance associated with gas pipe construction, port development and maintenance, greatly increased boat traffic including large super-tankers and the risk of spills or other accidents could interrupt humpback whale migration, calving and breeding patterns.

Environment groups including the Wilderness Society are calling on the State and Commonwealth Governments to:

• Immediately place a moratorium on oil and gas development on the Kimberley coast until government planning processes are complete.
• Establish large marine sanctuary zones - with the consent of the Traditional Owners - to protect the globally significant marine biodiversity in this region, including Humpback whales in the vicinity of James Price Point.

Take action

1. Thousands of Australians have already  joined the Hands Up for the Kimberley supporer list and map to express their concern stating that the Kimberley is nationally and internationally recognised as one of the world's last great unspoiled marine, coastal and terrestrial environments. Individuals have further pointed out that this wilderness area is part of what defines Australia and WA as unique, and that its future is important to West Australians and generations to come.

• Sign our online action to protect the Kimberley from industrialisation

 2. Contact Prime Minister Rudd, Environment Minister Garrett and Resources Minister Fergusson and let them know that the Kimberley’s marine wonderland must be protected and expansion of the oil and gas industry in the region must be put on hold until marine planning processes are completed. Download an open letter sent by The Wilderness Society to inspire you and get you started here. And, for further inspiration, read a letter sent to Mr Garret by Jean-Michel Cousteau, Ocean Futures Society President regarding Kimberley protection here.

Read what others are saying

Wilderness Society Kimberley Campaigner Josh Coates said;

“The response to our call for a science based conservation plan covering the whole if the Kimberley region prior to the approval of any new industrial developments has met with large scale public support.”

“It is time for the WA Government to make some real commitments to addressing current threats to the Kimberley such as uncontrolled wildfires, feral animals and other introduced pests, over-grazing and over-fishing as well as making a strong commitment to protecting this region in the future.”

“It is telling that currently zero percent of the Kimberley’s coastal waters and less than 1% of all kimberley waters,  including the crucial humpback whale calving and breeding areas, are currently protected.”

Dr Steve Blake, Chief Executive Officer with The Western Australian Marine Science Institution who has been conducting research as part of the survey stated;

“We are just now beginning to understand the global significance of the Kimberley coast as a calving area. It is crucial that more research is done before any decisions are made that could negatively impact on the whale migration and calving.”

Anabelle Sandes survey co-organizer and photographer observed:

“The proposals for major developments such as an LNG hub on the Kimberley coast is a major concern for Kimberley residents and the broader WA public. There is a very real threat that the shipping and other impacts of these sorts of developments would kill vulnerable newborn whales and disrupt migration and breeding patterns.”

Media Interest

Kimberley oil spill highlights need for moratorium on further fossil fuel development until Commonwealth marine planning process is complete

Aerial survey reveals whales near proposed Kimberley gas site
Perth Now - 1 September 2009
AN aerial survey has revealed hundreds of humpback whales off the Kimberley coast amassing near the site proposed for a massive industrial gas hub. A staggering 162 humpback whales in 102 separate pods were recorded off the Kimberley coast over the weekend in an aerial survey conducted by The Wilderness Society. More >>

Haven for humpbacks found off Kimberley
The West Australian - 12 August 2008

Scientists discover massive humpback whale nursery off WA coast
ABC News - 12 August 2008

Online video - Australia's secret Humpback highway
Today Tonight report - 4 September 2008