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Department of Climate Change, Energy, Enviroment and Water

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  1. Home
  2. Environment
  3. Marine
  4. Marine species conservation
  5. Whales, dolphins and porpoises

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  • Marine species
    • Cetaceans
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Whales, dolphins and porpoises

 Fiona and David Harvey

Pec slap roll Copyright: Fiona and David Harvey

How is Australia protecting whales?

  • Whale conservation
  • Legislation
  • Research permits
  • Australian Whale Sanctuary
  • International efforts
  • Notification of interactions with cetaceans
  • Species found in Australian waters
  • Whale and dolphin watching
  • Whale and dolphin rescue
  • For industry
  • For teachers and students

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are warm blooded, air breathing marine mammals which give birth to live young. 'Cetacean' is the scientific name (of the Order Cetacea) which refers to whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Australian waters are home to a large number of unique and magnificent marine mammals, including 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Some of these species are permanent residents in Australian waters, whilst others are occasional visitors, migrating from their summer feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warmer waters of the Australian coast during the winter.

Australians have long recognised the importance of whales, dolphins and porpoises to our unique marine ecosystems, and believe that it is essential to ensure the survival of these mammals long into the future. The Australian Government has made whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation a priority and is a world leader in the protection and conservation of these species both in Australia and on an international scale.

Whale and Dolphin Protection Plan

The Whale and Dolphin Protection Plan is made up of three components, the National Dolphin Conservation Plan, the National Whale Trail and the National Strandings and Entanglement Action Plan.

Find out more about the Whale and Dolphin Protection Plan.

Find out more about

  • Australian Marine Mammal Centre
  • Ambergris
  • Entanglements
  • History of whaling in Australia
  • Strandings
  • Whale songs and Echolocation
  • Whales, dolphins & porpoises - What's the difference?
  • Publications and resources
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Last updated: 15 October 2021

© Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.