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In 2021, we made the strategic decision to expand research funding in East Australia, a marine ecoregion where we can grow and deepen our impact, in order to widen our scope of study on marine mammal species.

The first organization to conduct photo-ID research on humpback whales in Queensland’s Hervey Bay, our Australia research has influenced state and commonwealth policies on whale protection in the region. We have since amassed one of the longest running and most comprehensive cetacean photo-ID catalogs in the Southern Hemisphere. This data set is incredibly valuable in detecting changes to the species over time and understanding humpback whale life-history parameters.

Through photo-identification, we have documented migratory movements of the E-1 humpback whale population and have played a key role in discovering interchange occurring between Southern Hemisphere whales. PWF researchers pioneered the documentation of opportunistic humpback whale feeding behavior and have compiled an extensive record of opportunistic feeding in this marine environment.

4 of the 5 major threats we research in this location

Bycatch (Fisheries Interactions)

Recreational fishing, a popular hobby in Queensland waters, encourages commercial fishing operations along the humpback whale migration route and results in the high.potential for marine mammal hooking and entanglements. Additionally, shark nets and baited ‘drumlines’ placed at high-use beaches along Australia’s east coast to protect the public from sharks results in multiple reports annually of humpback whales entangled in shark nets and other fishing gear. Using photographs and drones to assess the degree of dorsal fin scarring and other injuries related to bycatch, we provide data to local government agencies to ensure appropriate mitigation measures and identify potential issues, such as active entanglements, so authorities can launch a response effort.

Climate Change

Our long-term data set in Hervey Bay, Australia, in combination with our strategic partners working in Antarctic feeding grounds, enables us to closely monitor and analyze the effects of anthropogenic climate change on humpback whale migration and population dynamics in Australian waters. This critical data allows us to provide science-based recommendations for future mitigation strategies to better protect these magnificent creatures and other marine mammals.

Unsustainable Tourism

Swim-with-whale tours conducted in Hervey Bay can negatively impact humpback whales by disrupting natural behaviors in this known resting bay. To better understand the behavioral impact of commercial swim-with-whales tours in Hervey Bay, we conducted targeted research between 2018 and 2020 to determine if humpback whales changed their behavior due to in-water interactions with humans. The project also sought to identify factors which may influence behavior change and provide recommendations to governing authorities, resource managers and tour operators to counter the effect of swim-with-whales tourism on Australia’s humpback whales.The results of the study demonstrated a significant change in whale behavior associated with in-water interactions, most notably a 50% decrease in resting behavior while swimmers are present. Based on these findings, we strongly advocate heightened management of this popular tourism activity in Australia.

Vessel Collisions

Hervey Bay experiences a high degree of vessel traffic from commercial fishing vessels, ferries, tour vessels and recreational vessels. The bay is home to several dolphin species and an important resting habitat for humpback whales, particularly mothers and calves. Typical resting behavior involves minimal surface activity, making resting marine mammals difficult to spot from moving vessels. This significantly increases the potential for ship strikes on cetaceans in Hervey Bay. Employing photographs and drone images in our research allows us to assess the degree of scarring linked to vessel interactions on individual cetaceans. We can use this information to inform Australia’s Queensland government if there are certain areas, or times of the year, that constitute a greater threat than others for marine mammals studied.

Target Study Species

Humpback whales

Bottlenose Dolphins

NMFS/MMPA Permit #21321

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