Our Focus
Scientific Research
Since 1998 BWS has conducted ecological research on pygmy blue whales and their upwelling habitat off southern Australia. We work in cooperation with local, state and federal governments, NGOs, universities, other research institutions and industry to pursue good conservation outcomes for blue whales.
Our current studies focus on photo-identification of blue whales, the distribution and ecology of the species throughout their upwelling habitat, and the ecology and distribution of their prey, krill, against a background of looming climate change
Education & Community
Blue Whale Study is a strong advocate of knowledge sharing and education, and these have been fundamental elements of our core activities. We foster community participation in research and education to promote understanding and conservation of endangered blue whales and their feeding habitat.
For ten years we ran our Marine Science Youth Mentoring Program for local high school students, taking them out to sea in our small research vessel and introducing them to our marine environment and its amazing wildlife, and teaching them the basics of marine research. We also give public talks and presentations, engage in media work, provide community training in blue whale monitoring, and develop and publish educational materials.
Blue Whale Conservation
Blue Whale Study has made significant contributions to blue whale conservation policy documents for federal and state governments, including the Conservation Management Plan for the Blue Whale (DCCEEW). We have done this by mapping the distribution of foraging blue whales off southern Australia, and also by identifying potential threats to blue whales, their habitat and prey.
We provide consultation services to government and offshore industry that operates in whale feeding areas, and provide marine mammal monitoring and research services to industry. Our involvement with industry is partly motivated by concerns about the potential impacts of offshore industry on blue and other whales, and their prey. We have significant concerns about the disturbing effects of marine seismic surveys on blue whales, and more recently we have cautioned about possible adverse effects of offshore wind farms. Other potential threats include ship strike and far-reaching effects of climate change.
