Whale and Dolphin Conservation Policy for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

PLEASE NOTE - The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Policy is being reviewed.

The review is due to be finalised in 2007.

The Draft Operational Policy on Whale and Dolphin Conservation in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is now available under our policy area for public comment.

For further information please email species@gbrmpa.gov.au

Introduction

To many people, cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) are amongst the most attractive of marine animals. Their streamlined and swift bodies, refined communication system and seemingly high intelligence combine in a unique appeal which is behind the increasing importance of whale watching on the Great Barrier Reef and elsewhere. For similar reasons, modern Australian society demands close scrutiny of activities that threaten to harm these magnificent creatures. Over 30 different species of whales and dolphins may occur in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, including species that are listed as threatened internationally and under Australian and Queensland legislation. A prudent and precautionary policy which minimises risks to the animals whilst they are in the Marine Park is therefore essential.

In October 1998, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority issued for public comment a draft Whale and Dolphin Conservation Policy for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority approved the Policy in February 2000 after extensive discussion within and outside the Authority. An addendum to the Policy was approved on 16 March 2000. It will be used to guide management actions in the Marine Park for the conservation of whales and dolphins and complements a number of other Commonwealth and Queensland plans and guidelines for whales and dolphins. As the Authority moves into the new century, the policy will be pivotal in providing for a precautionary approach to cetacean conservation in the Marine Park.

A supporting document has also been prepared for the policy. It synthesises information on the biology and ecology of cetaceans occurring in the Great Barrier Reef, on natural and human-related issues affecting their conservation status, and on management responses to those issues.

Download the policy and its supporting document [ Adobe Acrobat Format 405 Kb]

About the policy

This document includes the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Whale and Dolphin Conservation Policy and the Supporting Document for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Policy.

Together, these documents provide a synthesis of information on the biology and ecology of cetaceans occurring in the Great Barrier Reef, on natural and human-related issues affecting their conservation status, and on management responses to those issues. As many species of whales and dolphins move long distances during their lives, many that occur regularly or infrequently on the Reef may be adversely affected by impacts outside the Authority's jurisdiction. Nevertheless, the Authority is committed to undertaking the actions described in this document for the conservation of cetaceans whilst they are in Reef waters.