Skip to content
All news
  • All news
  • About whales & dolphins
  • Corporates
  • Create healthy seas
  • End captivity
  • Green Whale
  • Prevent bycatch
  • Prevent deaths in nets
  • Science
  • Scottish Dolphin Centre
  • Stop whaling
  • Stranding
This dead right whale calf had injuries consistent with a vessel strike, including fresh propeller cuts on its back and head, broken ribs, and bruising. Photo: FWC/Tucker Joenz, NOAA Fisheries permit #18786

Emergency Right Whale Petition Seeks Overdue Protections From Vessel Strikes

This dead right whale calf had injuries consistent with a vessel strike, including fresh propeller...
Icelandic hunting vessels in port

Whaling boat kept in port after more hunt cruelty exposed

Icelandic whale hunting fleet One of the whaling boats involved in the latest hunts in...
Commerson's dolphin

New Important Marine Mammal Areas added to global ocean conservation list

Commerson's dolphin Experts from a number of countries have mapped out a new set of...
Fin whale shot with two harpoons

Whalers kill just days after Iceland’s hunt suspension is lifted

Whalers in Iceland have claimed their first victims since the lifting (just a few days...

Coral Sea Marine Reserve Announced By Australian Government

Thanks, in part, to WDCS supporter action, the Australian government has finally announced a national network of marine reserves that has significantly increased the amount of protection offered to important habitat and migration areas for whales and dolphins in the region.
 
The jewel in the crown is the Coral Sea Marine Reserve and the 450,000 submissions to the government from the public, including a sizable number from WDCS supporters helped influence the decision. Your action also helped improve the level of protection, including extra sanctuary protection for key reefs, the creation of significant no-fishing zones and a total exclusion of oil and gas activities in the 500,000km² Reserve!
 
However, there is work to be done. While the network extends around the continent’s coastline, there are still some serious gaps in protection for whales and dolphins which need to be addressed in the final period of consultation over the next three months. Crucial blue whale feeding grounds off Kangaroo Island in South Australia have been offered minimal protection, while already being exposed to the threats of oil exploration.

Find out more about Homes for Whales