Make a Difference
whales
Whales are extraordinary creatures, vital to the health of our oceans and climate. Australia's extensive coastline provides a wide range of aquatic habitats. Consequently, at least 45 species of whale, dolphin and porpoise are found in Australian waters, including 10 large whales, 20 smaller whales.
Two species of whales are listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act - the blue whale and the southern right whale.
By restoring whale populations, we can help restore ocean ecosystems and mitigate and build resilience to climate change - helping nature help itself and all of us who depend on it.
Climate Change
The climate crisis disrupts whale prey populations, especially in warming polar regions, making food harder to find. Fluctuating sea-ice reduces krill, impacting humpback pregnancies and critical habitats.
Fisheries bycatch
Up to 300,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises die annually from fishing gear entanglements, with hotspots on Australia’s coasts. Humpbacks face the greatest risk from nets.
Ocean exploitation and pollution
Rising ship traffic in breeding grounds and migration routes increases ship strikes and underwater noise pollution for whales. Oil and gas activities disturb whales through noise, spills, and habitat destruction. Seismic noise is especially disruptive.
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why it matters
These majestic mammals play a critical role in maintaining marine ecosystems. Their unique feeding and migratory behaviours fertilise ocean waters, boosting phytoplankton production - a process responsible for generating over half of the Earth’s oxygen and capturing 40% of global carbon dioxide.
When they die, whales sink to the seabed, taking the huge amounts of carbon, they’ve accumulated in their bodies out of the atmosphere for centuries. Altogether, over its lifetime, one whale captures the same amount of carbon as thousands of trees.
making a splash
What WWF is doing to support whales
For the first time in over 50 years, eastern quoll pups have been born on the mainland. This marks a significant step toward restoring their population in their historical range.
SECURING CRITICAL OCEAN HABITATS FOR WHALES
By working with our neighbours in the Asia-Pacific region to support global goals of protecting 30% of our oceans by 2030. We are also partnering with First Peoples, governments, industry and coastal communities to achieve impact at scale to protect seascapes and Saltwater Country.
SAFEGUARDING WHALE SUPERHIGHWAYS
By calling on the Australian Government at all levels to play its part and build on its track record of protecting whales as well as recognising the critical role Traditional Owners and local communities play in protecting and managing the marine environment and supporting their aspirations to do so.
SECURING A HEALTHY CLIMATE FOR - AND WITH- WHALES
By supporting Australia to become a global leader in securing a healthy and resilient net-zero world. This will help mitigate the impacts of climate change on people, the planet, and the wildlife and natural places we work to protect - including whales and oceans. As growing evidence shows, whales play a vital ecological role for our oceans and climate, and we need to integrate their protection and recovery into international and national climate and biodiversity policies.
MAKE WAVES
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Join Challenge 60 and fundraise to help protect and restore nature.
When you raise funds through Challenge 60, you directly support these efforts to protect whale “superhighways” and restore their populations.
By joining us, you can amplify their ecological impact, build climate resilience, and ensure these incredible creatures continue to thrive.
Let’s make waves together!
Souther right whale bio
Common Name
Southern right whale
Scientific Name
Eubalaena australis
Stats
Length: 14-17m
Weight: 100,000kg
Population: around 5,000 (Australian population)
Distribution: Southern hemisphere, seasonally occurring in coastal water of all Australian states with the exception of the Northern Territory.
Status
Listed as Endangered (under EPBC Act)
