The Two Bays Whale Project is a citizen science initiative aimed at accurately recording sightings of whales within Victorian waters. The key species of this project are humpback and southern right whales but can also include others, such as killer, minke and blue whales (also occasionally seen locally).
Over the years, reports and images provided by dedicated citizen scientists have enabled us to identify individual humpback whales on their annual migration through the unique patterning, shape and pigmentation present on their fluke (underside of the tail). As a result, we now have over 400 individual animals identified in our Humpback Whale Fluke Identification Catalogue! This information is shared all across Australia and can be used to track whales when they are re-sighted as far as Queensland!
If you’d like to participate in the project and contribute to conservation outcomes, please report your whale sightings in Victorian waters here. We are interested in receiving sightings from all over Victoria, but have a strong focus on the central Two Bays region (Port Phillip, Western Port and adjacent waters from Barwon Heads to Inverloch).
The research and crucial information gathered through the Two Bays Whale Project over the past 10 years would not exist without the support of the Dolphin Research Institute. The project receives no government funding and relies on community support to continue monitoring and protecting Victoria’s whales. Please consider donating to help us continue this important work and ensure it informed both our community and those making decisions about the future of our marine wildlife.
