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TWO BAYS WHALE PROJECT

A citizen science initiative led by the Dolphin Research Institute in partnership with Wildlife Coast Cruises.

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 200 individual animals identified in our humpback whale fluke 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 best land-based locations to see whales in the Two Bays region are:

  • Barwon Bluff
  • Port Phillip Heads
  • Cape Schanck
  • Phillip Island (The Nobbies, Pyramid Rock and Cape Woolamai)
  • The Bass Coast

Don’t forget to bring binoculars, wear warm clothing and position yourself somewhere high. You can find more whale watching tips here.

Whales are protected in Victoria. When out on the water, do not forget to follow Victorian whale regulations. This ensures the safety of both humans and animals.

The Two Bays Whale Project Key Results provides a brief summary of the progress that the Two Bays Whale Project has achieved since 2020.

The Two Bays Whale Project 2023 Annual Report provides a detailed overview of the project’s methods, results, collaborations, and outcomes. To download this project please contact us here.

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