29 May 2012 - Environment
Minister Tony Burke has approved Flinders
University to import six samples of blue
whale tissue for genetic research to improve
conservation of the species.
The import includes
five samples of skin tissue collected in
2004 from live whales using non-lethal techniques
and one tissue sample taken in 2009 from
a beached whale.
"The samples for
this import were collected using entirely
non-lethal methods and will add to the scientific
understanding of these magnificent creatures,"
Mr Burke said.
"Blue whales are
under threat of extinction and improved
scientific knowledge will help in the conservation
and recovery of the species.
"This import is
consistent with the international conventions
that are so important in protecting species
like the Blue Whale.
"These non-lethal
methods are the right way to research the
magnificent blue whale.
"They are the opposite
of Japan's so-called scientific whaling
where the alleged research project begins
with a harpoon."
The collection of the
samples was authorised by the Sultanate
of Oman, Ministry of Environment and Climate
Affairs.
+ More
Operation to protect
migrating whales
26 May 2012 - The Gillard
Government, in partnership with state agencies
and the New Zealand Government, has activated
an operation to protect whales as they migrate
across our coast.
Environment Minister Tony Burke said teams
of conservation and environment officers
from Australian federal and state agencies
will monitor and enforce approach limits
for boats and ships, low flying aircraft
and people in the water interacting with
whales.
Mr Burke said the Australasian Environmental
Law Enforcement and Regulators neTwork’s
(AELERT) Operation CETUS, now in its second
year aims to ensure whales are better protected
during their migration.
“Whale migration provides us with a unique
opportunity to observe these magnificent
creatures in their natural habitat,’’ he
said.
“But we must recognise that there is a balance
between watching the whales and getting
in their way.
“Whales have already been spotted on the
move in many coastal areas and now is an
opportune time to remind everyone that whale
approach guidelines exist and are enforceable
in both State and Commonwealth waters.
"It is vital that whales are able to
migrate, whether over great distances or
in localised areas and people must observe
the whale watching limits.
“Any vessel on the water or low flying aircraft
must be on the lookout for whales – it doesn’t
matter if you operate a tourist boat, surf
boat, transport ship or pilot a charter
flight these guidelines apply to everyone.
“Operation CETUS is another demonstration
of our commitment to marine conservation
and just one initiative the Gillard Government
is committed to ahead of the 64th annual
International Whaling Commission meeting
later this month.
“Whale approach guidelines exist for the
safely of the animals, the public and to
minimise the impacts of human and shipping
interactions on individual and larger populations
of whales and dolphins.”
For more information visit www.environment.gov.au/whales
Whale approach guidelines vary between coastal
areas so contact your local state conservation
and environment department for more information.
