Thankz Shannon and Bazza for your inspiring word, everyone enjoyed themselves regardless ~ the Whale Spirit was there, and that's all that mattered hehehe ~ herez some pix from the big Sydney IFAW event ~

              howz about the cool IFAW whale

Ex rock Midnight Oil rock star now Australian  Environmental Minister Peter Garrett speaks

              Singer and entertainer Christine Anu

Our very own wonderful teens against whaling Skye Bortoli (she is off the the Chile IWC meeting in a couple of days) with Peter Garrett and key speakers

                    Christine Anu's support band

When we receive more pix from other National Whale Day groups events i'll post them...

For the whales  

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You already know I'm a great admirer of your work. This only cements it further.

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  Congrats!  I'm sure you made an impression despite the non-cooperative weather.  Thanks for being there

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                  Soldiers Beach Norah Head NSW

Hey shipmates, well Boris gave you a pretty good weather report, and unfortunately, it wasnt the best day, mostly due to the weather, colds and the flu ~

our baby whale blackboard, the last of unpacking the bus with Boris to set up our marquee and stall...

herez some pix of the dignatories and supporters...

The 'Welcome to Country' ceremony was presented by Tracy Howie, of the Guringai  People, the traditional guardians of the area... 

Aunty Marjory Woodridge, NSW Aboriginal Elders Council, Tracy Howie, Tony Fields, Deputy Mayor Ron Stevens, Mrs Howie, and Warren Howie playing the didgeridoo...  

Wyong Council Deputy Mayor, Ron Stevens, speaks on behalf of the council...

Councillor Ron Stevens is presented a Whale Call honorary award  for his helpful service to  Whale Call and his caring for the whales...

  Myself, and Cr Greg Best with his Whale Call Award for his great assistance for Whale Call, and caring for the whales...

Proudly posing with my #1 Whale Call Founder certificate

Some of the crew and Wyong Council Councillor Greg Best in the pink Billabong hoody ~ the only councillor who doesn't wear a suit as a guest dignatory speaker ~ and hez the BEST whale loving councillor in town...

Artist Lynny Bartlett who painted our adopted whale Norah's banner, which is proudly hanging, well, flapping in the wind like a flag on a pole inside our stall to the left of shot, myself and Whale Call board member Rick Calwell and his daughter, chloe ~ and hey, don't go getting any wrong ideas dudes, shez my sister, the weather waz cold and windy, and poor little Lynny waz freezing cold...hehe

So we enjoyed the day, but unfortunately, the only thing that was missing, because the ocean had a might big swell and the waves were huge, were Norah and her family swimming by... So Norahs banner was wrapped once more until the next even or campaign, to return to her home on the wall of the Tuggerah library...it was a lovely peaceful day and i thoroughly enjoyed myself, tho i must say that i can't wait until our next campaign, coz this event was a peaceful welcoming of the whales on their northward migration and we were unable to be political, but myself and councillor Greg Best are very determined to make up for it at the next anti-whaling campaign ~

hope you enjoyed our little outing my dear friends, we'll let you know when the next one will be on ~

Boris, myself and Whale Call staff would like to thank you guyz for supporting us and wish y'all could enjoy our events and campains with us, maybe next time lol

I'd like to personally thank Boris and Debs for their help and nudges in co-ordinating the event, and Rick Caldwell, a Whale Call board member,  for his exemplary work on designing and making the Whale Call honorary award cerificates, and my pretty Whale Call Founders certificate, of which, copies will be forwarded to any new foundation members of Whale Call Inc. ~

and please don't forget we really need more WCI members to comply to the rules of the Constitution ~

thankz for supporting us shipmates...

For the Whales

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our day at soldiers beach failed to attract a crowd - in fact, it failed to attract the suppliers of generator and sound system as well -- bloody cold day, southerly busting in direct from the ocean, wind chill factor enough to produce earaches, a drop of spidery rain, but from the look of the pics and reports from those who attended, it did what it was supposed to do - i set up about 8 am, but as the whale call camp babysitter pulled out at the last moment, i had to get back here to take over from debs, who was presenting certificates to dignitaries etc -
tony will fill in the details shortly --

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Locals celebrate Day of action..

Festive day of stalls, workshops etc..

Sand Sculptor of Nala, Hervey Bay's adopted whale.

My Delta beside the sand sculptor of Nala..a great day was had by all..

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Whales are iconic Australian mammals.  They are the ambassadors for the marine environment of which Australians are proud and that draws millions of visitors to our shores each year.   

As humpback whales begin their annual migration along Australia’s coast, IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) is holding the first ‘National Whale Day’ on 14 June 2008.  This day will be a celebration of whales, Australia’s strong connection to the animals that migrate to our coastlines annually and Australia’s position as a world leader in whale conservation. The day is also a timely reminder that today, perhaps more than ever before, the future of these magnificent creatures rests in our hands.   

What is National Whale Day?

National Whale Day provides a platform to raise awareness of and discuss solutions for the threats facing whales and their environment, including whaling, climate change, boat collisions, ocean noise, marine litter and accidental capture in fishing nets. It encourages everyone to take action to help protect our whales and their oceanic home.  

IFAW’s National Whale Day provides everyone with the opportunity to celebrate Australia’s achievements and commitment to the protection of whales and marine environment. Specifically, it will highlight:

• Whales are ambassadors for the marine environment for which Australia is world renowned
• Australia is a world leader in whale conservation.
• Everyone can help to protect our marine environment

Where will the events take place?

The official launch of National Whale Day will take place at an event in Sydney, which will feature guest speakers, including Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett, and a special performance by IFAW friend Christine Anu.  Guests will include representatives of the whale watching industry, whale protection groups, prominent legal and scientific experts and representatives from the 10 Sydney council/community members of the Humpback Icon Project.  

On the same day 23 community events will take place around the country led by Humpback Icon Project councils and communities. The IFAW Humpback Icon Project (HIP) is supported by 58 coastal councils and communities around Australia to date with the aim of having 60 members by IWC60. The inaugural National Whale Day will provide a focus for events and activities run by HIP participants and supporters.  Events and activities are as diverse as special whale watching trips, exhibitions, beach clean ups, seminars, fairs and performances.

*** We're all excited, can't wait, what fun hehehe

 
www.nationalwhaleday.com.au

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 Good onya guyz..

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HEHEHE, what a funny day shipmates lol ~ i put on my stepping out gear, polished bootz, neat pressed jeans, groovy shirt, and a longshoreman jacket like Waul Watson wears hehehe, MY DREDZ BACK, NO HAT, and walked in like a celebrity ~ i wanted to blow them out, coz they dig knocking people back when they ask council for funding ~ they squeezed in the surfing clubs 1st who wanted millions, they were after us in the session, last actually lol ~ they were bickering for freekin hourz for bucks but got nothing ~ Boris and myself had a meeting earlier az we do, and made the decision to knock them back on an offer by one of councillors for $500 funding, we didn't want them knocking us back so i got in first lol ~After the surf club business waz over, our whale loving councillor came up to the gallery and said g'day to Debz and myself etc, i said, 'HEY MATE WE'RE GUNNA BE HERE ALL BLOODY NITE', go tell em itz my wifez birthday (hehehe, im not married of course) and try and squeeze us in after the next dude ~ well, he got in the mayors ear, and i got on the podium mbefore the next dude hehehe ~

Well, i tore at their heartstringz, i began with, and the mike waz full volume and i've got a pretty deep bassy voice, i waz ready, hehe, i waz cookin, and i roared out, 'GREETINGS MISTER MAYOR, COUNCILLORS, AND LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE GALLERY...(as they're all placing handz on ears and signalling to me to step back from the mike)...I'M NOT HERE FOR KUDOS, NOR A HANDOUT, I'M HERE...(az i leant back from the mike)... representing Whale Calls clients...(beaming away lol)...the whales." - you could've heard a pin drop lol ~ our whale loving councillor turned around gasping at me, the other councillors gaping, speechless ~ our councillor gasped at me, "...but, but, but, Tony, i've requested in the motion, you and Boris need the funds to run this whale event." i replied, "...we don't want any money thankyou, everybody from musicians, the tribal drumming band, and DJs, whale activists, marine biolsgists etc all volunteer," we run our organization on the widgy end of a boot lace, we're pensioners, we don't need any money lol, we do it for the whales, do you understand, our adopted whale, Norah, could be swimming by the beach with some of her family, right now az i speak, maybe even pregnant, on their migration north to their birthing and mating grounds ~ we must try and protect our whales," you couldnt hear the usual boisterous, arragant comments or questions from the suits ~ our whale friendly councillor (well, they all were by now) commented to the council that we were grass roots, for the whales, not themselves, then i hit em with both barrels hehehe ~ i summarised with, and i got quite emotionally compassionate bout our whales actually, az i often do when speaking to an audience bout the plight of our majestic cousins of the oceans, my voice began to waver halfway thru the last sentence of my summary, "...and i would dearly love to see my children and their childrens children have the opportunity that we have today, and that iz for them to go down the beach and see whales in their lifetime, don't you...(beaming at neveryone az i spoke) my dear friends?" i had em by the proverbials, the women councillors swooning, and the usually loud arguing councillors just sat there like, hey rather timidly hehehe ~ but i did plant the seed bout we may consider accepting funding for a much bigger 'Earthdance' type festival for next years event lol, at the bigger nearby beach with a big stage etc ~ so all the ten councillors hands went up for the motions of supporting Whale Call at the ANNUAL EVENT, and the other motion to include Whale Call and the whale event etc to be included in councils media, all hands went up like puppets, i've never seen all hands on deck for a council vote yet, hehehe, therez always opposition political bickering, pushing their political barrows,  Debz was rolling around on the floor up in the gallery ~

We celebrated back at headquarters, Boris' place, Rick, our putr techie board member showed up, and Boris brought out his home stilled vodka and i soon chillin after all the excitement, we had Boris n Rick in fits telling the story, in much more detail of course ~

So we're in like Flynn hehehe, off to save the whales, hi-ho ~ don't leave town, more info coming...  

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aaahhhh man,pfff,i wish i could be there for ones.But a "bit" too far for me to come to hehe.It really bugs me that events like this aren't here in Holland.I wish i could experience such an event for ones.Would really want to be there with you 2 guys Boris and Tony for just one time possible.

and jep Tony,the new logo looks great,it's a beauty.

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On 14 June 2008, the whole nation is invited to celebrate National Whale Day, to recognize Australia’s love of whales and the marine environment. 

Since the last Australian whaling station was closed in 1978, Australia has become a world leader in whale conservation - this national day recognizes not only our love of whales but our ongoing fight to protect them.  Events will take place all over Australia - led by members of IFAW's Humpback Icon Project (HIP)

Message from Christine Anu:

"Australians' love of whales and the ocean is world famous!  We're still trying to protect whales but it's time to celebrate everything we love about them and their environment.  Whales are worth so much to us, they are part of our culture, our environment and our communities.  Whales are national treasures and whever you are in Australia I invite you to join IFAW and celebrate National Whale Day on 14 June 2008."

To find out more about the public events and how you can get involved click here.

 Help put National Whale Day on the Australian calendar, get involved and celebrate and protect whales and their environment.

Hey doesn't the new logo look pretty cooool

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Herez a news update from IFAW...

National Whale DayIFAW presents Australia’s First National Whale Day! Important InfoTake Action!Read the ReportWhale watching locationsUseful LinksFun Downloads

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The 53 Australian Shires' adopted whales photos of their tails (their fingerprint). (photo by Andrew Rosenfeldt)

Banner welcomes adopted whale Venus to the City of Sydney on the National Day of Action 2007.(photo by Andrew Rosenfeldt)

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Show us why you love whales by creating a piece of artwork for our Whale Wall! 

Help IFAW create a stunning ‘whale wall’ for the backdrop to a major nationwide event planned later this year.  The wall will be made of your photos, artwork, poems, short stories and paintings celebrating our precious whales and dolphins and welcoming whales back to Australian waters this June.

Be creative and send us your artistic contributions, showing why "We Love Whales!" 

Send your entries to us by Monday 2nd June and your artwork will feature at the event and be credited on our website. 

Theme:      We Love Whales!

Format: Artwork, poems, short stories & photos (A3 size max) 

Deadline:   Monday 2nd June

Send to:     Rachel Kathriner

                   2008 Whale Wall

                   IFAW

                   8-10 Belmore Street

                   Surry Hills NSW 2010

Click here to email Rachel for more information

Conditions:

Please include your name and address as participating artists will be credited on our website. Artworks may be used by IFAW for promotional purposes and will not be returned, by sending us your artwork for inclusion you acknowledge and affirm this. Please enter items no larger than A3 sized.

Humpback whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary are safe…for now.

However the Japanese whaling vessels are currently undertaking the largest “scientific” hunt since the ban in 1986, with more than 900 whales due to be killed this season.

It’s time to put an end to whaling once and for all. Find out how you can get involved and urge the Australian and New Zealand governments to take action now.

Did you know that thousands of animal and wildlife products made from endangered species are bought and sold over the Internet every day?

As the largest Internet marketplace for ivory sales, eBay is directly and indirectly assisting the illegal trade in wildlife as well as the poachers who create it.

eBay has expressed its commitment to a global policy on the ivory trade and a willingness to work closely with IFAW on drafting such a policy and its enforcement.  But words are not enough.

Stop the trade of ivory on eBay and worldwide

Download IFAW's Report on Illegal Wildlife Trade on the Internet

IFAW Events - What's On

Our dear friend and brother, Bunna Lawrie performs a traditional indigenous Whale Call at the NDA 2007. (photo by Andrew Rosenfeldt)

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I wish i could be present on such big campaign for the whales "National Day of Actions.But unfortunally there's no big campaigns like Australia's here in the Netherlands.But the info you posted Tony sure is interesting.If you go there make sure to take pics and keep us informed about it.But i know you will,hehe.Huggies

ps and whale watching i hope to do when i visit Canada this summer.We want to emigrate there,dispite their sealing ect its still a beautifull country (with wrong gouverment)

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IFAW is happy to announce that the National Day of Action (NDA) has now been renamed National Whale Day and will take place on Saturday 14 June 2008.
 
National Whale Day will celebrate Australia’s unique relationship with whales and will raise awareness of the threats facing whales and their environment, including whaling, climate change, ship strikes, marine debris and bycatch. The day will also provide a platform to promote Australia’s achievements and commitment to the protection of whales and marine environment and also to celebrate the success of the Humpback Icon Project, its communities and its many supporters.
 
The first National Whale Day will have the theme “whales are worth more alive than dead” and will focus on highlighting the benefits of whale conservation, such as tourism, in contrast to whaling. It is anticipated that each annual National Whale Day will have a different theme, focusing on a specific threat to cetaceans and the actions that individuals can take to help protect our whales and dolphins and the marine environment in which they live.
 
Around the country councils and communities will take part in this day with similar events and activities to those put on for the National Day of Action.
 
In Sydney, a press conference will take place with representatives from the 10 Sydney council/community members of the Humpback Icon Project being invited to attend and to display their banners. Other guests will include representatives of the whale watching industry, whale protection groups, prominent legal and scientific experts and local whale protection supporters.
 
Your support for last year’s National Day of Action was fantastic and very much appreciated. I hope that with this year’s change of focus from a day of action to one of awareness and celebration, that your community will again be involved and can be amongst one of the many locations nationally to put themselves on the NWD map.

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whale call, in conjunction with ifaw, norah head/ soldiers beach surfers and wyong council will be holding the national day of action on the 4th june 2008 - tony will post the details when he has them -

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Hiya,

unfortunately living in Holland, used to live in Tenerife, and saw whales overthere, glassbottomboat, brilliant,

great, maybe one day we have in international day.

wat to go.

love

Hilke

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Whale Dreams is the section of Oceans Alive devoted to whales and whale watching. Here you can find information about whales and where to see them in Australia, as well as links, details about various whale and cetacean projects in our region and details of other marine animal tracking projects around the world.
 
In Whale Dreams: Whale Spotting All about whale watching in Australia. Types of Whales A listing of information about the main types of whales you'll encounter in our waters and their migration. Global Whale Sanctuary Details of the international push to ban whale hunting. Australia is in the vanguard of this initiative. Characteristics The visual characteristics of the whales commonly seen in Australian waters Whale Song Hear the songs of the Humpback Whale

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cont'd

a) Be sure to include the children in your area in this project – invite local schools to submit ideas for the banner design, and to attend the banner unfurling event. A whale or marine themed colouring competition, or sand sculpture competition could be a fun way to include kids of all ages, and teach them about the importance of protecting whales.  

2. Community groups may also like to get involved – send local sporting teams, church groups, scouts and guides, conservation groups etc information about the project and invite them to attend the unfurling event.

7) Publicise the unfurling event

1. Adapt the template release provided by IFAW and send out to local radio stations, newspapers, television newsrooms, local newsletters and magazines, and invite a photographer and reporter from your local paper to attend the banner unfurling event. Be sure to include on your release: your logo, details (time, date and location) of the unfurling event, and the name and contact details of someone involved in the project that will be available to speak to local media about the project.  
   

b) Advertising – community radio stations are often happy to put the word out about local projects and events, and may agree to broadcast some details about your town’s involvement in the Humpback Whale Migration Icon project.

c) Posters and leaflets distributed in prominent areas around the community (notice boards, shop windows, etc) are a great way to attract attention and get people interested and involved in this project.  

d) Window displays in shops and community buildings are another colourful way to celebrate the event and create interest. 

e) Develop a simple web page to give community members access to more information about this project and the unfurling event. This could be linked to the local council website.

8) Keep a record of your event

To help promote the Icon Project on a whole, please update the Project Co-ordinator at IFAW on progress and please send photos, video footage, newspaper clippings, and any media coverage of your whale Icon project, and send copies of these to IFAW so we can add these to our archive and website. Copies can be posted to:

Lydia Gibson (Icon Project Co-ordinator)

IFAW Asia Pacific

8 Belmore St,

Surry Hills

NSW 2010

9) Seek to integrate your icon into future community events

For example, bring out the banner whenever you can. Utilise your whale icon as a tool for education, encouraging local schools and community groups to learn about the marine environment and the plight of the Australian humpback whale.

10) Use the adoption of the whale to support the protection of Australia humpbacks from whaling.

a) Councils – Urge your Japanese Sister City to help secure the future of your Whale Icon and stop the Japanese from embarking on their cruel and illegal whaling mission later this year.

b) Communities – Urge your local MPs and the State and Federal Environment Ministers and Premiers to do all they can to end the Government of Japan’s plans to kill 50 humpback whales a year from the end of 2007.

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 TOWNWHALEDETAILS1All CommunitiesMigalooRoving Ambassador on behalf of East Coast Australian Humpbacks 2Hervey Bay Nala Named by Byron Bay Students aboard The Oceania Project ‘s Expedition in Hervey Bay 3NoosaSunshineNamed by the Noosa Community4Byron Bay YumbalehlaNamed by Arakwal Elders. Means ‘always Keeps moving’5Port MacquarieMagentaPanda’s mother. Named by Trish Franklin aboard The Oceania Project’s Expedition in Hervey Bay 6Port StephensPanda Named by Vicki Neville aboard Tasman Venture in Hervey Bay7City of Sydney Venus Named aboard The Oceania Project’s Expedition in Hervey Bay8Eden JarnderNamed aboard The Oceania Project’s Expedition in Hervey Bay9Merimbula JamboNamed aboard The Oceania Project’s Expedition in Hervey Bay 10Gold coastGumay JulumNamed by Yugambeh Elders. Meaning is ‘Big fish’.11Fingal HeadsGuhrj JalgaynPhoto by John Van Blanken. Named by Fingal Primary School. Meaning is  ‘Water Woman’ 12South West RocksNanggu Guwiyn YalanggurNamed by Dunghutti Elders. Meaning is  ‘Mother spirit of the sea’13PittwaterKiraNamed by local Community. Means ‘Light – and indicates a being of good nature and intent’.14WarringahKiah Named with consent of Guriingai Community Representatives. Means ‘Beautiful place’.15ManlyGawuraNamed by Manly community. Local Aboriginal word meaning  ‘Whale’ 16WyongNorahNamed after a Guringai man ‘Bungary Norah who lived at Norah Head at the time of first settlement in Sydney Cove.  Guringai meaning of ‘Norah’ is ‘hand held stone used for grinding’ 17GosfordTuroName suggested by a Pretty Beach Kindergarten child. Named after Turo Downes, a local Aboriginal identity who lived in the area up to the 1940's.  18MosmanGamaradaNamed by Community. Local Aboriginal word meaning ‘Friend’ 19Marion Bay, TasmaniaSerenityNamed aboard The Oceania Project’s Expedition in Hervey Bay20Currumbin, Queensland Wendy Named aboard The Oceania Project’s Expedition in Hervey Bay21 CaloundraTo be named 22Coffs HarbourTo be named 23Waverley To be named 24WoollahraTo be named 25 Shoalhaven To be named 26 EurobodellaTo be named 27 Narooma To be named  28 Surfers ParadiseMoon Shark Named aboard The Oceania Project’s Expedition in Hervey Bay29 Nobby Beach White Wings Named aboard The Oceania Project’s Expedition in Hervey Bay30 Richmond Valley CouncilTo be named 31 Randwick To be named 32 Maroochy To be named   

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The Future of the Icon Project

The 59^th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) came to an end on the 31 May 2007. Whilst anti-whaling support was strong and the conservation majority led by Australia and NZ held its ground inside the forum, the whales continue to lose ground outside of the forum. The Government of Japan intends to kill more than 1,400 whales before next year’s meeting, including 50 humpback whales from the Southern Ocean Sanctuary.

Strong action is necessary outside of the IWC to put an end to scientific whaling. Continued support and growth for the Icon project is essential to urge the Australian Government to take a stand against Japan’s unnecessary determination to kill whales and use the international courts or conventions available to stop the slaughter once and for all.

The following table details a number of the Australian councils/communities that have already signalled their commitment to protect the whales and join the Icon Project.

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Project Background

The Humpback Whale Migration Icon Project is a collaboration between 3 organisations:

1. Surfers for Cetaceans (Byron Bay)
2. The Oceania Project (Hervey Bay)
3. International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW Asia-Pacific, Sydney).

This project evolved as an important element of the first National Day of Action to Protect Whales (NDA). The idea of a National Day to protest against Japanese whaling was the brainchild of Vicki Neville from the Hervey Bay Whale Watching Industry. With IFAW’s support the idea quickly blossomed into a nationwide day for communities and whale watch operators around the coast of Australia to raise their concern over the planned killing of Australian humpback whales.

In line with the initiation of the NDA, the Migration Icon Project was launched by Surfers for Cetaceans with the support of The Oceania Project. Howie Cooke of Surfers for Cetaceans has had a key role in developing the concept and artwork behind the creation of a banner to welcome the whale migration.

The project has been made possible thanks to the enthusiastic support of Trish and Wally Franklin, Founders and Directors of The Oceania Project. Since 1989, Trish Franklin has been studying and photographing the East Coast humpbacks in Hervey Bay, building a database of nearly 3000 individual whales. Distinctive markings present on the underside of the humpback tail fluke are unique to each individual. Photo identification methods that capture these markings have helped Trish to build life history data for some individuals spanning over 12 years. It will be precisely these photographs of known whales that will be forwarded on to respective communities and used to identify their whale icon.

IFAW continues to play a significant role in coordinating the project. Previously the Icon Project was incorporated into the NDA (already abbreviated above), which was recently held on 12^th May 2007. With the support of IFAW and WADWA (Whale and Dolphin Watch Australia), whale watch operators and community groups along the east coast used this day of action to call upon the Australian Government to protect our whales, protect our industry, and protect our communities.

As an example of the type of event run last year and envisaged for the project this year, a whale was adopted by Byron Bay in June 2006, and was given the name ‘Yumbalehla’, meaning ‘always on the move’ by the Arakwal elders on behalf of the community. This banner, below, was created and unfurled amidst a hive of activity on the National Day of Action on June 07 2006.

Now, the interest in and enthusiasm for the project have seen it expand beyond there borders into a stand alone initiative. The project is now entering into a new phase building opposition to Japan’s proposed killing of 50 Humpbacks in the Southern Ocean beginning as early as November 2007. 

Project developments

During the first year of the Icon project IFAW, The Oceania Project and Surfers for Cetaceans worked together primarily to encourage the eastern seaboard communities of Australia to adopt east coast humpback whales.

As of June 2007, the Icon Project expanded to include Western Australia. This has been made possible following the tremendous success of the project on the east coast coupled with the additional help and participation of Steve Mitchell, president of Whale and Dolphin Watch Australia (WADWA) and Curt Jenner (Whale researcher).

Curt and Micheline Jenner are the founders of the Centre for Whale Research based in Fremantle, Western Australia. The Centre is a non-profit research institute that was established in 1993 and is dedicated to the scientific research of marine mammals. Curt and Micheline have used similar methods to Trish and Wally Franklin to develop a digital database of over 3000 humpback whales that have been sighted along the Western coast of Australia. Curt has kindly provided IFAW with access to a database of photo identified Western Australia humpbacks. IFAW will co-ordinate and allocate Western Australian humpbacks to those interested parties.

Steve Mitchell runs Naturaliste Charters Ecotours in Western Australia. In addition Steve is the president of WADWA - the national organisation representing the interests of the whale and dolphin watching operators and industry. Steve will help to co-ordinate and generate interest amongst Western Australian councils and communities to join the Icon Project.

O extensive media coverage from the past couple of months to recognise how successfully the Icon project is making its mark. This sends an extremely powerful message to those who want to hunt whales. It also demonstrates to the Australian Government that there is strong and widespread support for taking action and for our government to do more to protect our whales from this ruthless, illegal and unnecessary activity.

Strengthening the Chain

The Humpback Whale Migration Icon Project is now in its second year. Since the projects birth in early 2006, the number of participating coastal councils and communities has grown significantly from eight (June 2006) to well over 30 (July 2007).

Participating communities now form a symbolic chain that mirrors the east Australian humpback whale migration route. This chain begins as far south as Marion Bay in Tasmania and runs as far north as Hervey Bay, Queensland.

The Icon project is now striving for the adoption of 50 humpback whales by November in direct opposition to the 50 that will be targeted when the Japanese whaling fleet embarks on its hunting expedition to the Southern Ocean.

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Yohoho shipmates, the 2007 National Day of Action for Whales was a wonderful success thanks to all the communities and councils who adopted a whale ~ here is a letter from the organisers ~~  

The Humpback Whale Migration Icon Project

Project Outline

Humpback whales and the whale watching communities they support in Australia are threatened by a new program of so-called ‘scientific’ whaling. The Humpback Whale Migration Icon Project aims to raise awareness of the threats facing our whales and generate action to protect them.

Specifically, the Humpback Whale Migration Icon Project helps and encourages coastal councils and their communities along the eastern and western seaboard of Australia to celebrate the annual humpback whale migration by ‘adopting’ a known named or unnamed whale as their local whale icon. This project encourages the creation and unfurling of a large banner either across the main entry to towns and/or at key landmarks, announcing the local adopted whale and greeting the whole migration.

This project also aims to establish a symbolic chain of coastal councils, each with an adopted whale as their icon, that stretches across the entire Eastern humpback whale migration route. The project also assists councils wishing to develop their relationships with respective Japanese sister cities. The project asks that Councils raise the threats to Australia’s humpback whales with their sister cities and asks their counterparts for support in helping secure the protection of their whale icon.

Threats to Australia’s Humpback Whales

Each year Southern Ocean humpback whales embark upon a remarkable migration, spanning up to 10,000 kilometres of ocean. During the months of March and April, these whales depart from the icy cold feeding grounds of Antarctica and head north to the sub-tropical waters of Australia and the South Pacific Islands. These sheltered, warmer waters provide ideal birthing and breeding grounds for the whales. In late July, the humpbacks begin their southward migration back to Antarctica. During this journey these gentle but playful giants readily exhibit acrobatic displays and tail fluking behaviour, providing the Oceania region with some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world.

However, history has not been so kind to these majestic creatures that were once hunted to the brink of extinction. In 1986, whale populations had been decimated across the globe and after 40 years of opposition to whaling, the IWC imposed a moratorium to ban all commercial whaling. Despite this ban, whales have continued to be slaughtered. Over 25,000 whales have been killed since the 1986 ban, many by the Government of Japan under the guise of its ‘scientific’ whaling program.

In the past the Japanese primarily targeted minke whales for this so-called scientific research. Now, in fulfilment of a newly revised and extended ‘scientific’ program (known as ‘JARPA II’) the Japanese will not only double their annual take of minke whales from the Southern Ocean, but intend to include the Southern Ocean humpback whales and fin whales in this unnecessary and cruel program. The humpback whale is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ and the fin whale ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) red list of Threatened Species.

The Government of Japan is proposing to kill 50 humpback whales a year, starting from the end of this year. These are the very same whales that support a thriving, multi-million dollar whale watching industry in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. In Australia alone, the whale watching industry has been estimated to be worth $276 million a year to coastal communities. The humpback whale is the backbone of this industry up and down the east and west coast of Australia in many locations including Hervey Bay, Albany, Eden, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Jervis Bay, the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay and Sydney.

Today, humpback whale populations are still recovering from previous over-exploitation. In addition to this, they are threatened by pollution, ocean noise, ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear and climate change. The proposed removal of 50 whales on an annual basis coupled with the animal’s slow reproductive rates (a female will only give birth to a calf every 2-3 years), risks conservation efforts for this species as well as our whale watching industries and communities alike.

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Thanks for letting the rest of us feel as if we were there in person as well as spirit !!

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Hey Tony, Boris & Debs,

Well done! the pics are great. We were unfortunately away in Tasmania, but there with you in spirit, and all the others that gave their time for the Whales!

Much Love Tom & Astarte

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Cabbage Tree Bay at Norah Head lighthouse on a perfect day

Yohoho shipmates, the event was brilliant today ~ a magical experience ~ crowd arrive

                     Whale Call bus

Boris, myself with minister Ken Ticehurst

A pair of magpies sit in silence for the whales killed this year in the Southern Oceans ~

Tracy Howie, bloodline relative of Bungaree Norah, last Chief of the Garingai Nation, gives 'Welcome to Country' speech and welcomes the whale Spirit ~ beside Tracy is her son Kyle and friend Luke who played their didgeridoos in welcoming the whales ~

Myself MC'ing, and Debz, with dreds in foreground, beams away as i address the crowd 

                       Front stalls

Debz and Councillor Ron Stevens, Chair of the Lighthouse Trust, unveil Banner

         Boris and myself hold up Banner

               A hang glider drops in  

Councillor Greg Best gives a stirring speech on whale protection

Margaret represents O.C.C.I, who are collecting signed origami whales for Greenpeace to present to the Japanese government

Jeannie Lawson talks on the migration of the humpback whales who travel by here

Tony gives a rather emotional kickass speech on anti-whaling and protection of whales (i couldn't help myself and ended up getting quite political, as i often do, especially when we'd planned on no politics for the day) ~ Federal minister for Dobell Ken Ticehurst offered me his card, so we traded, and he offered us the opportunity to apply for grants for capital equipment ~ mmm, no doubt he'll get the phone call soon ~ 

Boris and Minister Ken Tycehurst plant Dianella as Councillor Ron Stevens, my camera girl Gwenny, and myself look on

Stevie gives me a peace sign as he heads back to headquarters with our whale tail

Big hugz Debz on behalf of Whale Call crew, members, and the whales, for the hard work organizing the  [ send green star]

our supporter steve picked up the whale tail this morn - in a trailer, pulled by a jensen  it looked so striking i thought you might like a look -- he will deliver it to Norah Head Lighthouse in the morn

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yesterday i spent a few hours working on the whale call life size whale tail -- did some reshaping of the body, and put another layer of paper on and covered it with oxide -- but it will not be finished for the nda -- might just take it along anyway, as an unfinished project -

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no nikki -- there isnt one in perth this year -- but did i hear you think there should be?

well organise it -- it aint hard -- go for it -- make a plan of action and start by talking to one of your councillors

btw -- good orchid season coming up - saw thelymitra leaf a foot high yesterday -- its way early

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Hi Nikki, yeah bummer there doesn't seem to be an event over in Western Australia, especially with heaps of whales migrating up that way as well as over here on the east coast ~ and, one of the best surf breaks in the world at Margrets River ~~

We're filming the event and also taking still shots, so i'll post some pix in here next week ~~    

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G'Day Tony, Boris, Barry and everyone

What a great event!  Sadly I can't make it to Augusta nor Albany next weekend.  Do you know if anything is being organised in Perth?

Please make sure you take heaps of pics to share with us all.  All the very best of wishes for the day and always.

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The Humpback Whale Migration Icon project is a collaborative effort between local Councils, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Surfers for Cetaceans, and The Oceania Project, and Whale Call.

For more information, please contact:
Debs Raymont, Whale Call,0415 672 639  au_media@whalecall.org

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JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Whale Call, I.F.A.W., Surfers for Cetaceans, the Oceania Project

Wyong Shire has adopted Norah -- along with the Norah Head Lighthouse Trust -- the day of action is on --

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IFAW Humpback Whale Icon Project

Humpback whales and the whale watching communities they support in Australia are threatened by a new program of so-called ‘scientific’ whaling. The Humpback Whale Migration Icon Project aims to raise awareness of the threats facing our whales and to generate action to protect these whales.

Specifically, the Humpback Whale Migration Icon Project helps and encourages coastal councils and their communities along the eastern seaboard of Australia to celebrate the annual humpback whale migration by ‘adopting’ a known named whale as their local whale. This project will support the creation and unfurling of a large banner either across the main entry to towns and/or at key landmarks, announcing the local adopted whale and greeting the whole migration.

This project also hopes to support the establishment of a symbolic chain of coastal councils, each with an adopted whale as their icon, that stretches across the entire Eastern humpback whale migration route. The project will also assist councils wishing to develop their relationships with respective Japanese sister cities, raising the threats to Australia’s humpback whales and asking for counterpart cities support in helping secure the protection of their whale icon.

Trish Franklin from Oceania Project has selected a 'nuclear' female observed in Hervey Bay in 2005. Who seems a fitting candidate for the name 'Norah'. A 'nuclear' female is usually the centre of attention in what is called a 'competitive group' consisting of anywhere from 3 to 10 whales. Such groups are believed to be involved in breeding activity. Consequently we may re-sight 'Norah' sometime in the future returning with a new calf.

Norah in the local Wyong Aboriginal language means 'a handheld grinding stone' used for grinding flour or tubers. These stones are still to be found on the beaches around Norah Head. 

Norah in Celtic means 'the bright one' which is certainly a good description of 'Norah's' underside fluke... The serrated edge of the fluke is a unique 'fingerprint' and will make it absolutely possible  identify 'Norah' when she is next observed in Hervey Bay.

This humpback research being undertaken by The Oceania Project in Hervey Bay.

'Norah' is a whale from Trish's east Australian humpback Whale Catalogue.

 

Whale Call is pleased to have initiated this project in Wyong Shire.

 

 

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Whale Calls Proposal

Proposed National Day of Action

12^th May 2000

This National Day of Action sponsored by IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), WADWA (Whale And Dolphin Watch Australia), Surfers For Cetaceans, the Oceania Project, and Whale Call, is taking place in the following locations in Australia:

Queensland – Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, and Fingal Head.

NSW – Eden-Merimbula, Jervis Bay, Sydney, Manly, Pittwater, Gosford, Wyong, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay.

Western Australia – Augusta and Albany.

Victoria – Melbourne.

Norah Head Lighthouse grounds

Day to start at 11.00am and finish at 2.30pm

11.00pm – Tony Fields from Whale Call will MC

Aboriginal welcoming and Didge playing by the Guringai tribal group, blood relatives of Bungary Norah.-Approved

Unveiling of banner and naming of the whale ‘Norah’ by Cr Ron Stevens.

Orrca to have display and perhaps a talk.

Tony Fields from Whale Call will give information and talk. -Approved

12.00 – 1 minute silence in remembrance of the whales killed in the Southern Ocean co-ordinated with a ring of the Norah Head Surfing Fraternity in the ocean  

1.00 Jeannie Lawson talk about Whales. -Approved

Ongoing:

Jordan Purcell from Wild Plant Rescue will co-ordinate a beach/rock platforms cleanup from lighthouse round to cabbage tree beach. -Approved

This cleanup will be on going throughout the day.

Rubbish to be left somewhere around the boat ramp area and Soldiers Beach carpark.

Central Coast Guard/Rescue to hold a barbeque if possible (for fund raising).

The main aim of the day is to draw attention to the plight of the humpback whales and to bring communities together.

I would also like to contact national parks and wildlife to have a representative there, and would be pleased to have the lighthouse keeper speak about his life as a keeper and his knowledge and association with whales.

Perhaps some seating could be provided for el  [ send green star]