As a leader in cetacean research, and with specialist expertise in aerial and boat-based surveys of cetaceans, the Blue Whale Study is at the forefront of marine consulting.
Blue Whale Study’s clients include Commonwealth and state government agencies, non-government organisations, offshore and onshore industry, and documentary film industry. Our advice has been sought on cetacean risk assessment and mitigation for offshore industrial and onshore aquaculture projects, seismic surveys, and management and recovery plans.
Large cetacean aerial surveys have been the backbone of BWS’s long-term research program into the ecology of blue whales and other cetaceans. With over 20 years of experience, BWS are specialists in aerial survey of cetaceans along the continental shelf between Tasmania and the Great Australian Bight.
INDUSTRY
Beach Energy | 2020 | Review of blue whale occurrence in Otway Basin, VIC
RPS Group | 2019-2020 | Marine mammal aerial surveys for offshore windfarm environmental assessment, Bass Strait, VIC
BWS have been engaged to undertake aerial surveys across central Bass Strait to determine marine mammal occurrence in an area proposed for a major renewable energy project.
Yumbah Aquaculture | 2018 | Marine mammal risk assessment for abalone farm proposal, Allestree, VIC
BioPower | 2014 | Staff training in cetacean identification, Wave energy proposal, Port Fairy, VIC
WHL Energy | 2013-2014 | Large whale aerial surveys, Otway Basin and staff training in cetacean identification
Bight Petroleum | 2011-2013 | Large whale aerial surveys, Great Australian Bight
Origin Energy | 2010-2012 | Large whale aerial surveys, Otway Basin, VIC
OceanLinx | 2008 | Marine mammal risk assessment, offshore wave energy proposal, Portland, VIC
Beach Petroleum | 2007 | Large whale aerial surveys, Bonney Upwelling
Santos Ltd | 2002-2007 | Blue whale aerial surveys, development of aerial survey protocol, Bonney Upwelling and Great Australian Bight
GOVERNMENT and NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS
Commonwealth and state government agencies have sought BWS expertise to review numerous plans and strategy documents relating to blue whale management and conservation, including whale watching guidelines and regulations. Our expansive knowledge and expertise on blue whale ecology, cetaceans of the Southern Ocean and the Bonney Upwelling has been sought by various non-government organisations Consultancies have included the review of whale conservation and management documents and the preparation of scientific publications.
Australian Marine Mammal Centre | 2014 | Research paper on Blue Whale relative abundance and upwelling variability, Bonney Upwelling
Australian Marine Mammal Centre | 2012 | Blue whale aerial surveys, Bonney Upwelling, Antarctic Blue Whale Project
Commonwealth Environment Department | 1999 – 2007 | Blue whale aerial and boat-based surveys, Bonney Upwelling
South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) | 2015-2016 | Large whale aerial surveys, Great Australian Bight Research Project
International Fund for Animal Welfare | 2013-2014 | Cetacean diversity in Southern Australia
International Fund for Animal Welfare | 2013 | Study of blue whale/prey interactions in the Bonney Upwelling.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society | 2004 | Review of blue whale occurrence in Bonney Upwelling from Blue Whale Study survey data.
SHIPBOARD MARINE FAUNA OBSERVERS
BWS scientists have vast experience working as marine fauna observers on numerous marine science voyages in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters, platforms of opportunity on inter-island ferries and aboard seismic vessels. Covering northern and southern marine environments of Australia, North Island New Zealand, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia, the breadth of professionalism and capacity and the depth of marine mammal knowledge and understanding ensures client confidence and high level reporting.
FILM
Documentary filmmakers such as the ABC’s Natural History Unit seek Blue Whale Study’s expansive scientific and logistical advise when filming blue whales and the Bonney Upwelling. We were Principal Consultant to the unit during their filming of The Big Blue, and advised on blue whale ecology, krill and the region’s ocean ecology and the research and planning of filming expeditions and locations. Our field expertise was sought during the several months of filming at sea.