The Australian Geographic magazine has raised just over $9,000 for Blue Whale Study research. The funds were raised by the Australian Geographic Society via their website and also a gold coin donation at each of the 65 Australian Geographic retail stores around Australia. The funds raised were split between Centre for Whale Research (W.A.) and Blue Whale Study.

“To receive this level of support and recognition, at a national level, is outstanding. It just goes to show how precious Blue Whales are to the broader community and how we must never give up our effort to continue our research and secure long term conservation of the species”, said Dr. Peter Gill CEO and Senior Research Scientist of Blue Whale Study.

Australian Geographic Society works to protect endangered species and the July/August 2016 edition of Australian Geographic magazine provided an in-depth article on blue whales and launched the fundraising campaign under the banner ‘Big Blue Needs You’. In addition the magazine contained a Whale Poster which was drawn by local artist Brett Jarrett. “How often does it happen that the artist and researchers in the same article only live a few miles apart? We are fortunate to have this synergy in our area and thanks to Australian Geographic for bringing us together”, said Dr. Gill.

The funds raised shall be allocated to the 2016/17 blue whale season which commences in October/November this year. “We have funding to conduct one aerial survey however ideally we should conduct 2 or 3 each season. With the Australian Geographic Society funds we are now in a position to conduct a second aerial survey which is critical in our efforts to identify individual blue whales and to report on the seasonal variations and monitor blue whale movements in the Bonney Upwelling area”.

Media Contact Details:

Dr. Peter Gill
CEO/Senior Research Scientist
Blue Whale Study
C/- Post Office
Narrawong Vic 3285
Ph:  03 55 295207
Mb: 0409147875
Email: pete@bluewhalestudy.org