The gradual recovery of Southern right whale populations along our southern coastline offers reason for hope. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, Southern right whales remain one of Australia’s most threatened marine mammals. While numbers have slowly recovered, the eastern Australian population remains critically vulnerable and continues to face increasing pressure from a changing marine environment.
For the Eastern Maar people, we know whales as Koontapool. Caring for them is an enduring cultural obligation that has been carried through countless generations and continues through to today. It is from that responsibility that Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) has commenced a dedicated Southern right Koontapool research program across Eastern Maar Sea Country. The research will bring together Traditional Owner Knowledge and science to improve understanding of whale numbers, health, movement and breeding, helping guide future conservation while supporting the long-term recovery of the eastern population.
The program forms part of EMAC’s ongoing responsibilities to care for Country and is critical in the face of increasing pressures on marine environments, including ocean industrialisation, marine pollution and underwater noise.
By combining newly collected data with existing datasets gathered by EMAC and other Southern Right Whale researchers across Australia, the program will also support improved understanding of whale movements, distribution and reproductive success.
WHY THIS RESEARCH MATTERS
The Southern right whale is listed as Endangered nationally under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and Critically Endangered in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. The species was hunted to the brink of extinction during commercial whaling in the 1800s and early 1900s following European colonisation.
Although populations have slowly recovered, Southern Right Whales remain at less than 20 per cent of their pre-whaling numbers, with approximately 3,000 individuals in Australia. The population is divided into two genetically distinct groups — an eastern population (Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales) and a western population (South Australia and Western Australia).
The eastern population is particularly vulnerable, with only around 300 individuals remaining. Logans Beach in Warrnambool is the only established and regularly used nursery area for this population.
PERMITTED DRONE RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS
EMAC is using drones to identify individual Koontapool, Southern right whales, as part of an authorised research program.
Each whale has a unique pattern of white callosities on its head, like a fingerprint. EMAC staff, trained in both drone operation and whale photo-identification, photograph these patterns from the air to track individual whales over time. It’s non-invasive and doesn’t disturb the animals.
Drones will be visible along the coast during whale season. All flights are done by trained EMAC staff under state government permit, with conditions covering both wildlife protection and public safety.
EMAC is working with Warrnambool City Council to let people know why. Information will be available at key coastal viewing spots and through community channels.
The partnership also builds broader awareness of responsible drone use around wildlife and sensitive coastal areas.
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain welcomed the program.
“This is an outstanding initiative by EMAC,” he said. “Southern right whales are an iconic, living symbol of the South West and are significant for both Eastern Maar people and the whole community. There is enormous interest in the whales from outside our region too. They remain endangered, and the more we can find out about their behaviour and ecology, the better placed we’ll be to help ensure their long-term survival.”
Drone use around marine mammals is regulated. Anyone flying their own drone needs to know the wildlife rules, local restrictions and permit requirements before they fly.
FAQs
The program is helping EMAC better understand population size, health, distribution, migration, and reproductive success over time.
Every Koontapool/ Southern Right Whale has a unique pattern of callosities (white patches) on its head, similar to a fingerprint. High-quality aerial images captured by drones help researchers recognise and monitor individual whales over time.
Drone surveys are designed to be a low-impact, non-invasive research method. Our team operate follow strict protocols to minimise disturbance.
Yes. EMAC staff conducting the research are trained in drone operation and whale photo-identification techniques. All work is undertaken under appropriate permits issued by State Government authorities. Wildlife Research Permit No. 10011618.
No. Drones cannot be flown anywhere or at any time, particularly around wildlife and coastal areas. Anyone operating a drone must comply with aviation rules, wildlife protection regulations, local restrictions and permit requirements.
