Whale Heritage hopes get Council support
Douglas Shire Council
Douglas Shire Council has shown its support for the Douglas Local Marine Advisory Committee as it strives to have Port Douglas and the Ribbon Reefs, near Cooktown, designated as a Whale Heritage Area.
In a letter of support approved at the most recent council meeting, Douglas Shire says the initiative “aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism in our region’’
“The Douglas region is a unique and ecologically significant region, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and its role as a critical habitat for whales and other marine species,’’ the letter of support says.
The support of the quest to make the region a Whale Heritage Area cited the migration of Humpback and Dwarf Minke Whales through our waters as a natural spectacle “that can draw tourists from around the world’ and foster a deep appreciation for marine conservation.
The move aims to secure recognition from the World Cetacean Alliance as Queensland’s third whale heritage area outside Hervey Bay and the Whitsundays.
If accepted, Port Douglas and Ribbons Reef, would be one of just 12 international hotspots across the world.
Thousands of Humpback and Dwarf Minke whales make the 10,000km trek from Antarctic to breed and rear calves in the tropical water off Far North Queensland between May and September each year.
“The designation of the region as a Whale Heritage Area will enhance our region’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism, while providing economic benefits and opportunities for education and community engagement,’’ Douglas Shire Council’s letter says, adding that it would actively support efforts to protect our marine environment through partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority through the Reef Guardian Program.
“Council is committed to supporting the community initiatives that combine environmental stewardship and economic development.’’
Port Douglas dive and whale watching company, Wavelength, has catered for booming interest in the animals for more than a decade.
East coast Humpback populations were almost wiped out in the 1960s, leaving fewer than 300 whales.
Now more 50,000 Humpback whales migrate along Australia’s east coast every year, with an estimated 2,000 venturing north to Cairns and Port Douglas.
Wavelength’s Jenny Edmondson said whale sightings had grown with 95 per cent being Humpbacks.
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