Conservation

Conservation is a big part of our philosophy, endeavouring to protect and sustain this incredibly unique and diverse marine environment and wildlife.

Here’s a bit of info on what we’re doing

Oceans and Environment

Implementing an environmental management plan throughout the business.
Employing resident environmental officer to monitor seal behaviour, whale sightings, to assist in wildlife rescues and to work together with local conservation and research groups.
Ensure we meet advanced eco-tourism certifications.
Reduce our operating waste in various ways, see our sustainability page for more info.

Wildlife

Reporting on infringements when boats and/or people interfere with marine wildlife.
Following strict operational regulations as stated in our Marine Mammal Permit.
Reporting on wildlife entanglements to the Phillip Island Nature Park rangers.

Research

Contributing sightings and fluke ID photos to the Two Bays Whale Project and to DELWP to help understand Humpback migration patterns and numbers.
Provide identification photos for Whale Face and DELWP Southern Right whale.
Record detailed whale sighting information in collaboration with Two Bays Whale Project and Deakin University, through the seasons at Phillip Island and Wilsons Prom.

Education

Established the annual Island Whale Festival, in partnership with Destination Phillip Island, Dolphin Research Institute, Two Bays and Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Educating passengers onboard about what they can do to help conserve our marine ecosystem.
For school groups we provide educational worksheets and have staff run talks on marine ecology, environmental sustainability and conservation.

How you can help us to protect our marine wildlife

Pick up litter, especially items on the jetties and beaches. Take 3 for the Sea!

Even doing a small part makes a difference – marine life can easily be entangled or have airways constricted by rubbish, every little bit you can remove from our costal environments helps.
Know your regulations when operating recreational or commercial boats

For whales and dolphins

In the “no go zone” recreational boats must not approach within:

100 meters of a dolphin or
200 meters of a whale.
Jet skis are not permitted within 300 meters of any whale or dolphin.

Fore more info see
https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/our-wildlife/whales,-dolphins-and-seals/water-safety-around-marine-mammals

Report Whale sightings

Help contribute to whale research so we can better understand and protect these gentle giants. Call Wildlife Coast Cruises 1300 763 739 or download the Wildlife Whales App

Help report any injured wildlife

Call Wildlife Victoria (03) 8400 7300 if you see any injured native animals.