2003 whale research program launched by Premier

NSW Premier Bob Carr announced the joint whale research program for 2003
being carried out by the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre
(SCUWRC), in collaboration with the Marine Park Authority at Cape Byron and
the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, on Wednesday, May 14, at the
Lighthouse at Cape Byron.

"Numbers of whales moving up the east coast of Australia have been steadily
increasing since the cessation of whaling," Premier Carr said. "This has
spawned a new industry of whale watching which attracts thousands of people
to Byron Bay each year."

At the launch were (pictured left to right): David Lloyd, Executive Officer
of the SCUWRC; Andrew Page, Manager of the Cape Byron Marine Park; NSW
Premier Bob Car; Associate Professor Peter Harrison, Director of SCUWRC;
and Mark Johnston, Regional Manager of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service.

Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre
Whales and dolphins belong to a group of marine mammals called cetaceans.
The Centre is dedicated to furthering our knowledge about cetaceans and
other marine mammals such as Dugongs and seals. This knowledge will enable
us to:
· help conserve these magnificent creatures;
· provide valuable data for managers of marine and coastal areas;
· find answers to sophisticated communication and biological functions.
Each year, from May until October, humpback whales migrate north along the
east coast of Australia and pass the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

The Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre undertakes research in
order to better protect these whales and involves many different research
techniques including:
· annual counts
· photo identification
· shed skin collection
· song recordings
· observations on behaviour
· analysis of humpback whale DNA.
Southern Cross University staff include marine researchers and managers
with considerable international experience in teaching, research and
management as well as PhD, Masters and Honours students.

See website: http://scu.edu.au/whales.

For more information contact David Lloyd, Executive Officer of the Southern
Cross University Whale Research Centre, email: dlloyd@scu.edo.au or phone:
+61 (2) 662 69401.