The waters around Lady Elliot Island and Hervey Bay are more than just a migration route – they’re a living research hub for scientists studying humpback whales.

Researchers, citizen scientists, and tour operators work together to gather valuable data on:

• Whale migration patterns
• Mother-calf behaviour
• Whale health and genetics
• Vocalisations and communication
• Photo-identification of individuals

By observing and documenting whale behaviour, scientists can track population trends, detect potential threats, and contribute to the long-term conservation of humpback whales in the southern Great Barrier Reef.