Happywhale Citizen Science

Happywhale: Citizen Science 

A brief history of the whaling industry in Australia

The whaling industry in Australia began in the late 18th century and intensified throughout the 19th century, driven by the demand for whale oil, once a valuable commodity used in lighting, lubrication, and cosmetics. Industrial-scale whaling worldwide pushed many species, including blue and humpback whales, to the brink of extinction. On Moreton Island, the whaling station operated for 10 years before it closed in 1962, amid growing global concern over rapidly declining whale populations.

Since then, strong conservation measures, most notably the 1986 international moratorium on commercial whaling, have helped protect these magnificent animals. Humpback whale populations along Australia’s east coast have made a remarkable recovery and are now approaching pre-whaling numbers, offering hope for the future of whale conservation.

What is Happywhale?

Happywhale is a citizen science platform that enables individuals to contribute to whale research by photographing and identifying humpback whales. Participants upload images of whale tail flukes, which are unique to each individual, allowing scientists to track migration patterns, health, and lineage, without the need for invasive tracking devices. This collaborative effort has led to significant discoveries, such as identifying a humpback whale that travelled over 13,000 kilometres from South America all the way to Africa! Happywhale's innovative approach combines public participation with advanced technology to enhance our understanding of these majestic marine mammals.

How can you get involved?

Guests can actively contribute to whale research by participating in the Happywhale citizen science platform during (or after) our whale watching cruises! If you capture a clear photo of the underside of a whale’s tail (the fluke), you can upload it to happywhale.com, where image recognition technology helps identify individual whales. Where possible, you'll receive information about the whale you saw, such as its travel history, sightings, and even known relatives. We're proud to be a Happywhale partner organisation, so don't forget to select Tangalooma Island Resort when submitting your photos to have your sighting recorded as part of the ongoing contribution to whale research. It's a fun and meaningful way to support marine science and stay connected to the whales you met on your tour! 

Already have some great photos of the underside of whale flukes? Make sure to head to happywhale.com to upload them today!