WHO DO WE DONATE TO

We donate to The Australian Whale Conservation Society (AWCS)
which is a registered, non-profit environmental organisation, based in Queensland, Australia. The AWCS had its beginnings in mid-1970s when the general public first became aware of the plight of whales and dolphins. Australia was then a whaling nation.

Lobbying by a number of conservation organisations including the AWCS convinced the Australian Government that whaling was becoming a major issue nationally and globally and in December 1978 Australia announced that henceforth its position, domestically and internationally, would be one of opposition to whaling.

The AWCS actively lobbies governments at local, state and national levels for improved protection for cetaceans. Much of what we do is still at the grass-roots level, attending to issues that might otherwise remain under the radar.The focus is as it was three decades ago - creating public awareness and understanding of whale conservation issues, promoting cetacean research and engaging with government and organisations to bring about lasting change.

Why not kill whales

There is no humane way to kill a whale. It can take up to one hour for the whale to die an excruciating death. If our farm animals were subject to such cruel methods the slaughter would be shut down.

Whaling is having a big impact on the Antarctic eco system.

Threats

Whaling – Japan continues to issue its whaling fleets with ‘scientific permits’ to kill whales, all of which are processed for the domestic whale meat market.

Fishing operations – every year 100s of thousands of cetaceans, including whales, are killed by fishing operations, predominantly netting. And in our waters shark meshing operations capture and kill mayn dolphins and sometimes even whales.

Noise pollution – Cetaceans have acute hearing and some of them have sonar abilities. Increased shipping and boating activity are making the rivers and oceans incredibly noisy. Excess noise can disturb cetaceans, displace them from critical feeding and breeding areas, interfere with social activity and make make more vulnerable to predators.

Ocean debris – Vast quantities of rubbish enter the ocean every year. Much of it is discarded directly into the rivers and the sea. A significant amount comes from the land via drainage systems.

Cetaceans can mistake rubbish for food and even large whales have died as a result of swallowing plastic bags. Cetaceans can also choke on or become entangled in a variety of waste material.

Climate Change – Climate change and global warming will have a profound effect on the ocean physically, biologically and chemically.This will have profound effects on the food chain. This includes migratory whales returning to the polar waters and needing to find abundant food resources quickly.

How to help

• Keep up the pressure on the whaling nations Japan, Norway and Iceland to those governments and say how strongly you support Australia’s postion of opposition to commercial and so called scientific whaling. Go to www.awcs.org.au

• Take care of your rubbish carefully so that plastics and other materials don’t end up in creeks, rivers and oceans.

• Use your own shopping bags and recycle as much packaging and other material as possible.

• Reduce global warming and climate change by using energy wisely ie –home lighting, heating and cooling your car.

• If you go whale or dolphin watching follow the regulations that are put in place to protect the animals.

• Teach your children and encourage your friends to play their part as well.

• If you have time become an active member of a registered conservation organisation and participate in their activities. If you are not able to play a hands on role, show your support by joining and keeping in touch.

• Buy a Lisa Blue Bracelet - proceeds of which will be donated
  to AWCS.

• Support the Lisa Blue brand when you are buying swimwear, and you will also be supporting AWCS.