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Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) are currently listed as endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) because they have undergone a severe reduction in numbers as a result of commercial whaling. An initial recovery plan for southern right whales was developed for the period 2005 to 2010. A review of that plan found that despite progress on many recovery actions and evidence of some population increase in south-west Australian waters, southern right whale habitat occupancy is still constrained in comparison to historical occupancy, and current abundance is still well below estimated historic abundance.

Australians have long recognised the importance of whales and dolphins (cetaceans) in our marine ecosystems. It is important that relevant jurisdictions around Australia are supported to deliver ‘best practice’ when preparing for, and responding to, cetacean incidents. This will help enhance the efforts to protect these animals across Australia into the future. For the purpose of this document, the term ‘incident’ refers to entanglement and stranding of cetaceans.