Whale and Dolphin Conservation

Cetacean research and incidental impacts permit form

• When is a permit required?
• The permit assessment process
• How to apply for this permit

When is a permit required?

In the Australian Whale Sanctuary and in some cases in waters beyond the Sanctuary, that is, in international or foreign waters, it is a requirement to obtain a permit from the Australian Government Environment Minister to; injure, take, keep, move, interfere with (harass, chase, herd, tag, mark or brand) a cetacean and to possess or treat (divide or cut up, or extract any product from, the cetacean) a cetacean.

Permits for the above actions can only be issued in these cases:

1. for actions that will contribute significantly to the conservation of cetaceans (for example, scientific research that would contribute to conservation) (A fee of $25 applies)
2. for actions where interference with cetaceans is incidental to, and not the purpose of, the action (for example, offshore mineral exploration). In such cases, the action must not adversely affect the conservation status of the species, must be consistent with a recovery plan or a wildlife conservation plan, and must be taken in such a way as to minimise interference
3. is whale watching actions which are described in the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching as Tier 2 activities.

The Minister cannot issue a permit to allow someone to kill a cetacean or take a cetacean for live display.

• More about the regulations in the EPBC Act (Regulations Division 8.3)

The permit assessment process

Cetacean permit notices

Notice of permit applications will be placed on the cetacean permit notices page. The Minister will take into account written comments when assessing applications and determining permit conditions.

Great Barrier Reef permits

If you wish to carry out activities within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, you will need to apply to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for a permit. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority application form

How to apply for this permit

To allow for the proper assessment of your research application please allow at least six weeks for processing.

You will need to complete two forms:

1. The first form asks for general information about your application.
2. The supplementary form asks for details specific to your action.

1. Permit application form
   • Application form for all Cetaceans
2. Supplementary form
   • Supplementary Form A – Whales and Dolphins

Complete both forms and post or fax them to:
Director
Cetacean Policy and Recovery Section
Marine Division
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Fax: 02 6274 1542
Email: epbcwild@deh.gov.au

For further information contact the Cetacean Permitting Team on 02 6274 2995.

If your application involves the export or import of a cetacean part, you may also need to apply for a permit for the international movement of wildlife under Part 13A of the EPBC Act (CITES permit).