Lexi Webster
Whaling in Australia began in 1791 and quickly became a major maritime industry, contributing export products worth £4.2 million by 1850. However, the industry had nearly collapsed by the middle of the 19th century as whale oil was less sought after. A government inquiry in 1978 resulted in a ban on whaling in Australia, and the last whaling station in the country closed in 1978. In 1986, there was an international ban on commercial whaling, and Australia has since been a global leader in the fight against whale hunting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year whaling began in Australia | 1791 |
| First whaling station established | 1828 |
| Year commercial whaling ceased in Australia | 1978 |
| Year Australia adopted an anti-whaling policy | 1979 |
| Year of International Whaling Commission moratorium on commercial whaling | 1986 |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's whaling history began in 1791
Whaling quickly became an important part of the colonial economy, making up half of the export industry in New South Wales in the 1830s. It was Australia's first major industry, with thousands of men and hundreds of ships eventually involved in the trade. Whale products were used for a number of things. Whale blubber was melted down to be used as oil for lamp fuel, lubricants, and candles, and as a base for perfumes and soaps. Baleen (whalebone) was used for items such as corsets, whips, and umbrellas.
The first whaling station on the Australian mainland was established by Captain Thomas Raine at Twofold Bay, in southern New South Wales, in 1828. Bay whaling was underway at Portland Bay, Victoria, by 1833, at Encounter Bay, South Australia in 1834, and at Doubtful Island Bay in Western Australia by 1836, as well as at many other locations. By 1956, there were six whaling stations operating in Australia. However, overfishing caused the collapse of the humpback population by 1962 and a shift in focus to sperm whales.
Commercial whaling in Australia ceased in 1978 with the closure of Australia's last whaling station, the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company, in Western Australia. In 1979, Australia adopted an anti-whaling policy, permanently ending whaling in Australian waters. Australia has since been a leader in global whale conservation, working towards the international protection and conservation of whales.
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Whale products were used for fuel, lubricants, and food
Whaling in Australia began in 1791, and by the 1820s and 1830s, numerous coastal whaling stations were established around the country. By 1956, there were six whaling stations operating in Australia. The industry continued until 1978, when a government inquiry resulted in a ban on whaling and a commitment to whale protection.
Whale products played a significant role in the history of whaling in Australia. Whale blubber was melted down to obtain whale oil, which had various uses. One of the primary applications of whale oil was as a lubricant, especially for fine instruments and machinery. It was also treated with sulfur to create high-pressure lubricants. In the early days of NASA's space program, whale oil was even used as a lubricant in some vehicles, including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
Whale oil was also widely used as lamp fuel, providing lighting for homes and streets before the advent of electricity. Additionally, whale oil was a key ingredient in the manufacture of soap, although initially only for industrial-grade cleansers due to its odour and tendency to discolour. Advances in chemistry allowed whale oil to be used in cosmetic soaps, and it was also used to make candles, perfumes, and varnishes. During both World Wars, whale oil was important for the production of nitroglycerine for explosives, and it was used to prevent trench foot.
Whale meat was also consumed as food in some cultures. For Aboriginal communities in pre-colonial Australia, beached whales were an occasional food source. In his memoir, Englishman John R. Jewitt claimed that during his time as a captive of the Nuu-chah-nulth Indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest, whale oil was used as a condiment with every dish.
In addition to whale oil and meat, other whale products were utilised as well. Baleen (whalebone) was used for items such as corsets, whips, and umbrellas. The bones of whales were also used for art and tools, and the feeding plates from the mouth were used for corsets and similar items. Ambergris, a secretion from the sperm whale's digestive system, is highly valued in the perfume industry as a base note to make scents last longer.
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The industry peaked between 1820 and 1855
The whaling industry in Australia had its peak between 1820 and 1855. This period saw the largest number of whaling stations and vessels operating in Australian waters, and it was during this time that the industry had its most significant economic and cultural impact on the country.
The industry's growth during this period can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there was a high demand for whale products, particularly oil, which was used for lighting and lubrication, and baleen, which was used in corset stays and other clothing items. The expansion of the Australian colony and the establishment of new whaling stations also contributed to the industry's growth. These stations provided the necessary infrastructure for whaling vessels to operate, and they often served as social and economic hubs for local communities.
Australian waters were also particularly rich in whale resources during this time. The southern right whale, which was the primary target of the whaling industry, migrated close to the Australian coast in significant numbers. This made it easier for whalers to pursue and harvest these creatures. The development of new whaling techniques and technologies also played a part. The introduction of faster and more maneuverable vessels, as well as improved harpooning methods, allowed whalers to pursue and capture whales more effectively.
The industry began to decline after this peak period due to a combination of factors, including the over-exploitation of whale populations, the discovery of petroleum as a substitute for whale oil, and the development of alternative sources of baleen. However, the legacy of the whaling industry in Australia is still evident today, and it continues to shape cultural and economic practices in coastal communities.
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Commercial whaling ended in 1978
Commercial whaling ended in Australia in 1978, with the closure of the country's last whaling station, the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company, in Western Australia. This marked the end of almost two centuries of whaling in the country, which began in 1791 with the arrival of the Third Fleet in Sydney.
Whaling quickly became a major maritime industry in Australia, providing work for thousands of men and contributing significantly to the colonial economy. By the 1830s, it had become one of Australia's first primary industries, with whaling stations established around the country's coastline. The development of harpoon guns and steam-driven whaling boats in the late 19th century further boosted the industry, making large-scale commercial whaling more efficient.
However, over-exploitation led to a decline in whale populations, and by the middle of the 20th century, many whale species were near extinction. This realisation led to the introduction of protective laws for certain whale species, with the southern right whale being protected in Australian waters in 1935. Despite these efforts, the humpback whale population collapsed by 1962 due to overfishing, leading to a shift in focus to sperm whales.
In 1978, a government inquiry into the whaling industry resulted in a ban on commercial whaling in Australia and a commitment to whale protection. This decision was reinforced by the closure of the last whaling station in the same year. Since then, Australia has been a global leader in the fight against whaling and has actively worked towards international whale conservation. Despite these efforts, the threat of commercial whaling persists in some parts of the world, and Australia continues to advocate for stronger protection and the creation of new whale sanctuaries.
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Australia is now a leader in global anti-whaling efforts; whaling for profit was banned in 1986
Whaling in Australia began in 1791 and quickly became an important part of the colonial economy. It was one of the first primary industries in the country, with whale products being used for oil, lubricants, candles, perfumes, soaps, and more. However, the industry had nearly collapsed by the middle of the 19th century as whale oil was less in demand due to the discovery of petroleum.
In the 20th century, large-scale commercial whaling became extremely efficient with the development of harpoon guns, explosive harpoons, and steam-driven whaling boats. This led to the over-exploitation of many whale species, pushing them towards extinction. As whale numbers plummeted, laws were passed in the 1930s to protect certain species. For example, the southern right whale was protected in Australian waters in 1935 after more than 26,000 individuals had been killed between 1822 and 1930. Despite these efforts, the humpback whale population collapsed by 1962 due to overfishing, and whaling on this species ceased in 1963.
Commercial whaling in Australia officially ended in 1978 with the closure of the country's last whaling station, the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company in Western Australia. A government inquiry in the same year resulted in a ban on whaling and a commitment to whale protection. In 1979, Australia adopted an anti-whaling policy, permanently ending whaling in its waters.
Since then, Australia has been a leader in global anti-whaling efforts. In 1986, an international moratorium on commercial whaling was implemented, and whaling for profit was banned. Despite this, some nations such as Japan, Norway, and Iceland have continued to hunt and kill whales, often under the guise of scientific research. Australia has actively worked to narrow this loophole, leading a landmark resolution in 2016 that was approved by 88 nations. Australia also took Japan to the International Court of Justice in 2013, demonstrating its commitment to the protection and conservation of whales.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia banned whaling in 1978, with the closure of the country's last whaling station, the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company.
No, commercial whaling in Australia only ceased in 1979 when the country adopted an anti-whaling policy.
Yes, many whale populations have begun to recover since the ban. The southern right whale, for example, is now showing signs of recovery.
The southern right whale and the humpback whale were the two main species hunted in Australia.
