Lyla Lindsey
Porpoises are small dolphin-like cetaceans with flattened, spade-shaped teeth and no pronounced beak. They are descendants of land-living ungulates that entered the oceans around 50 million years ago. Porpoises are found in a multitude of environments, including rivers, coastal waters, and the open ocean. They are particularly abundant in the coastal waters of the sub-Arctic and the cool temperate waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. In Australia, the spectacled porpoise is the only species of porpoise found in its waters, particularly in the subantarctic and Antarctic zones south of the subtropical Convergence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of porpoise species in Australia | 1 |
| Species name | Spectacled Porpoise |
| Scientific name | Phocoena dioptrica |
| Distribution | Circumpolar in Australian pelagic waters of the subantarctic and Antarctic zones, south of the subtropical Convergence |
| Habitat | Estuarine waters, open sea, offshore islands, rivers, and channels |
| Protected areas | The Australian Whale Sanctuary, Indian Ocean Sanctuary, Southern Ocean Sanctuary |
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What You'll Learn
- Porpoises are one of 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises found in Australian waters
- The spectacled porpoise is the only species of porpoise found in Australia
- Spectacled porpoises are found in the subantarctic and Antarctic zones, south of the subtropical Convergence
- They are also found in the seas around Tasmania, South Australia, Macquarie Island and New Zealand
- They are protected within The Australian Whale Sanctuary under the EPBC Act
Porpoises are one of 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises found in Australian waters
Australia's long coastline provides a wide range of aquatic habitats for marine life. The country is home to at least 45 species of cetaceans, the scientific name for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. These include 10 large whales, 20 smaller whales, 14 dolphin species, and one species of porpoise.
The harbour porpoise is the only species of porpoise found in Australian waters. They are one of six species of porpoises worldwide. Harbour porpoises are found in the coastal waters of the sub-Arctic and predominantly cool, temperate waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. They are also found off the northwest coast of Africa. Harbour porpoises are known to visit shallow bays, estuaries, and tidal channels less than 200 metres in depth. They have also been known to swim up rivers. Most sightings occur within 10 km of land.
The humpback whale, southern right whale, blue whale, and sperm whale are some of the iconic whale species found in Australian waters. Whale-watching locations include Cape Byron, Coffs Harbour, and Moreton Bay. The Queensland east coast is a great location to see many species of whales and dolphins. For example, the humpback whale can be found along almost the entire Queensland coast during their migration season between July and September. The areas around Cairns and the Ribbon Reefs are important for dwarf minke whales, which can be encountered between May and August.
Bottlenose dolphins are common across the bays and coves of Coffin Bay and Port Lincoln National Parks. They are also found in Jervis Bay and Port Stephens. The Short-beaked Common Dolphin is another species found in Australian waters, known for their white underbellies and yellowish patterns on their sides. They are also found in large pods in the thousands, typically feeding on migrating fish and squid.
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The spectacled porpoise is the only species of porpoise found in Australia
The spectacled porpoise is a small to midsize porpoise, with small pectoral fins and a triangular dorsal fin. The dorsal fins of male spectacled porpoises are notably larger and more rounded than those of females. This is the only strongly sexually dimorphic porpoise species, with adult males reaching up to 224 centimetres in length, and females up to 204 centimetres.
The spectacled porpoise is found in the Southern Hemisphere, distributed circumpolar in subantarctic latitudes. It is present in the offshore Atlantic coasts off South America, the Falkland Islands, the Pacific Ocean south of New Zealand, and the Indian Ocean at Heard and Kerguelen Islands. In Australia, it has been sighted in Tasmania, South Australia, and Macquarie Island. It is likely that spectacled porpoises move between Australia and other countries due to the lack of permanent deep-water barriers.
There is little information available on the foraging behaviour and reproduction of the spectacled porpoise. It is believed to feed on fish and squid, and in the Tierra del Fuego region, it is estimated that young are born at around 100 centimetres long in late spring or summer. The spectacled porpoise is not known to be targeted by Australian fisheries, and it is likely that their numbers are at or near original levels within Australian waters. However, ongoing incidental captures in Southern Ocean driftnet fisheries outside Australian territorial waters and in 'ghost' nets are causes for concern.
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Spectacled porpoises are found in the subantarctic and Antarctic zones, south of the subtropical Convergence
The spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica) is a small to midsize porpoise species indigenous to the Southern Ocean. It is one of the least studied cetaceans due to its remote range in the Southern Ocean. Most of what is known about the species has been gathered from stranded individuals, with fewer than 15 confirmed sightings at sea.
In Australia, spectacled porpoises have been recorded in the pelagic waters of the subantarctic and Antarctic zones, with most records falling between 45° and 65°S. They have been sighted near subantarctic islands, such as Macquarie Island, Heard Island, and Tasmania. The concentration of records near these islands may be due to a higher observer presence. It is unknown whether the scattered records represent animals moving northwards from southern areas or populations resident in waters close to Australia.
The spectacled porpoise is protected within the Australian Whale Sanctuary under the EPBC Act, which includes Commonwealth waters from the 3 nm state waters limit to the boundary of the EEZ and beyond in some places.
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They are also found in the seas around Tasmania, South Australia, Macquarie Island and New Zealand
Porpoises are found in abundance in a multitude of environments, including rivers, coastal waters, and the open ocean. They are highly adaptable and can survive in all water temperatures, from tropical to polar. In Australia, porpoises are known to inhabit the seas around Tasmania, South Australia, Macquarie Island, and New Zealand.
Tasmania and South Australia recorded the first sightings of porpoises in continental Australian waters in 1997. The species in question is the spectacled porpoise, also known as Phocoena dioptrica. This species is believed to have a circumpolar distribution, with a preference for subantarctic and Antarctic waters between 1° and 8 °C. They are also found in the colder continental seas influenced by cold currents, such as the Falkland Current off Argentina.
The spectacled porpoise has been sighted in the vicinity of Macquarie Island, a subantarctic island located between New Zealand and Antarctica. The protection of this species is of utmost importance within the Australian Whale Sanctuary, which includes the waters surrounding Macquarie Island. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) also regulates spectacled porpoise within the Indian Ocean Sanctuary and the Southern Ocean Sanctuary.
In addition to Macquarie Island, porpoises are known to inhabit the seas around New Zealand. A 135-cm male spectacled porpoise was recorded in New Zealand, indicating the presence of this species in the region. Porpoises have also been sighted south of New Zealand, suggesting that they may move between Australia and New Zealand.
The presence of porpoises in the seas around Tasmania, South Australia, Macquarie Island, and New Zealand highlights the importance of conserving and protecting these marine mammals. Porpoises are vulnerable to various threats, including entanglement in fishing nets, marine pollution, and noise pollution from human activities. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival and well-being of these fascinating creatures.
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They are protected within The Australian Whale Sanctuary under the EPBC Act
The Australian Whale Sanctuary, established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), offers protection to all cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) in Australian waters. The Sanctuary encompasses all Commonwealth waters, extending from the three-nautical-mile state waters limit to the boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone, which is at least 200 nautical miles and goes beyond in certain places.
Within the Australian Whale Sanctuary, it is a criminal offence to injure, kill, or otherwise interfere with a cetacean. Any individual found guilty of such an offence faces severe penalties. This legislation also applies to unintentional harm caused by activities such as fishing or exploration. In such cases, the incident must be reported to the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water within seven days of becoming aware of the consequences.
The EPBC Act is Australia's primary environmental law, providing a framework to protect and manage the country's unique plants, animals, habitats, and heritage sites. It also safeguards listed threatened and migratory species, including the harbour porpoise, which is one of the species found in Australian waters.
The harbour porpoise is one of six species of porpoise and is particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. They are found in coastal waters and predominantly inhabit cool, temperate regions of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, although they have been spotted off the northwest coast of Africa as well. Harbour porpoises are known to visit shallow bays, estuaries, and tidal channels, rarely venturing beyond 10 km of the coastline. They are highly susceptible to entanglement in fishing nets, which results in thousands of agonising deaths annually. Additionally, noise pollution from sources like military sonar, drilling, and shipping can disorient them and cause stranding.
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Frequently asked questions
Porpoises are found in various environments in Australia, including rivers, coastal waters, and open oceans. One specific species, the spectacled porpoise, has been sighted in the waters off Tasmania, South Australia, and the south coast of Australia. They are also known to frequent the area around Macquarie Island and have been recorded in estuarine waters.
Porpoises in Australia face several threats, including entanglement in fishing nets, marine pollution, and noise pollution. They are very sensitive to disturbances, and activities such as offshore construction, ship traffic, and military exercises can negatively impact their health and ability to reproduce.
Porpoises use echolocation, or biosonar, as their primary sensory system for both navigation and social communication. They produce ultrasonic clicks and rely on sound to navigate and interact with their environment.
Yes, porpoises are protected in Australia under the EPBC Act within the Australian Whale Sanctuary. This includes all Commonwealth waters from the 3 nm state waters limit out to the boundary of the EEZ. The spectacled porpoise is also subject to International Whaling Commission (IWC) regulations within the Indian Ocean Sanctuary and the Southern Ocean Sanctuary.
