Heritage Sites

We are delighted to announce that, since opening the Whale Heritage Site application process on 4th April 2016, two sites have already entered the auditing process as Candidate Whale Heritage Sites, with several other sites under review for candidacy. The Whale Heritage Site Independent Judging Panel has reviewed the first application for full accreditation and its recommendations are currently being considered by the site.

 

Candidate Site: North Vancouver Island, Canada

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The Vancouver Island North area includes the traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation, whose connection to the Max’inux or killer whale can be traced back through generations, not only through art, song and dance, but also through the verbal history of the Max’inux clan, whose ancestors are said to have descended from killer whales. Northern Vancouver Island is the habitat of eight species of cetacean and is a global trendsetter for whale research, responsible whale watching and conservation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Candidate Site: Hervey Bay, Australia

Commonly referred to as Australia’s premier whale watching site, Hervey Bay is an internationally significant whale new-born calf nursery – where whales prepare their young for the long migration back to Antarctic waters. In celebration of the whale season, the Hervey Bay Humpback Whalecommunity plays host to the annual Oceans Festival which includes an illumination parade, a paddle out for whales and a seafood festival.