At risk or dead marine mammals

What are marine mammals?

Marine mammals include:

  • whales
  • dolphins
  • seals
  • sea lions.

What to report

At risk or dead marine mammals

Report marine mammals that are:

  • beached/stranded (whales and dolphins only)
  • injured
  • dead.

Seals and sea lions sleep and rest on beaches and structures. You do no need to report resting seals unless the animal is obviously injured or distressed.

Report to the Fishwatch 24 hour hotline.

Reporting to other organisations

You can also report at risk or dead marine mammals to:

Offences against marine mammals

It is an offence to kill, injure, or harass a marine mammal.

Report offences against marine mammals to a NPWS duty officer at the Department of Environment and Water on 0427 556 676

Sick or stranded marine animals

If you find a sick or stranded marine mammal contact your local Natural Resources Centre or marine wildlife rescue organisation.

For more information visit the National Parks and Wildlife Service webpage.

Information to report

Give the following information when reporting:

  • your contact details, and any other witness contact details
  • location of incident with as much detail as possible
  • time and date the incident or when it was first noticed
  • species or description of the animals, including size and number of animals involved
  • weather conditions
  • tide details
  • accessibility by boat or vehicle
  • what offence you witnessed
  • a description of the person or vehicles involved in the offence
  • any photographs or notes of the offence
  • any other relevant details.

All information given to Fishwatch is treated with the strictest confidence.

Contact Fishwatch

Call the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline for fishing information and reporting.

Freecall 1800 065 522
Page last reviewed: 23 Feb 2024

 


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