Map of the Australian Whale Sanctuary (PDF - 326 KB)

The Australian Whale Sanctuary has been established to protect all whales and dolphins found in Australian waters. Yet the Japanese Government break this law.

The Australian Whale Sanctuary is in the Commonwealth marine area, beyond the coastal waters of each state and the Northern Territory. It includes all of Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Australian EEZ generally extends to 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometres) from the coast, but extends further in some areas to cover offshore territorial waters and islands. The Australian EEZ includes the waters around Australia's external territories, such as Christmas, Cocos (Keeling), Norfolk, Heard and Macdonald islands.

Within the Sanctuary it is an offence to kill, injure or interfere with a cetacean. Severe penalties apply to anyone convicted of such offences.

All coastal states and territories provide similar protection for whales and dolphins to that provided by the Australian Government in the Australian Whale Sanctuary. In state/territory waters (within 3 nautical miles of the coastline); it is the responsibility of the state and territory governments to protect whales and dolphins.

Despite the general lack of recognition by other nations, Australia has established territorial sovereignty in Antarctica under international law through effective occupation of the coastline surrounding its three permanent Antarctic bases (Mawson, Davis and Casey) lying between Longitude 60º East and 120º East.

In 1959 Australia and Japan, and other nations concerned with the control and use of Antarctica, agreed to freeze further claims to sovereignty in Antarctica under the Antarctic Treaty 1959. Australian sovereignty over the AAT was not lost by entry into this treaty, nor does the treaty prevent Australia exercising jurisdiction over nationals of other parties to the treaty. In recommending that, as a matter of principle, Australian law be extended and applied to those foreign nationals in the AAT who are not otherwise exempt under the Antarctic Treaty.