WhaleFace invites you to play a hands‑on role in protecting one of Australia’s most iconic marine species, the Southern Right Whale. By sharing your whale sightings and photos, you become part of a growing community helping scientists better understand and safeguard these Endangered whales along the south‑east Australian coast.

At the heart of WhaleFace is something wonderfully simple: every Southern Right Whale has a unique face. The distinctive white markings on their heads, known as callosities, act like fingerprints. When you upload a photo of a whale’s face, it helps researchers identify individual whales and follow their journeys through time; revealing where they travel, when they breed, and how the population is changing.

WhaleFace was designed to allow anyone to take part in meaningful science. Whether you’re a regular on the coast or you spot a whale by chance, your contribution matters. Together, sightings from the community build a powerful picture that supports real research, strengthens conservation efforts, and brings people closer to the whales that inspire them.

While the project focuses on Southern Right Whales visiting Victorian waters, we also welcome sightings and photos of all whale species. Every record adds to our understanding of marine life in Victorian waters and helps guide efforts to conserve and protect these animals into the future.

Getting involved is easy. Register with WhaleFace to submit sightings, upload photos, and discover more about the research behind the project. Even if you don’t have a sighting to share yet, you’re welcome to join the WhaleFace community and stay connected with this important conservation work.

We acknowledge the deep and enduring connections of First Peoples to Sea Country and whales across Victoria; including the Gunditjmara, Eastern Maar, Wadawurrung, Bunurong and Gunaikurnai people. We acknowledge that the English name “southern right whale” is rooted in a history of exploitation. We respect the importance of language and the local Indigenous names for the species across its range.