Research & Conservation
Valuing Our Planet Through Conservation
We’re deeply committed to minimising our environmental impact — both on the water and on land — so future generations can continue to experience the wonder of our oceans, waterways, and the unique, often fragile wildlife that inhabit them. This commitment goes beyond words; it’s embedded in everything we do, from daily operations to long-term strategies. We believe protecting these precious environments is not just a responsibility, but a privilege — and we’re always seeking new, innovative ways to do it better.
As part of our commitment towards marine conservation, a portion of every Sea World Whale Watching ticket goes towards the Sea World foundation.
The Sea World Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to understanding, protecting, and conserving the marine environment for future generations. Through research, rescue, and conservation efforts, the foundation supports independent marine research projects, helping to expand our knowledge and appreciation of the ocean’s incredible biodiversity.
By promoting conservation and education, the foundation raises public awareness of critical marine issues and enhances scientific understanding of how we can better preserve the marine environment.
The Sea World Rescue Team operates 24/7, 365 days a year, responding to marine animal strandings and entanglements, including dolphins, whales, birds, and sea snakes. Over the years, they have pioneered new rescue techniques and equipment to improve marine animal welfare. Injured animals receive expert veterinary care at Sea World, with the ultimate goal of rehabilitating and releasing them back into the wild.
Sea World Foundation remains committed to safeguarding marine life and ensuring a sustainable future for our oceans.
Griffith Coastal and Marine Research Centre
Sea World Whale Watch proudly supports the Griffith University Coastal and Marine Research Centre, which brings together regional and international experts to advance coastal resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable marine management.
A key focus of the Centre is expanding our understanding of whales and dolphins, with a strong commitment to conservation and innovative management strategies in urban coastal waters. The Whales and Dolphins Research Team explores the feeding, migration, and habitat use of marine mammals, as well as the impact of human activity on whales and dolphins. Their research informs new conservation strategies to better protect marine life.
Healthy Whales Project - Olaf Meynecke
Supported by the Sea World Foundation, the Healthy Whales Project, led by lead researcher Dr. Olaf Meynecke, is the only study of its kind in Australia. This research focuses on humpback whale movements in southeast Queensland, examining how fine-scale ocean currents, coastal fronts, and temperature gradients influence their behavior. By tracking whales with satellite tags, the project also helps develop collision avoidance strategies, improving whale safety in areas with heavy boat traffic and shipping channels.
Newborn Humpback Whale Study
Since 2013, Sea World Cruises has proudly hosted the Gold Coast Newborn Calf Study, led by marine researcher Laura Torre-Williams from Griffith University. This long-running study focuses on newborn humpback whale calves spotted along the Gold Coast, more than 1,000 kilometres from their usual calving grounds in the Great Barrier Reef.
Laura and her team track the locations, behaviours, and movements of mother-calf pairs using GPS devices fitted on Sea World Cruises vessels. The study helps define age classes, understand habitat preferences, and assess interactions with vessels, contributing to vital research on the early development and survival of these young whales.
From mid-June to August, guests aboard Sea World Whale Watching cruises may be lucky enough to witness these newborn calves in Gold Coast waters. Some locals even participate in the study as research assistants, supporting with data collection and photography. Laura’s groundbreaking findings are published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at marine conferences worldwide.
Sea World Cruises is proud to support this important research, deepening our understanding of these majestic marine mammals and their journey along Australia’s east coast.
Humpbacks & High-Rises
Sea World Cruises is proud to support Queensland’s largest marine mammal monitoring program – working closely with Humpbacks & High-Rises (HHR) since 2019. Every tour reserves designated seats for HHR volunteers, allowing them to collect vital scientific data on the health, movement, and well-being of humpback whales along Australia’s east coast.
HHR is dedicated to ensuring future generations can experience and appreciate whales and dolphins through research, rescue, and education. Their work helps protect these incredible marine mammals while fostering a deeper connection between the community and the ocean.
Ecotourism Australia
Sea World Cruises is proudly certified through Ecotourism Australia’s world-leading ecotourism certification program. This certification ensures that when you travel with them, you are supporting a business dedicated to sustainable practices and high-quality nature-based tourism experiences.
The certification reflects their dedication to preserving the environment, educating guests, and fostering a deep connection with the natural world. Sea World Cruises is committed to protecting unique wildlife, reducing their carbon footprint, and actively contributing to conservation efforts. Through community engagement and support for Australian Indigenous cultures, they strive to make a meaningful impact while providing an unforgettable guest experience.
Recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the certification reinforces their ongoing efforts to uphold the highest standards in responsible tourism.
