Vessel named in honour of whale rescue pioneer

  • State-of-the-art vessel D K Coughran will replace three boats currently used by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
  • Named after the late Doug Coughran, a wildlife officer who dedicated his life to developing whale rescue techniques
  • New vessel to be used to respond to marine mammal incidents in the Swan Canning Riverpark  

A new vessel has today been named after the late Doug Coughran, a Western Australian wildlife officer who dedicated much of his life to developing whale rescue techniques that have been instrumental in improving outcomes for entangled whales.

 

These techniques pioneered by Doug are not only practised in WA but around the world.

 

In 2010, Doug’s achievements over three decades were formally recognised when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to conservation and the environment, particularly the disentanglement of whales, as both a practitioner and educator.

 

The 10.5-metre vessel will replace three boats currently used by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and will be tasked with responding to marine mammal incidents, managing the commercial whale watching industry and carrying out marine park, riverpark and island patrol duties.

 

The D K Coughran will operate within the Swan Canning Riverpark as well as the wider waters of the Marmion and Shoalwater Islands marine parks.

 

As noted by Premier Mark McGowan:

 

“Doug was a great Western Australian, a leader and innovator who worked on behalf of the community and all wildlife.

 

“I was lucky enough to have met Doug when I was Environment Minister in 2006 and his passion and love for his work as a wildlife officer were evident.

 

“It is fitting a vessel employed to assist with protecting marine life is named in Doug’s honour and will be used by many of the DBCA staff who Doug trained and mentored.

 

“His significant contribution to the protection and conservation of this State’s marine animals was outstanding.”

 

As noted by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

 

“Doug’s passion and love for his work as a wildlife officer were evident throughout his distinguished public sector career of 36 years.

 

“This first-class vessel to be named in his honour was designed and built in Henderson and will replace three ageing vessels currently in use in the Perth metropolitan area.

 

“The D K Coughran will be tasked with responding to marine mammal incidents, managing the commercial whale watching industry, and carrying out marine park, riverpark and island patrol duties.”

 

/Public Release. View in full here.