Following talks between the Australian and New Zealand governments, the two country's whale conservation efforts have been strengthened.

New research efforts designed to build on the work already done by the Antipodean neighbours will be made in the Southern Ocean.

New Zealand conservation minister Steve Chadwick noted that the aim is to "ensure that future generations are able to experience these magnificent creatures".

She added: "These new research efforts will provide further science on which to build strategies."

Australian environment minister Peter Garrett observed that while climate change and whaling have had a dramatic impact on whales in the region, there are things that can be done to boost their numbers.

"Australia proposed the creation of research partnerships across the globe at the recent International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Chile," he said. "This is part of our plan, widely supported at the Commission, to modernise the IWC and make it into a 21st Century conservation-focused organisation."

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