NEW research on humpback whales highlights the global significance of the Kimberley coast for rare and threatened marine species, conservationists say.

Aerial and sea-based surveys co-ordinated by researchers and Broome whale experts Richard Costin and Annabelle Sandes have led to renewed calls for a network of marine protection areas along the Kimberley coast.

"The new results reveal that the entire coast , from Broome all the way up the Dampier Peninsula and across to Camden Sound, is crucial calving, mating, feeding and resting habitat for humpback whales, and important for a range of other species such as dugong, sea turtles, and Australia’s unique snubfin dolphin,'' Mr Costin said.

“It is now becoming clear that the area between Broome and the Lacepede Islands, which includes James Price Point, is as important to whales as the Premier’s proposed marine park at Camden Sound.

“The results of this research call into serious question the proposal to build a massive industrial gas hub at James Price Point, and contradict claims made by Premier (Colin) Barnett that an industrial hub would have no impact on whales.

“The survey recorded very high concentrations of whales in the area between Willie Creek and James Price Point, the site of a proposed industrial gas hub, with 18 whales recorded per hour of sighting effort. In comparison, the highest concentration of whales in Camden Sound, the area recently proposed as a marine park by the WA Government, had 10 whales per hour of sighting effort.”

Environs Kimberley director Martin Pritchard said the survey showed the potential for a world-class whale-watching industry off Broome.

''The whales are much more valuable to the local community in the long term than oil and gas, so it is critical that their habitat is protected,” he said.

Conservation Council of WA director Piers Verstegen said Australia had an international obligation to protect whales and their habitat.