An exhibition entitled "Protecting Pacific Whales Through Art" opened at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia this week.
Ruha Fifita sitting in front of her enormous tapa, with another tapa by Christelle Montané on the wall. Photo: Supplied/ SPREP
It showcases work from 11 Pacific artists and commemorates the regional Protect Pacific Whales - Ocean Voyagers Campaign.
The threatened and migratory species adviser at the South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme Mike Donoghue said the beautiful artworks highlight the important work that needs to be done to protect whales in the Pacific.
Mr Donoghue said this included getting governments in the region on the same page when it comes to issues affecting whales.
He said the whaling hey days are now in the past but the biggest threat to the survival of whales is through human activities.
"And underlying all of that is protect the oceans to protect our whales. So the fishing industry has a responsibility here not to dump their tangled up lines and nets in the ocean. The maritime industry has a responsibility not to dump trash in the oceans. And all of us who are doing anything to do with tourism and coastal developments need to minimise the impact on the oceans."