Queensland's coastal city of Hervey Bay is putting its hand up to become one of the world's first Whale Heritage Sites.

The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) plans to award the accreditation to destinations which implement and celebrate responsible and sustainable whale and dolphin watching.

Fraser Coast Opportunities said it was working with members of the Hervey Bay whale watching industry toward securing the status.

"Hervey Bay's still looking for that edge to make sure people know this really is a special place to come and see whales," interim general manager Leigh Bennett said.

Mr Bennett said the status would not only promote the region further as a whale watching destination, but would also celebrate the significance of whale watching in the cultural heritage of the town.

"Things like the Ocean Festival — the old Whale Festival — and the fact that we've got lots of iconic artwork around Hervey bay will all form part of our application," he said.

The WCA said the Whale Heritage Site status was an initiative aimed at increasing the protection and conservation of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and their habitats.

It also hoped the introduction of the accreditation would encourage tourists to visit responsible whale and dolphin watching destinations.

Nala the humpback whale is a prolific breeder. She and her new calf Bullakar stayed in Hervey Bay for two weeks in 2015. ( Supplied: Oceania Project )

According to the WCA website, it had received 11 applications for Whale Heritage Status so far, with Hervey Bay among the three locations already approved for consideration.

The other two locations are North Vancouver Island in Canada, and Port Stephens in New South Wales.

Mr Bennett said although they have had their initial application accepted by the WCA, Fraser Coast Opportunities now have to work on a much more detailed submission.

"They send somebody out from the UK who would do a thorough assessment of the location," he said.

"It takes about 12 months all up, it's quite a rigorous process, but we think it's going to be a great investment.