At just 15, Port Stephens local Skye Bortoli has built a name for herself as an international eco-warrior in her pursuit to eradicate whaling around the world.

The pin-up, author and successful website creator has already attended two International Whaling Conventions.

VIDEO: A glimpse of stunning Skye in action

"It literally breaks your heart I mean seeing this innocent creature being absolutely slaughtered and there's nothing you can do to help it and you know it's already died it's just such a hard thing to take," she says.

But Skye is yet to set sail on her biggest challenge.

Transcript

KG: Welcome back to our special program coming to you from Cairns, in Far North Queensland. After recently returning from the International Whaling Commission's conference in Chile, teenager Skye Bortoli has stepped up her ongoing environmental crusade. Video journalist Allan Clarke spent time with Skye in Port Stephens, NSW, as she gears up for her biggest challenge yet.

Reporter: She's 15, entrepreneurial, and one of the world's youngest international anti-whaling activists.

Skye Bortoli: We are about to go out through the headlands.

Reporter: At an age when most teenagers are sussing out the latest fashion trends, discussing boys and swapping make-up tips, Port Stephens local Skye Bortoli is charting her course as a whale crusader. It's a path she's been cruising for the last four years.

Skye Bortoli: When I first went whale-watching it was an absolute instant kind of connection.

Reporter: One that Skye attributes to her Aboriginal heritage.

Skye Bortoli: It was really spiritual and it was just such a deep, deep kind of connection. It was amazing and I’ve never felt anything like it.

Reporter: But the love affairs with these giants of the deep soon left her devastated when she saw graphic footage of commercial whaling.

Skye Bortoli: It literally breaks your heart. I mean, you are seeing this innocent creature being absolutely slaughtered and there's nothing you can do to help it and you know it's already died. It's just such a hard thing to take.

Reporter: It was a call to action - the moment that Skye decided to take up her anti-whaling campaign with her website Teens against Whaling.

Skye Bortoli: We're just three Aussie schoolgirls trying to make a difference in a world that has so many problems.

Reporter: Last year Skye set sail for her first International Whaling Commission with a steely determination to have her voice heard.

Skye Bortoli: I think the most proud moment I've had so far was when I went to the IWC in Anchorage, Alaska, and presented over 40,000 signatures in a wheelbarrow.

Reporter: Skye also lobbied at this year's IWC meet in Chile. Now the eco-warrior is planning to release her first book. But Skye's biggest challenge will be aboard the confrontational and often controversial anti-whaling ship the 'Sea Shepherd' as it cruises Antarctic waters trying to stop whalers.

Dr David Page, 'Sea Shepherd': She represents the young people of Australia. She represents the Aboriginal community. It's people like Skye coming on board and dedicating their life to the cause that’s going to make a difference.

Skye Bortoli: My personal gain is I want to go down to Antarctica and, you know, physically be there when a life of a whale has been saved.

Reporter: Life hasn't always been smooth sailing for the one-time 'Dolly' magazine all-star.

Monique Bortoli, Mother: She hasn't had the perfect life. She's grown up with, um, been raised by a single mum most of her life. It’s been tough but it's also taught us to overcome and be positive in life as well.

Reporter: But there's still plenty of wind in her sails.

Skye Bortoli: After high school I want to go and do marine biology straightaway.

Caitlin Bortoli, Sister: Isn't she supposed to be taking pictures of whales? Well, she's doing pretty good and I'm really proud of my big sister.

Monique Bortoli: When I watch the courage that she has when she gets up and does stuff, it teaches me that these things can be done and you can achieve these things. It doesn't matter where you come from.

Reporter: Having proved herself to be more than just a blip on the radar, there is no doubt that Skye Bortoli will continue to anchor herself in turbulent waters, fighting for a ban on commercial whaling.

Skye Bortoli: It was definitely one of my dreams to become an ambassador for Australia about whale watching and whale protection and just being able to be recognised as a young person in Australia trying to help the whales.