Play it safe with whales during the annual migration

As humpback whales enter Queensland’s waters on their annual migration, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has reminded people to play it safe around the huge mammals and abide by regulations.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the regulations set out approach limits and aimed to protect both the animals and people from harm.

“Please give them some room and give them respect — they have been visiting our waters for thousands of years,” Ms Nelson-Carr said

“Humpbacks migrate north from Antarctica in early autumn and usually reach our waters in late May, head up to the Whitsundays and further north to give birth and mate, and head south again from about August through to November.

“People come from far and wide to see these majestic animals passing so close to our coastline and, if the whales are not harassed, they should keep coming back each year.

“The number of humpbacks increases by about 10 per cent each year. There were around 8000 last year.

“This is good news, but it also means boaties are more likely to encounter whales and they must remember that humpbacks are very large and unpredictable."

Ms Nelson-Carr said humpbacks were curious animals and were known to come up to boats and lie against or even push them.

“If a boat operator is concerned about their safety due to a whale’s behaviour, he or she should move away from the whale immediately,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The whale-watching regulations are there to ensure everyone’s safety.

“They outline how close people can get to whales in boats, jet skis, aircraft and in the water.”

The following regulations apply to protect all whales during their migration:
• boats cannot go any closer than 100 metres from a whale except in the Whitsundays where the limit is 300 metres;
• boats cannot go any closer than 300 metres from a whale if three or more boats are already closer than 300 metres to a whale;
• boats cannot go any closer than 300 metres if moving in a similar direction to or behind a whale, moving at more than four knots; and
• swimmers should exercise caution and move carefully away if a whale approaches or surfaces near them.

“These rules apply in State and Commonwealth waters and they apply whether you’re operating a fishing charter, a trawler or a commercial whale-watching boat,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Penalties apply for breaching these regulations without reasonable excuse.

“In New South Wales recently, a boatie was fined $10,000 for approaching a marine mammal closer than allowed — he had used a speedboat to pursue humpbacks.

“There are also regulations applying to aircraft and personal watercraft such as Jet Skis.

“The safest place for inexperienced people to observe migrating whales is from commercial whale-watching vessels or from dry land.”

The maximum penalty for intentionally moving closer to a whale than permitted under the conservation plan is $9000. On-the-spot fines ranging from $225 to $375 may also apply for various contraventions of the conservation plan.

Ms Nelson-Carr said whale lovers would no doubt be on the lookout for Migaloo, a white humpback whale.

“He was reported only a few times in Queensland waters last year, starting in late June when he was spotted off the Gold Coast.

“Special regulations come into force for Migaloo, with greater approach limits. Please respect the regulations to ensure his safe passage,” she said.

Information about whales, the regulations and whale-watching season is at www.epa.qld.gov.au. Stranded or dead whales should be reported to the EPA hotline 1300 130 372.

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002