Fans told to give Migaloo wide berth
By DANNY MORTISON
23jun04
MIGALOO the white humpback has been declared a whale of special interest to ensure safe passage during his annual migration through Queensland waters. The declaration took effect yesterday.
"The declaration of special interest means there will be specific viewing conditions relating to Migaloo," Environment Minister John Mickel said.
"People will not be able to drive a boat or jet ski any closer than 500m to the whale or fly an aircraft any closer than 2000 feet (610m) without written permission.
"The maximum fine for breaching these conditions is $12, 375."
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Mr Mickel said the Environmental Protection Agency would continue to maintain a database of sightings of Migaloo that was set up during the whale's visit last year.
Mr Mickel said Migaloo was injured in a collision with a trimaran off Magnetic Island last year and he urged boaties to take care during the whale migration season because there was a higher chance of boat strikes.
Humpback whales are listed as vulnerable in Queensland under the Nature Conservation Act.
All whales and dolphins are protected under the Act.
Apart from the special conditions for Migaloo, the following regulations still apply to protect whales during their migration:
- Boats cannot go any closer than 100m from a whale;
- Boats cannot go any closer than 300m from a whale if three or more boats are already closer than 300m to a whale;
- Boats cannot go any closer than 300m 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.
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 Media contacts:
Working on an article or story about Migaloo? To arrange for interviews and photos, please contact:
Anne Rillero, Publicist, Pacific Whale Foundation at 808-249-8811 or 808-244-8390.
Or email: publicrelations@pacificwhale.org
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