Respect distance around Migaloo

Media-Newswire.com
July 8, 2007

Migaloo the white humpback whale is reported to have entered Queensland waters on his 2007 migration, but it could be very costly if people try to get too close.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has declared Migaloo a special interest whale in Queensland waters to ensure he can swim freely and safely.

Aircraft pilots, skippers, swimmers and snorkellers are being urged to respect the special limits around the whale.

"The special interest whale declaration means no-one can bring a boat or jet ski closer than 500m or fly an aircraft closer than 2000ft to the whale without written permission," Ms Nelson-Carr said.

"If these conditions are breached, the maximum penalty is $12,375."

Ms Nelson-Carr said there were reports Migaloo had been seen off Tweed Heads in the last few days and he could already be north of the border.

He does move quite quickly and in each of the last two migration seasons hes been seen as far north as Cairns.

The first reported sighting of the big white whale was in 1991 off Byron Bay, when he was three to five years old. His unusual colouring makes him easy to track, which gives scientists valuable information about whale migration.

Ms Nelson-Carr said humpback whales were now being seen in numbers off the coast, as they head north to warm tropical waters where many females will give birth.

"If they're not harassed on their migration, they should keep coming back for us to enjoy," she said.

"Humpback whales are very large and very unpredictable. To ensure everyone's safety, the whale-watching regulations outline how close people in boats, Jet Skis, aircraft and in the water can get to whales.

The following regulations apply to protect all whales during their migration:

1. A boat cannot go any closer than 100 metres from a whale, except in the whale protection zone of the Whitsunday, Lindeman and Gloucester island groups where the approach limit is 300 metres;
2. 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;
3. 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;
4. 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 your own yacht or cruiser, a fishing charter, a trawler, or a commercial whale-watching boat," Ms Nelson-Carr said.

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

Anyone who sights Migaloo is encouraged to report it to the Environmental Protection Agency on 1300 130 372.

Information about whales, the regulations and whale-watching season is at www.epa.qld.gov.au

Media contacts:
Working on an article or story about Migaloo? To arrange for interviews and photos, please contact:
Anne Rillero, Communications Director, Pacific Whale Foundation at 808-249-8811 or 808-244-8390.
Or email: publicrelations@pacificwhale.org