Date: 2009-07-01
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Migaloo has been declared a ‘special interest’ whale granting him more space to swim up the Queensland coast, Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said today. Ms Jones there was a possible sighting of the famous white whale heading north off Port Macquarie, New South Wales. It means Migaloo could be hitting Queensland waters by the end of this week.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Migaloo has been declared a ‘special interest’ whale granting him more space to swim up the Queensland coast, Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said today.
Ms Jones there was a possible sighting of the famous white whale heading north off Port Macquarie, New South Wales. It means Migaloo could be hitting Queensland waters by the end of this week.
“There is no further news and no definite confirmation if it is Migaloo the famous all-white whale,” Ms Jones said.
“But a white whale was spotted approximately 3.5km offshore at Tacking Point on its 2009 migration.”
Ms Jones said getting too close to Migaloo and other white whales could cost boaties money as well as risk their safety.
“Migaloo would be an awesome sight during the school holidays but people need to remember that he needs to continue his journey undisturbed,” she said.
“I’ve granted white whales ‘special interest’ status in Queensland waters to ensure they can swim freely and safely.
“Aircraft pilots, skippers, swimmers and snorkellers need to respect the special limits around these unusually coloured whales and the restrictions around all whales.
"The ‘special interest’ whale declaration means no-one can bring a boat or jet ski closer than 500 metres or fly an aircraft closer than 2000 feet to the whale without written permission.
“The standard distance for other whales is 100 metres for a boat and 300 metres for jet skis and other peronsal watercraft.
"If these conditions are breached, the maximum penalty is $16,500.
“Migaloo moves quite quickly and in each of the last four migration seasons he’s been seen as far north as Cairns. Last July, there was an unconfirmed sighting near Yorkey’s Knob near 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. That gives scientists valuable information about whale migration.
”In winter, whales are in big numbers off the coast, as they head north to warm tropical waters where many females will give birth. In spring they head south to the Antarctic feeding grounds.
"Scientists estimate that at least 12,000 humpbacks will migrate along the east coast this year, and numbers are increasing by about 10 percent a year. If they're not harassed on their migration, they should keep coming back for us to enjoy.
“The whale-watching regulations are there to protect the whales, but also to protect people from these huge, unpredictable mammals. Adult humpbacks can weigh more than a fully-loaded semitrailer so you need to stay out of their way.
”People who impede whales other than the ‘special interest’ animals still risk a hefty $12,000 penalty. On-the-spot fines ranging from $300 to $500 may also apply for various contraventions of the conservation plan.
“These regulations apply to all whales:
boats cannot go any closer than 100 metres from a whale;
personal watercraft (Jet Skis etc) are not permitted closer than 300m at any time.
in the whale protection zone of the Whitsunday, Lindeman and Gloucester island groups where many whales deliver their calves, no boat can go closer than 300 metres;
boats cannot go any closer than 300 metres to 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 your own yacht or cruiser, a fishing charter, a trawler, or a commercial whale-watching boat," Ms Jones said.
Anyone who sights Migaloo or other white whales are encouraged to report the sighting to the Department of Environment and Resource Management on 1300 130 372.
Information about whales, the regulations and whale-watching season is at www.derm.qld.gov.au
30 June, 2009
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