DENR News Release of the 29th of May 2012　

Enjoy whale watching – from a distance

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is reminding the public to keep a safe distance when observing whales this season.

The warning comes after the first whale of the 2012 season has been recently sighted at the Head of Bight on the Eyre Peninsula.

DENR animal welfare manager Deb Kelly described whale watching as a popular pastime and offered safety tips on how to best enjoy this special time of year.

"People are encouraged to take part in whale watching, but are reminded to observe these animals from a distance so they remain relaxed in their environment," Dr Kelly said.

"Whales may be disturbed by humans or vessels, such as boats, surfboards, jet skis or aircraft, and this can be stressful for the animal.

"We want to ensure that whales return to our waters each year, so it is important that we provide them with a secure environment.

"If conducted responsibly, water based activities such as fishing and surfing can continue to take place in areas where whales are visiting.

"This means respecting their space and avoid getting too close to any whales that are present."

Dr Kelly said if a person unexpectedly finds themself too close to a whale they should either cut their motor or move away from the whale.

"When people are using the water during whale season they need to have a greater awareness of their surroundings," Dr Kelly added.

"Signs that a whale is stressed include frequent diving, spending a longer time below the surface, increasing their speed, repeatedly changing directions and frequent water spurts and tail slaps.

"From our experience, most people do the right thing to prevent whales from being harassed or chased by people.

"Even if you are on the water for another purpose, such as fishing, please give whales space."

In South Australia people must follow the following ‘whale approach guidelines’

under the Marine Mammal Regulations 2010:

Whales and marine mammals	Whales		Marine mammals (dolphins, seals etc)
Personal watercraft (such as jet skis) must keep a distance of 300 metres from any marine mammal.	Boats must keep a distance of 100 metres from a whale.		Boats must keep a distance of 50 metres from a marine mammal.
Aircraft cannot fly at an altitude of less than 300 metres (radius) above a marine mammal.	If a whale is showing signs of distress or has a calf, vessels must not get closer than 300 metres.		If a marine mammal is showing signs of distress or has a calf/pup, vessels must not get closer than 150 metres.
Helicopters/gyrocopters cannot fly at an altitude of less than 500 metres (radius) above a marine mammal	Vessels within the Encounter Bay restricted area must not get within 300 metres of a whale.

Throughout the migration season the public should expect to see DENR rangers patrolling SA waters to ensure whale approach guidelines are complied by all vessels on the water including tour operators, recreational boats, commercial vessels, personal watercrafts (such as jet skis) as well as charter flights and helicopters.

The DENR is a part of the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulations Network (AELERT) and is working with the Australian Government under ‘Operation CETUS’ which is a program designed to protect whales and other marine mammals from adverse human interactions during their annual migration.

For more information about whale watching go to: www.sawhalecentre.com. To report an incident to a DENR duty officer telephone: 1300 650 411, page number 465393.

For a more detailed description of the restrictions which apply to vessels being used for the purpose of the viewing marine mammal go to the National Parks and Wildlife (Protected Animals—Marine Mammals) Regulations 2010   :   http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_reg/npawamr2010634/

 Information supplied by :

Other Links
	Dept Enviornment & Natural Resorces
	Regulations
	Press Release Aus Enviroment Law Enforcement May 2012
	Press Release Dept Eviroment & Natural Resources May 2012