Nearly 40 NPWS staff joined whale-watching cruises along the NSW coastline this week as part of Operation Ketos to alert everyone that humpbacks are protected by law and need to be given space to minimise disturbance to them.
The government says getting too close will cause the marine mammals to divert or change direction which is why all watercraft operators must follow the rules of whale-watching carefully.
NPWS Project officer Britt Anderson says there has been a big boost in compliance with the rules.
“We want everyone to experience the awe of humpback whales while respecting these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat,” he says.
“Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen a significant improvement in compliance which is a terrific result.
“Our team will be out on the water again over the coming months to remind recreational and commercial boats to follow the rules to keep both whales and humans safe.”
He says Operation Ketos is about working with professional whale-watching operators to ensure best practice and educate the public community about the importance of keeping a minimum distance.
Humpbacks can grow up to 18 metres long and weigh up to 36 tonnes.
Their migration is one of the longest in the animal kingdom.
They travel 10,000km from their feeding grounds in the Southern Ocean to breed and socialise in the warmer waters off the Great Barrier Reef.
NPWS staff will continue to work under cover on vessels along the NSW coast until the migration season finishes around November.
HOW TO REPORT
If you see a boat, drone or watercraft such as jet ski get too close to a whale, or a distressed or entangled whale, contact the NPWS on 13000PARKS (1300 072 757) or ORRCA on 02 9415 3333.
For more information about the best whale watching locations in NSW and the NPWS Large Whale Disentanglement Team visit: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wild-about-whales
RULES TO FOLLOW
- Vessels must not approach an adult whale within 100 metres or 300 metres if there is a calf present.
- Personal motor watercraft such as jet skis must keep at least 300m from whales at all times regardless of a calf.
- Drones must keep a minimum 100m distance in all directions.
- There are large penalties for those who get too close to a whale.
