Authorities urge people to stay away from whales

THE sighting of a large whale in the south channel near Port Phillip heads recently has reaffirmed advice from authorities to stay clear of the mammals.

In this instance, the behaviour of the animal – believed to a fin whale – indicated it might be injured or sick.

DELWP incident controller Bernard Barbetti reminded the community that it shared the bay with marine life and asked boat operators to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins.

“While we want everyone to enjoy the bay, we need to also remember that whales are protected by law, including minimum approach distances,” Mr Barbetti said.

“Under the Wildlife Act 1975, the maximum penalty for interference that includes harassing, chasing or herding a whale, is $155,460.

“We want to remind anyone on or in the water to be careful and that minimum approach distances are enforceable by law.”

All whales and seals are protected by the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Wildlife (Marine Mammals) Regulations 2009, which include minimum distances in which people, boats and aircraft can approach.

Regulations include:

• Recreational boaters must remain 200 metres from whales and 100 metres from dolphins
• High impact vessels, such as jet skis must remain 300 metres away from dolphins and whales
• Swimmers must not approach within 50 metres of a whale or 30 metres of a dolphin.
• Aircraft including helicopters must fly at least 500 metres above.

If you see a whale or dolphin at you believe is entangled or injured, phone the whale and dolphin emergency hotline on 1300 136 017.