Southern right whales return to Victoria’s coastline

KEEP an eye out for southern right whales as they visit Victorian oceans this winter, with boat operators urged to be aware.

Each year from May to October the whales migrate from their sub-Antarctic feeding grounds to warmer waters to rest and calve.

There’s approximately 300 of them left in the south-east population with the boating community reminded they aren’t the only ones in the ocean.

Chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said the community can help protect them by admiring the animals from afar.

“Victorians are lucky to have such iconic marine animals visit our shores every year,” she said.

“And to make sure the species can survive and thrive for years to come, we need boat operators to stay alert, exercise caution, and give whales plenty of space.”

When on the water, the boating community is encouraged to stay alert, slow down and give the whales space. If they find themselves too close to a whale, they should put the vessel in neutral and let the animal pass.

Minimum approach distances apply along the Victorian coastline for all whale species.

Swimmers and surfers must stay at least 50 metres away from all whales, boats at least 200 metres, jet skis 300 metres and aircraft 500 metres.

Further to this, boats must slow to five knots when within 300 metres of whales and stay under 10 knots when within one kilometre.

An exclusion zone for powered watercraft and drones has been set up at Warrnambool’s Logan Beach from June 1 until October 31.

Humpback whales also pass through the waters and are most active in their southern migrations during June and July.

The Arthur Rylah Institute’s Whaleface project is running once again to support whale conservation efforts.

Community members are encouraged to participate by reporting sightings and uploading photos to whaleface.swifft.net.au

The animals are protected in Victoria and breaching minimum distances could result in a more than $3,800 penalty.

Anyone getting too close to whales can be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.