South Australia’s whale watching season has officially commenced with the first sighting of a humpback whale reported in Fleurieu Peninsula waters.
In a statement, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) said between May and October each year, whales could be found in large numbers along Far West Coast Marine Park at Head of Bight, Encounter Marine Park at Victor Harbor as well as off the coast along both the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas.
“The Coorong coast is also an important whale migratory pathway,” the Department said.
Regional Coordinator Marine Parks for DEW, Jon Emmett said the annual migration of whales to South Australian waters occurred during the cooler months, which was when the mammals mated, gave birth and nursed their young.
“Most whale sightings in South Australian waters are either southern right whales or humpback whales,” Mr Emmett said.
He said that in order to help protect the whales in South Australian waters, there were approach limits in place.
“Vessels must not approach marine mammals closer than 100 metres,” Mr Emmett said.
“Where whale calves are present and in more sensitive areas in Encounter Bay, vessels should not approach within 300 metres,” he said.
“Head of Bight is a Restricted Access Zone, meaning that vessels are not allowed in the area.
“Drones are becoming more popular with whale watchers, however operators must not fly their drone within 300 metres of a whale.
“Expiation fees apply if people do not adhere to these limits,” Mr Emmett said.
