NSW boaties are being reminded to steer clear of whales as humpbacks return to their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) issued the reminder following reports of boats and jet skis getting too close and putting themselves and the animals at risk.
Ranger at NPWS, Andy Marshall said while it was now the “tail end” of the migration season, whales with calves were still being seen up and down the coast.
“Unfortunately, we are also seeing reports of boats and jet skis getting way too close,” Mr Marshall said.
“Approach distances are put in place to protect both the whale and the whale watchers who are hoping to catch a glimpse of these amazing animals,” he said.
“Even if you are far enough away to avoid potential collision, your presence alone may cause the whale and their calf stress.”
Mr Marshall said on the whole, people were doing the right thing, but this made recent reports of regulation breaches even more concerning.
“At the end of the day we just want to make sure the whales and the whale watchers get home safe so they all come back next year as part of this extraordinary annual migration,” he said.
The NPWS Ranger said boats and other motorised vessels must stay at least 100 metres away from an adult whale and 300 metres away if a calf was present.
He said jet skis must stay at least 300 metres away regardless of whether or not a calf was present, “and that’s largely due to the fact they can make fast, erratic movements”.
“In particular, unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones must be at least 100 metres from the animal in all directions and must never approach the whale ‘head-on’,” Mr Marshall said.
