Derek Bullock
25-06-2004, 05:24 AM
Following press release was issued recently.
MIGALOO DECLARED A SPECIAL INTEREST ANIMAL
Environment Minister, John Mickel, has declared 'Migaloo' the white
humpback a whale of special interest to ensure his safe passage during
his annual migration through Queensland's waters.
The declaration takes effect today.
"The declaration of special interest means there will be specific
viewing conditions relating to Migaloo," Mr Mickel said.
"People will not be able to drive a boat or jet ski any closer than 500m
to the whale or fly an aircraft any closer than 2000 feet without
written permission.
"The maximum fine for breaching these conditions is $12, 375.
Mr Mickel said the EPA would continue to maintain a database on
sightings of Migaloo that was set up during the whale's visit last year.
Mr Mickel said Migaloo was injured in a collision with a trimaran off
Magnetic Island last year and he urged boaties to take particular care
during the whale migration season as there is a higher chance of boat
strikes.
Humpback whales are listed as "vulnerable" in Queensland under the
Nature Conservation Act 1992. All whales and dolphins are protected
under the Nature Conservation Act.
Apart from the special conditions for Migaloo, the following regulations
still apply to protect the whales during their migration:
* # # #Boats cannot go any closer than 100 metre from a whale
* # # #Boats cannot go any closer than 300 metres from a whale if three or
more boats are already closer than 300 metres to a whale
* # # #Boats cannot go any closer than 300 metres if moving in a similar direction to or behind a whale, moving at more than four knots; and
* # # #swimmers should exercise caution and move carefully away if a whale approaches or surfaces near them.
Penalties apply for ignoring these regulations without reasonable excuse.
Media contact: Anne Syvret 3225 1819
MIGALOO DECLARED A SPECIAL INTEREST ANIMAL
Environment Minister, John Mickel, has declared 'Migaloo' the white
humpback a whale of special interest to ensure his safe passage during
his annual migration through Queensland's waters.
The declaration takes effect today.
"The declaration of special interest means there will be specific
viewing conditions relating to Migaloo," Mr Mickel said.
"People will not be able to drive a boat or jet ski any closer than 500m
to the whale or fly an aircraft any closer than 2000 feet without
written permission.
"The maximum fine for breaching these conditions is $12, 375.
Mr Mickel said the EPA would continue to maintain a database on
sightings of Migaloo that was set up during the whale's visit last year.
Mr Mickel said Migaloo was injured in a collision with a trimaran off
Magnetic Island last year and he urged boaties to take particular care
during the whale migration season as there is a higher chance of boat
strikes.
Humpback whales are listed as "vulnerable" in Queensland under the
Nature Conservation Act 1992. All whales and dolphins are protected
under the Nature Conservation Act.
Apart from the special conditions for Migaloo, the following regulations
still apply to protect the whales during their migration:
* # # #Boats cannot go any closer than 100 metre from a whale
* # # #Boats cannot go any closer than 300 metres from a whale if three or
more boats are already closer than 300 metres to a whale
* # # #Boats cannot go any closer than 300 metres if moving in a similar direction to or behind a whale, moving at more than four knots; and
* # # #swimmers should exercise caution and move carefully away if a whale approaches or surfaces near them.
Penalties apply for ignoring these regulations without reasonable excuse.
Media contact: Anne Syvret 3225 1819