Behave around marine mammals
Government authority urges boaters to follow guidelines when around dolphins and whalesWith the whale-watching season coming up, the Great Barrier Maine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has released a set of 'responsible practices' for boaters to follow when in the vicinity of dolphins and whales.
The Authority says the Great Barrier Reef is a vitally important breeding ground for about 30 species of whales and dolphins (or cetaceans). One of the most commonly sighted whales are the massive humpbacks which make the trek to the Reef's warmer waters from Antarctica between May to September to court, mate, give birth or rear their calves.
GBRMPA says it's critical for their continued survival that their 'nurseries' are available to them, free from any harassment which may lead to calf mortality.
As someone who shares the waters with the Reef's precious cetaceans, you have a responsibility to help protect them and to keep safe distances.
By following these responsible practices when you're in the vicinity of whales and dolphins, you're not only playing a big part in their conservation but you're also providing a safe environment to watch them.
The Authority asks boaters to report sick, injured, stranded or dead whales or dolphins and to also report if your vessel accidentally strikes a whale.
Here are the GBRMPA's guidelines:
>> Post a lookout to keep an eye out for whales if they are suspected in the vicinity
>> Do not approach or disturb mothers and calves – never place a boat between them
>> Always move in a parallel direction to the whale or dolphin
>> Do not use engine sound or speed to attempt to influence the behaviour of a whale
>> When you're leaving an area where whales were present, turn the motor on, post a lookout, and move off slowly
>> Slow down to minimise the risk of collision where whales have been sighted
>> Report any boat strikes and reassure your passengers that the relevant authorities have been contacted to assist the whale.
>> If you do come across dolphins bow riding, maintain a constant speed and direction
>> Avoid making sudden noise, speed or direction changes
>> Be quiet when you are near a whale or dolphin
>> Let the whale or dolphin control the situation – do not try to round up or herd
>> Move away immediately if the whales or dolphins suddenly change behaviour and appear agitated
>> Rapid changes in swimming direction or speed
>> Erratic behaviour
>> Escape behaviour such as prolonged deep dives
>> Tail slapping or swishing.
>> When operating a vessel or aircraft check safe distances diagram
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