		Advanced Search
	Home \| About Us \| Feedback \| Help \| Site Map

Home > Native Plants & Animals > Animals of Tasmania > Caring for Wildlife > Whale Viewing Guidelines

Whale Viewing Guidelines

See the Department of Environment and Heritage website to view the Australian National Guidelines for Cetacean Observation and Areas of Special Interest for Cetacean Observation: www.deh.gov.au/coasts/publications/whale-watching-guidelines-2005.html

Whale viewing guidelines - showing recommended distances for boats, aircraft and divers.

Recreational and commercial boat operators are being urged to be on the lookout following the first reports of whales in Tasmanian waters making their annual winter migration.

Humpback and Southern Right whales are the two most well known species that make the northern migration to breed during the winter months.

Humpbacks normally head as far north as Queensland waters to breed, whereas the Southern Rights are more normally found around Victorian and South Australian waters. However, as they move from the cooler Antarctic waters to the warmer areas the Department often gets reports of them passing the Tasmanian coastline. Although the peak period for whale sightings during the winter migration is normally June and July, already the Whale Hotline is receiving reports of some in Tasmanian waters.

When people report sightings of marine mammals it provides the Department with the opportunity to record time and location of these sightings to find out more about the migratory behaviour of these species.

The whale migration season offers a chance to have a glimpse at some of these spectacular creatures but it is important boat operators are aware of guidelines in place to protect public safety as well as the welfare of the animals.

The guidelines include:

not approaching any closer in a boat than 100 m to a whale - recommended distance for boats moving at slow speed and with no wake (that is less than 8 knots)
vessels under steam should not approach any closer than 300 m
withdrawing immediately if the whale shows any kind of disturbance
adopting a slow speed while in the area
not approaching from the rear of the animal.

There are also restrictions on the height that aircraft can operate around whales (see the diagram).

If you see whales in Tasmanian waters, please ring our whale sightings and strandings hotline (0427 WHALES or 0427 942 537). This information is vital. Not only are you adding knowledge of whales but you may even prevent whales from stranding.

For further information and to obtain a copy of the guidelines brochure:

Contact: Wildlife Management Branch

Wildlife Management Branch
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
134 Macquarie Street, GPO Box 44
Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6233 6556
Fax: 03 6233 3477
Email: wildlife.enq@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

See also the website of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Whales and Dolphins

Tasmania Online | Service Tasmania

This page - http://www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/LJEM-6AY8TN?open - was last published on 28 October 2009 by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. Questions concerning its content can be sent to NatureConservation Enquiries by using the feedback form, by mail to GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001, or by telephone to 03 6233 6556.

Please read our disclaimer and copyright statements governing the information we provide on this site.

A text version of this page is also available.