(Warrambool Standard)
Don't get too close to the south-west's whales
PETER COLLINS
27 May, 2011 04:00 AM
WHALE watchers on south-west Victoria's coastline will come under closer scrutiny this year with the first-ever nationally co-ordinated monitoring campaign.
Operation CETUS was launched this week by federal and state conservation and environment officers — including those based in the south-west.
They will pay particular attention to boats and small aircraft operating near approach limits, plus swimmers and surfers interacting with whales.
The south-west's annual migration of southern right whales is due soon, with the first unofficial sighting two weeks ago.
Logans Beach at Warrnambool, Portland harbour and Cape Nelson are popular viewing areas during winter and early spring when the mammals arrive from Antarctica waters to give birth and nurture their calves.
Two years ago there were up to 21 whales off the Warrnambool nursery drawing thousands of tourists.
There have been issues in past years with boat operators and surfers getting too close.
Under the Wildlife Act the maximum penalty for interference (harassing, chasing or herding a whale) is a $100,000 fine.
Department of Sustainability and Environment biodiversity services manager for the south-west, Grant Hull said yesterday that boating or using a jet ski was not permitted in the Logans Beach exclusion zone due to the risk of causing disturbance to both the whale mother and calf during the southern right whale breeding season from June to October.
A federal government spokesperson said funding had been allocated to install signs at key locations along the Shipwreck Coast.
"Officers from the federal environmental department will, upon request, assist Victorian conservation officers during compliance and enforcement operations," The
Standard was told.
"Operation CETUS provides an opportunity to increase effectiveness and efficiency by combining
Commonwealth and state resources to address issues relating to whale compliance and environment enforcement.
"It is the first of its type for enforcing whale approach limits."
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