National Parks staff spread safety message so people have a whale of a time

As humpback whales undertake their annual migration, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have teamed up with professional tour operators to help remind the industry, recreational boat users and the community to keep a safe distance from these giants of the sea.

Nearly 40 NPWS staff boarded whale-watching cruises along the NSW coast this week as part of Operation Ketos to spread the message that humpbacks are protected by strict regulations and need to be given space to minimise disturbance while migrating. 

Getting too close can cause whales to expend extra energy diverting and changing direction to get away from perceived threats which is why boats and watercraft need to carefully follow the rules.

These include:

• Vessels must not approach an adult whale within 100 metres or 300 metres if there is a calf
• Personal motorised watercraft such as jet skis must keep a minimum distance of 300 metres from whales at all times regardless of a calf
• Drones must be a minimum of 100 metres in all directions

There are large penalties in place for people breaching distances and getting too close to a whale. 

However, the great news is there’s been a huge improvement in compliance over the past few years thanksto whale-watching boat operators working collaboratively with NPWS to boost awareness across the state.

Humpbacks can grow up to 18 metres long and weigh up to 36,000 kilograms which is why it’s important to respect their space to reduce any risk of accidental collisions with vessels. 

These magnificent creatures undertake one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom, travelling 10,000 km from their feeding grounds in the Southern Ocean, to breed and socialise in warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef. 

NPWS staff will continue the season with undercover operations on vessels along the coast until the humpback whale migration finishes in NSW around November.

If you see a boat, drone or watercraft such as jet ski getting too close to a whale, or a distressed or entangled whale, we urge you to contact the NPWS on 13000PARKS (1300 072 757) or ORRCA on 02 9415 3333.

For more information about the best whale watching locations in NSW and the NPWS Large Whale Disentanglement Team visit: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wild-about-whales

Quotes attributable to NPWS Project officer Britt Anderson

“Whale migration season is a huge tourism drawcard for NSW, and we want everyone to experience the awe of humpback whales while also respecting these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

“This is why Operation Ketos has joined forces with professional whale watching operators to ensure best practise while whale watching and do educate the community about the importance of maintaining minimum distances to protect the wellbeing of whales, so they do not get harmed or stressed. 

“Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen a significant improvement in compliance which is a terrific result. Our team will be out on the water again over the coming months to remind recreational and commercial boats to follow the rules to keep both whales and humans safe.”