whales

[adzzy]

Morning All,

Headed out yesterday to hit some of the outer reefs it was a great day plenty of fish caught, in the distance we could see alot of whale watching boats so we decided to have a look, we pulled up in line with the rest of the vessels about 150 meters from the whales, everyone was enjoying these majestic creatures until this goose in his 1 million plus fly bridge decides to plow straight through the middle and basically stop on top of the whales mean while the whale watching boats are blasting their hornes to get them to move but they just continued to harass the whales, so i would just like to remind people to keep their distance from the whales i think it is 100 meters but if you are one of the lucky ones and they approach you that is fine

Cheers

[james7]

You're right adzzy, there is always one goose who does the wrong thing!

However, I don't think some people are aware of the regulations about following whales or moving in front of their path and stopping and waiting. Following whales from behind or moving in front of them is an offence.

Here is a brief summary:

For a vessel, the approach distance is 100m from a whale or 50m from a dolphin.

When calves are in the pod, the approach distance for a vessel is 300m from a whale or 150m from a dolphin.

How should a vessel operator approach a whale or dolphin?

First, assess the direction the animals are travelling in then plan a course so your vessel will not cut across their path, or put the vessel directly in front of or behind them. Approach the caution zone at an angle of not less than thirty degrees from their direction of travel at a steady constant speed, being aware of changes in animal behaviour or direction.

Under the Regulation, a vessel operator cannot enter the caution zone if there are more than two other vessels already in it. This may mean waiting for other vessels to leave. If there are two or fewer vessels in the caution zone, continue on course at a constant slow speed and travel alongside the animals, no closer than 100m away from whales or 50m from dolphins.

If there is a calf in a group (defined as half the length of the adult of the same species), it is illegal under the Regulation to enter the caution zone.

What should a vessel operator do if a marine mammal swims within the approach distance?

Whales and dolphins sometimes approach vessels, or dolphins may ride the bow wave (it is an offence under the Regulation to encourage them to do so). In these situations, do not suddenly change speed or direction in the case of a whale. Slow down, engage neutral and wait until the animal has moved beyond the approach distance. Then, travel at a constant slow speed until you leave the caution zone

Click HERE to see the full regulations.

Remember that ignorance is not an excuse for doing the wrong thing.

Cheers

Peter

[Blackfish]

Was down off Wattamolla yesterday and 2 boats were doing the same.

One was a Large pleasure cruiser and one was a F/G open boat with people who had cameras trying to take a photo.

They were total Gooses

I hope they get nailed.

[Hodgey]

You're right adzzy, there is always one goose who does the wrong thing!

However, I don't think some people are aware of the regulations about following whales or moving in front of their path and stopping and waiting. Following whales from behind or moving in front of them is an offence.

Here is a brief summary:

Click HERE to see the full regulations.

Remember that ignorance is not an excuse for doing the wrong thing.

Cheers

Peter

A terrific post Peter. Invaluable information!

Cheers

Skip