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Boats to steer clear of Migaloo
last update: Jul 26, 2010 02:19 PM
From a "Sydney Morning Herald" article: A special protection for the famous albino Humpback whale Migaloo has been extended as the star of Queensland's whale watching season moves on from Port Douglas in far north Queensland.
Migaloo (picture: AP)
Acting Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk renewed the Special Interest Declaration which was needed as the current protection had expired. Now the Queensland state government has issued a stern warning message to boats - steer clear of Migaloo. The great while whale was spotted off Snapper Island, 20km north of Port Douglas, last week.
"The extension means Migaloo and other white whales are now fully protected until the end of the migration season," Ms Palaszczuk said. "That means boats or jet skis have to keep at least 500 metres away to give Migaloo plenty of room to move."
In addition to the restrictions on boats and jet skis, aircraft must not get closer than 2000 feet to white whales.
"The future of whale watching in Queensland, both as a valuable tourism industry and as recreation, depends on the respect we show these animals when we encounter them," Ms Palaszczuk said. "This is about safety for people as well as for the whales, which can weigh more than a fully loaded semi-trailer," she added.
Read more:
Sydney Morning Herald, 25th July 2010
