Battle lines on jet skis

WHALE FALLOUT: Club says minority ruin it for responsible riders

A TASMANIAN jet ski club has distanced itself from the actions of jet skiers that got too close to a southern right whale off Kingston Beach.

The Marine Conservation Program issued a warning to all vessels and swimmers after numerous examples of close human interaction with the whale off Kingston Beach on Wednesday

After a number of jet ski riders and other watercraft circled the large adult whale, watchers were reminded to keep to 100m away from the mammals as they continue their migration south.

There was also public anger and concern from wildlife authorities at the actions of water users who closed to within 15m of the animal.

“I’d like to see those pr...s on jet skis prosecuted for getting too close. Whale staying inshore at Kingston Beach. Crowd gathering,” one post to the Whale Spotter’s Tasmania Facebook page said.

However, Tasmanian Jet Sports Boating Club president Dave Gray defended his club, saying the offending jet skiers were not members.

“We do not appreciate being grouped as jet ski p... ks when some riders who are not members of the club do the wrong thing, annoy others and ruin things for everyone,” he said. Mr Gray said club members enjoyed the beauty of whales but were fully aware of restrictions to keep well away from them.

“Members have agreed to our club’s code of conduct designed to protect the marine environment, respect water users and keep riders and passengers safe,” he said.

“As a club, we cannot speak for all riders of jet skis, [but] our members’ focus is on enjoying a variety of rides,” he said.

Mr Gray said the individual watercraft were easily identifiable and encouraged anyone who suspected any wrongdoing to report riders to Tasmania Police or Marine and Safety Tasmania.

“We enjoy a close working relationship with MAST that has developed over many years of educating people in responsible usage,” he said.

Kayaker Michael Boon, who has released amazing footage of his encounter with the whale, defended the swimmers and claimed the huge mammal them.

However, he did note they were within the 100m guidelines.

“These swimmers did not approach within about 50m of this whale,” he wrote.

“They did not trap it, encircle it, harass it, or any of the other things you might be worried they did.

“I’ll say upfront that I was on a kayak and I paddled to less than 100m from the whale, and that was in breach of the guidelines.” approached