TOURISTS TOLD TO GIVE WHALE PESTS THE HUMP
TOURISTS are being recruited to dob in jet ski hoons and speeding boaties who get too close to whales as the annual migration passes the Gold Coast.
After years of witnessing disturbing incidents as recreational vessels have approached too close or even collided with whales, Spirit of Gold Coast’s Angela Del Bianco yesterday launched the Help Us to Help Our Whales campaign.
On the water from May to October each year for the
whale season, Ms Del Bianco is sickened by daily incidents that horrify her crew and passengers. Most infringements are going unreported.
The Bulletin recently revealed the Environment Department did not fine any boaties in the entire state last year despite multiple reports of breaches that could have attracted fines up to $20,000.
Guests on the Spirit of Gold Coast are advised to report an incident to authorities, note details of what happened and contact the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.
Vessel strike is one of the main threats to whale populations worldwide, with Australia accounting for almost 15 per cent of worldwide incidents.
About 30,000 humpback whales are expected to pass the Gold Coast this year.
Recent studies estimate up to one third of whales found dead have injuries likely to have been caused by a collision with a boat or ship.
Ms Del Bianco said boat operators needed to be aware of approach distances while keeping a diligent lookout and reducing speed.