a guide to boating and swimming around whales, dolphins ... · coast line is the opportunity to see...

A guide to boating and swimming around whales, dolphins and seals

One of the great attractions of Victoria’s coast line is the opportunity to see whales, dolphins and seals.

From Nelson to Mallacoota, there’s a good chance of seeing a dolphin riding in the bow of a boat, a whale leaping high out of the water or a seal lazing on a beach.

The Wildlife (Marine Mammal) Regulations 2019 are a set of laws to protect seals, dolphins and whales in Victoria. This brochure shows the distances to be kept from marine mammals to ensure your safety and minimise our impact on these special animals.

Keep your distanceWatch whales, dolphins and seals responsibly and admire them from a distance. Use binoculars or a camera lens to get a closer look.

When boatingDon’t get too close. It’s OK for whales, dolphins and seals to approach you, but don’t approach them beyond the permitted distances. Wherever possible, leave encounters to chance and at the animal’s choice (see Figure 1).

If a whale, dolphin or seal takes an interest in you, slow down, don’t change course or speed suddenly and take care to avoid collisions. If there is a need to stop, reduce speed gradually.

Okay if animal approaches vessel

Deviating towards the animals is not allowed

Figure 1. Boating around marine animals

No go zone

For whales and dolphins:

In the “no go zone” (shown as the red circle in Figures 2 and 3) recreational boats must not approach within:• 100 metres of a dolphin or • 200 metres of a whale.

Jet skis are not permitted within 300 metres of any whale or dolphin as they have a bigger impact on these animals.

200m

no approach or waiting in front

no approach from behind

30°

300m

vessel caution zone (reduce speed to 5 knots)


100m



30°

150m



Figure 2. Whale approach distances

Figure 3. Dolphin approach distances

no approach orwaiting in front

no approachfrom behind

30°

50m



For seals:• For seals in water there isn’t a ‘no go zone’ but vessels

must reduce speed to 5 knots in caution zones and abide by ‘no approach’ zones (see Figure 4).

• For seals on land, you must keep at least 30 metres away, whether you are in the water or on land (see Figure 5).

• For seals socialising or resting at a haul out site, you must keep at least 30 metres away in a vessel (see Figure 6).

• For seals on a boat ramp, jetty or other structure attached to land, you must keep at least 5 metres away (see Figure 7).

• Restrictions apply to approaching seal breeding colonies (see Protection Zones overleaf).

• Jet skis are not permitted within 50 metres of seals at haul out sites and on land.

• Dogs must be kept 50 metres away from seals.

These restrictions are for your own safety. The only exceptions to this are where you need to move past a seal for safety reasons, to land and retrieve your boat, or to navigate along recognised channels.

Figure 4. Seal approach distances

5m

30m*

*unless a breeding colony (see protection zones)

Example: Chinaman’s Hat

30m

5m

*A haul out site is a location where seals congregate that isn’t a seal breeding colony

No approach zone

The “no approach zone” (shown in orange in Figures 2, 3 and 4) is the area directly in front of and behind whales, dolphins or seals. If you see a whale, dolphin or seal while boating, you must not knowingly approach the animal from these directions. It is also illegal to deliberately position your boat in the path of a whale, dolphin or seal.

Figure 5. Seal on land approach distances

Figure 7. Seal on water infrastructure approach distances

Figure 6. Seal on haul out* approach distances

Caution zone

The “caution zone” (shown in dark blue in Figures 2, 3 and 4) is the area within 300 metres around a whale, 150 metres around a dolphin and 50 metres around a seal. When boating in this zone, you must:

• avoid sudden changes in speed or direction

• maintain a constant speed not exceeding 5 knots (8 kph)

• leave the zone if a whale, dolphin or seal shows any sign of disturbance

• not separate any individual whale, dolphin or seal from its group

• not come between a mother and her young.

Reporting infringements

Under the Wildlife Act 1975 , people who undertake illegal interactions with whales, dolphins and seals could be subject to fines or face imprisonment. Illegal interactions can be reported to the Office of the Conservation Regulator via the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186. If in doubt, report it! You can remain anonymous if you wish.

In narrow waterways

In waterways less than 300 metres wide, keep at least 100 metres away from a whale and 30 metres away from a dolphin. The only exception to this is where you need to pass closer for safety reasons (see Figures 8 and 9).

100m*



must exit caution zone

ASAP

30°

300m



* unless necessary for safe passage

30m*



must exit caution zone

ASAP

30°

150m



* unless necessary for safe passage

Figure 8. Approaching a whale in a narrow waterway

Figure 9. Approaching a dolphin in a narrow waterway

When swimming or surfing

It’s important to remember whales, dolphins and seals are large animals and may see you as a threat. There have been numerous cases where humans have been bitten by seals, knocked over by dolphins, or hurt or killed trying to swim with large whales.

To protect you and the animals you must not swim or surf any closer than 30 metres to a dolphin (see Figure 10) or 50 metres to a whale (see Figure 11).

There are no restrictions on how close you can swim or surf near a seal that is in the water, but you should be careful as seals can bite or knock you over.

You must not swim closer than 5 metres to a seal that is at a haul out site (see Figure 6 – i.e. the seal at haul out diagram).

Figure 10. Dolphin approach distances

Figure 11. Whale approach distances

50m

50m

30m

30m

Hands off

Remember that whales, dolphins and seals are wild animals and not pets. They generally don’t like being touched and can bite, scratch or slap you with their fins. Numerous bites have been reported by people trying to pat or grab onto these animals. It’s not good for the animal and nearly any wild animal, no matter how timid or small, is capable of inflicting injury.

Don’t feed wild animals

Never attempt to feed wildlife. Wild animals rarely (if ever) need to be fed by humans. Some animals can become dependent on handouts or aggressive when they don’t get what they expect. They can also get sick from eating inappropriate foods or injure themselves if they swim too close to boats.

Feeding fish scraps to seals and dolphins can result in people getting bitten. In some cases, habituated animals may have to be euthanised if they continually approach people for food.

Wild animals are hunters and don’t need people to survive.

Responsible pet ownership

Wildlife and pets don’t mix. Keep pets on a leash or leave them at home. Both pets and wild animals can be injured in unexpected encounters. When walking your dog, stay at least 50 metres away from seals. This will reduce stress for the seal and the chance of your dog getting bitten. Dogs can transfer diseases to seals and vice versa. If you are in a boat, you must not let your dog enter the water within 150 metres of a dolphin, 300 metres of a whale and 50 metres of a seal. If you see a stranded whale, be sure to keep your dog at least 300 metres from the whale.

General information

Let wildlife be wild

Limit the time you spend watching whales, dolphins and seals. Encounters with people can be stressful for animals and alter their behaviour. Fifteen minutes is usually reasonable. It is likely you are not the only person to approach the animal that day. Remember the sea and surrounds are their home; you are visiting, so keep your distance and avoid disturbing them.

Choosing a tour operator

Licensed tour operators are permitted to approach whales, dolphins and seals closer than the distances detailed above, subject to a range of strict operating conditions. For more information on the rules relevant to tour operators, please visit the DELWP website at: www.delwp.vic.gov.au

Reporting injured or distressed marine mammals

Stranded, entangled, sick or injured whales or dolphins should be reported to the Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline on 1300 136 017. Do not report seal or penguin issues to this number. Stranded, entangled, sick or injured seals or penguins should be reported to the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2019

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Printed by Finsbury Green ISBN 978-1-76077-931-3 (print) ISBN 978-1-76077-932-0 (online)

Low water mark

Anderson Islets

BASS STRAIT

Kanowna Island

Tour operator exclusion zone Seal colony boundary

Projection: Vicgrid 94

North

Breeding season(100m from the low water mark)

Non-Breeding season(50m from the low water mark)

146°18'30"E146°18'0"E

39

°9'0

"S3

9°9

'30

"S

146°18'30"E146°18'0"E

39

°9'0

"S3

9°9

'30

"S

Low water mark

Anderson Islets

0 180 360 540 72090

Metres

North

Nepean Rock

144°42'0"E144°41'0"E144°40'0"E144°39'0"E144°38'0"E

38

°17'

30

"S

38

°17'

30

"S

38

°18

'0"S

38

°18

'0"S

38

°18

'30

"S

38

°18

'30

"S

38

°19

'0"S

38

°19

'0"S

38

°19

'30

"S

38

°19

'30

"S

38

°20

'0"S

38

°20

'0"S

Sanctuary Zone Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park

Projection: Vicgrid 94Latitude and Longitude values are based on GDA 94

250 metre b uffer from the Low Water Mark

Port Phillip

Police Point

38°17' 56.9" S144°38' 54.8" E

38°18’ 5” S144°38’ 54.8” E

38°18’ 7.5” S144°39’ 5.2” E

38°18’ 46.8” S144°42’ 19.6” E

38°18’ 56.6” S144°42’ 19.6” E

BASS STRAIT

0 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.40.3

Kilometres

Low Water Mark

Low water mark

Anderson Islets

BASS STRAIT

Kanowna Island



North



146°18'30"E146°18'0"E

39

°9'0

"S3

9°9

'30

"S

146°18'30"E146°18'0"E

39

°9'0

"S3

9°9

'30

"S

Low water mark

Anderson Islets

0 180 360 540 72090

Metres

7 3 6 21

8

4

5

MELBOURNE TAMBOON

LAKES ENTRANCE

LORNE

WARRNAMBOOL GEELONG

WILSONS PROMONTORY

NATIONAL PARK

Protection zones

There are a number of important areas in Victoria where whales, dolphins and seals gather, breed and feed. Marine mammals are given special protection in these areas to minimise disturbance.

1. Seal Rocks, Philip Island • Boats not permitted within 60 metres of Seal Rocks.

• Jet skis not permitted within 200 metres of the seal colony boundary.

Tour operator exclusion zone (20m from low water mark)

Seal colony boundary (60m from low water mark)

BASS STRAIT

Seal Rocks

145°6'30"E145°6'0"E145°5'30"E145°5'0"E

38

°31'3

0"S

38

°31'3

0"S

38

°32'

0"S

38

°32'

0"S

Low Water Mark

Low Water Mark


North

0 300 600 900 1,200150

Metres

Year round(60m from the low water mark)

North

Nepean Rock

144°42'0"E144°41'0"E144°40'0"E144°39'0"E144°38'0"E

38

°17'

30

"S

38

°17'

30

"S

38

°18

'0"S

38

°18

'0"S

38

°18

'30

"S

38

°18

'30

"S

38

°19

'0"S

38

°19

'0"S

38

°19

'30

"S

38

°19

'30

"S

38

°20

'0"S

38

°20

'0"S

Sanctuary Zone Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park


250 metre b uffer from the Low Water Mark

Port Phillip

Police Point

38°17' 56.9" S144°38' 54.8" E

38°18’ 5” S144°38’ 54.8” E

38°18’ 7.5” S144°39’ 5.2” E

38°18’ 46.8” S144°42’ 19.6” E

38°18’ 56.6” S144°42’ 19.6” E

BASS STRAIT

0 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.40.3

Kilometres

Low Water Mark

2. Ticonderoga Bay Sanctuary Zone, Port Phillip Bay

• Boats must not approach within 200 metres of a whale or dolphin.

• Jet skis not permitted within 300 metres of a whale or dolphin.

• Boats can enter the area, but if a whale or dolphin is present, keep your distance.

• Boats must not exceed 5 knots within 200 metres of shore.

3. Lady Julia Percy Island, near Port Fairy• Boats not permitted within 200 metres of Lady

Julia Percy Island during seal breeding season (1 November to end of February).

• Outside breeding season, boats not permitted closer than 100 metres of Lady Julia Percy Island.




North



Low water mark

142°1'0"E142°0'30"E142°0'0"E141°59'30"E

38

°24

'30

"S3

8°2

5'0

"S3

8°2

5'3

0"S

142°1'0"E142°0'30"E142°0'0"E141°59'30"E

38

°24

'30

"S3

8°2

5'0

"S3

8°2

5'3

0"S

Low water mark

Lady Julia Percy Island

PORTLAND BAY

0 360 720 1,080 1,440180

Metres

4. Rag Island, Cliffy Group east of Wilsons Promontory

• Boats not permitted within 100 metres of Rag Island during seal breeding season (1 November to end of February).

• Outside breeding season, boats not permitted closer than 50 metres of Rag Island.



146°41'0"E146°40'30"E

38

°57'

0"S

38

°57'

0"S

38

°57'

30

"S

38

°57'

30

"S


Rag Island

0 210 420 630 840105

Metres


North

146°41'0"E146°40'30"E


BASS STRAITBASS STRAIT

Low Water Mark

Low Water Mark


5. The Skerries, Croajingalong National Park• Boats not permitted within 100 metres of The

Skerries during breeding season (1 November to end of February).

• Outside breeding season, boats not permitted within 50 metres of The Skerries.


149°31'0"E

37°

45

'0"S

37°

45

'0"S

37°

45

'30

"S

37°

45

'30

"S

TASMAN SEA

149°31'0"E

37°

45

'0"S

37°

45

'30

"S

Low water mark Low water mark

TASMAN SEA

The Skerries



North

0 150 300 450 60075

Meters



6. Logan’s Beach Exclusion Zone, near Warrnambool

• All boating activity (including jet skis) prohibited in Logan’s Beach Exclusion Zone from 1 June to 31 October each year.

Exclusion zone

North

Point Ritchie

38°25'49.9"S

142°32'32.5"E

38°25'1.4"S142°33'6.5"E

142°30'22.9"E

38°24'45.1"S

38°24'9"S

142°30'29.6"E

Hopkins River

142°35'0"E142°34'0"E142°33'0"E142°32'0"E142°31'0"E142°30'0"E142°29'0"E

38

°23

'0"S

38

°23

'0"S

38

°24

'0"S

38

°24

'0"S

38

°25

'0"S

38

°25

'0"S

38

°26

'0"S

38

°26

'0"S

Gaul's Cave

Lady Bay

SOUTHERN OCEAN Projection; VicGrid 94Latitude and Longitude values are based on GDA 94

Low Water Mark

0 700 1,400 2,100 2,800

Metres

7. Cape Bridgewater, near Portland• Boats not permitted within 100 metres of the seal

breeding colony at Cape Bridgewater during breeding season (1 November to end of February).

• Outside breeding season, boats not permitted closer than 50 metres of the seal breeding colony at Cape Bridgewater.


North

141°25'0"E141°24'30"E141°24'0"E

38

°23

'30

"S

38

°23

'30

"S

0 130 260 390 52065

Metres

Bridgewater Bay


38°23'36.401"S141°24'46.461"E

38°23'43.486"S141°24'48.989"E

38°23'44.476"S141°24'37.051"E

38°23'44.062"S141°24'48.992"E

38°23'6"S141°24'35"E

38°23'10"S141°24'36"E

38°23'14"S141°24'38"E

38°23'16"S141°24'38"E

38°23'23"S141°24'44"E

38°23'26"S141°24'46"E

SOUTHERN OCEAN

Low W

ater Ma

rk

Low Water Mark




North

38°23'36.401"S141°24'46.461"E

38°23'43.486"S141°24'48.989"E

38°23'44.476"S141°24'37.051"E

38°23'44.062"S141°24'48.992"E

38°23'6"S141°24'35"E

38°23'10"S141°24'36"E

38°23'14"S141°24'38"E

38°23'16"S141°24'38"E

38°23'23"S141°24'44"E

38°23'26"S141°24'46"E

141°25'0"E141°24'30"E141°24'0"E

38

°23

'30

"S

38

°23

'30

"S

0 130 260 390 52065

Metres

Bridgewater Bay




Non-Breeding season(50m from the

low water mark)

8. Kanowna Island, Wilsons Promontory• Boats not permitted within 200 metres of Kanowna

Island between November and January or within 50 metres between February and October.

• Under the provisions of the National Parks Act 1975 all classes of vessels, other than those operating under a Licensed Tour Operator Permit, are prohibited from approaching within 200 metres of Kanowna Island between November and January or within 50 metres between February and October.


Low water mark

Anderson Islets

BASS STRAIT

Kanowna Island



North



146°18'30"E146°18'0"E

39

°9'0

"S3

9°9

'30

"S

146°18'30"E146°18'0"E

39

°9'0

"S3

9°9

'30

"S

Low water mark

Anderson Islets

0 180 360 540 72090

Metres

delwp.vic.gov.au

a guide to boating and swimming around whales, dolphins ... · coast line is the opportunity to see...

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