Like recent whale strandings along Western Australia’s south coast, these stranding events have caused concern among government wildlife officials. Now, they are asking the public and fellow boaters to practice safe boating habits. Researchers including whale biologist Dr. Vanessa Pirotta emphasize how important it is to maintain a safe distance from these giant marine beauties. This practice ensures the safety of both animals and people.
Swimmers in Western Australia are advised to remain at least 100 metres from any whale. For context, ships are required to stay at least 300 metres away. These rules are designed to avoid interruptions and possible harm. Steven Leeder, a regional wildlife officer with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), has blown the whistle. Though humorous, he cautions against the dangers of personal wildlife interactions.
Recent Incidents Highlight Disturbance Risks
In September, a paddleboarder approached a southern right whale mother and her calf too closely at Point Ann. The meeting generated tremendous alarm at the threat to these magnificent animals. These occurrences have recently spurred a wave of concern over their increasing prevalence and public knowledge of repeated safety guidelines. Russell Ord public domain August, large crowds flooded the Swan River shore in Perth, home to Leighton Beach. They had come to see two female southern right whales and their calves frolicking just meters from the beach.
Leeder makes a vigorous claim that exceeding the recommended distances is a significant threat to human safety. He too, interestingly, points out that the action taken is upsetting the whales. He stated, “They also risk injuries themselves — they are massive animals that can cause catastrophic injuries.” The DBCA enforces strict regulations prohibiting any touching, disturbing, or interfering with the natural movement of whales in WA, with penalties reaching up to $500,000 for violations.
Importance of Respecting Whale Behavior
Beyond the technical knowledge, Dr. Pirotta emphasizes the importance of humans being able to give whales their space and behave naturally. “It’s so important we give these animals space, in case they show some sort of behavioural response or they might be stressed at times,” she emphasized. In many ways, Leeder’s concern for caution proves prophetic. He cautions that when whales are harassed, they tend to abandon an area, making it more difficult for others to experience the thrill of whale watching.
Leeder urged the public to make the safety of whales a priority. He implored them to suppress their instinct to be near these sublime beings. “We really encourage and ask people to respect the distances and put them in front of their own desires to get as close to the animals as possible,” he said. Guidelines like these are integral to ensuring human safety while protecting whale populations at risk.
A Call for Awareness and Education
As encounters with the whales continue to mount, wildlife officials are reminding the public that education is the best way to avoid these interaction-turning-disruptive occurrences. Wildlife protection is a serious matter and the proposed guidelines demonstrate that. That’s the reason for the drone buffer zone of 60 metres in all directions from these epic animals. Howell agreed with Leeder’s warning that disturbances negatively affect animals on an individual basis. They also constrain the public’s opportunities to view and enjoy these iconic mammals.
