Whale season May-September - Playing a big part in conservation
        by GBRMPA on 12 May 2014
        
        
	
            
            By following these practices when you’re in the vicinity of whales you’re playing a big part in their conservation. - Whale season May-September Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/
        
 
        
        
        By following these responsible practices when you’re in the vicinity of whales and dolphins, you’re playing a big part in their conservation.
Around whales and dolphins
Few wildlife experiences could compare to the sight of a massive whale majestically rising out of the water and flopping backwards, or a pod of dolphins playfully showing off their acrobatic skills.
The Great Barrier Reef is a vitally important breeding ground for about 30 species of whales and dolphins (or ‘cetaceans’). One of the most commonly sighted whales are the massive humpbacks which make the trek to the Reef’s warmer waters from Antarctica between May to September to court, mate, give birth or rear their calves.
It’s critical for their continued survival that their ‘nurseries’ are available to them, free from any harassment which may lead to calf mortality.
As someone who shares the waters with the Reef’s precious cetaceans, you have a responsibility to help protect them and to keep safe distances (refer to diagram below).
By following these responsible practices when you’re in the vicinity of whales and dolphins, you’re not only playing a big part in their conservation but you’re also providing a safe environment to watch them.
Report sick, injured, stranded or dead whales or dolphins. Also report if your vessel accidentally strikes a whale.
When boating around whales
    Be alert and watch out for whales at all times, particularly during whale migration season (May to September)
    Post a look out to keep an eye out for whales if they are suspected in the vicinity
    Do not approach or disturb mothers and calves – never place a boat between them
    Always move in a parallel direction to the whale or dolphin
    Do not use engine sound or speed to attempt to influence the behaviour of a whale
    When you’re leaving an area where whales were present, turn the motor on, post a look out, and move off slowly
    Slow down to minimise the risk of collision where whales have been sighted
    Report any boat strikes and reassure your passengers that the relevant authorities have been contacted to assist the whale.
When boating around dolphins
    Do not intentionally drive through a pod of dolphins to try to get them to bow-ride – some dolphins don’t bow ride, and can become disturbed near boats
    If you do come across dolphins bow riding, maintain a constant speed and direction.
When viewing whales and dolphins
    Never try to overtake whales or dolphins
    Avoid making sudden noise, speed or direction changes
    Be quiet when you are near a whale or dolphin
    Let the whale or dolphin control the situation – do not try to round up or herd
    Move away immediately if the whales or dolphins suddenly change behaviour and appear agitated. Behaviours that indicate that boats should move away include:
        Bumping the vessel
        Rapid changes in swimming direction or speed
        Erratic behaviour
        Escape behaviour such as prolonged deep dives
        Tail slapping or swishing.
Marine Parks Legal Requirements
    All whales and dolphins in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are legally protected
    When operating a vessel or aircraft check safe distances diagram (above).
        
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