Queensland Environment Minister Vicky Darling has extended the declaration that gives extra protection to ‘special interest’ whales like all-white humpback Migaloo until 31 December 2011.

Ms Darling said there had been a confirmed sighting of Migaloo, the only known all-white humpback in the world, near Hinchinbrook Island between Townsville and Cairns this week.

“This year, Migaloo is expected to be joined by up to 14,000 whales as they travel along our coast – a 10 percent increase on last year,” Ms Darling said.

“While this increase is good news for conservation and for tourism, it also means encounters with whales are more likely.

“Any skipper who gets too close to a whale puts themselves, their passengers and the whale at risk and also risks facing a fine.

“I’ve granted ‘special interest’ status in Queensland waters to Migaloo – and other humpback whales with 90 percent or more white coloration – to help them swim freely and safely.

“The special interest declaration means no-one can bring a boat or jetski closer than 500 metres or fly an aircraft closer than 2000 feet to the whale without written permission.

“For all other whales the standard distance is 100 metres for a boat and 300 metres for jet skis and other personal watercraft and when there are already three boats within 300 metres of the whale. However in the whale protection zone of the Whitsunday, Lindeman and Gloucester islands where many whales deliver their calves, the minimum approach limit is 300 metres.

“The maximum penalty for intentionally moving closer to a whale than permitted under the conservation plan is $12,000 and on-the-spot fines ranging from $300 to $500 may also apply for various contraventions.

“White whales, such as Migaloo, attract bigger fines, up to $16,500.”

Ms Darling urged all boat users during the migration in autumn, winter and spring, to take extra care on the water, keep an eye out and reduce speed if whales are sighted.

“Remember, if the whale shows any sign of being disturbed or there is a risk of separating a mother from her calf, you should slowly move away.

“If you are on a boat and a whale surfaces nearby you must disengage the gears and leave the motor idling or move away at a speed of less than 4 knots until the whale is at least 300m away.

“The best and safest place to check out migrating whales is from commercial whale-watching vessels or from dry land.

“Migaloo was first seen in 1991 off Byron Bay, when he was three to five years old.

“He, like all of these magnificent creatures, deserves our respect – and plenty of room – on the annual migration between Antarctica and Queensland.”

Sightings of Migaloo and other white whales, as well as concerns about injured whales, can be reported to 1300 130 372.

For more information and regulations for whale-watching please visit www.derm.qld.gov.au