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Whale Watching
Guidelines

Photographed by Deb Duggan

In recognition of the Whitsundays being a significant calving ground, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority zoned the Whitsundays Whale Protection Area in 2009. 

Within this area, approach distances have been increased to give added protection to new mums so they can have space to care for their new calves with less human interference. It is also illegal to swim with, touch or feed, or attempt to touch or feed whales or dolphins.

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Who To Talk To

Compliance

1800 380 048

If you observe a suspected incident of illegal activity, please report it by calling 1800 380 048 (24-hour) or via the online incident report form.  Please keep in mind that pictures and/or videos of alleged incidents are extremely helpful when following up.

Dead, Sick, or Injured Animals

1300 130 372

Sightings of stranded marine animals (i.e. dead, sick, injured) should be reported on the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation hotline 1300 130 372 (24-hour). Please keep in mind that pictures and/or videos of marine animals are very valuable to the department when assessing its health.

Log Your Sightings

Eye on the Reef enables anyone who visits the Great Barrier Reef to contribute to its long-term protection by collecting valuable information about reef health, marine animals and incidents that is used to understand the bigger picture and inform how we manage the Reef.

Talk to Us

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If you're still unsure who to talk to, please message or email us and we will do all we can to help!

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