By Jody Langlois, Committee Member of marine rescue organisation ORRCA



Whale season has arrived in our beautiful region, with thousands of humpback whales migrating to warmer waters along the renowned whale highway. 

As these magnificent creatures grace our shores, it’s a timely reminder for the community to adhere to the rules designed to protect them. 

Key regulations to be aware of include: 

Drone Restrictions: Drones, also known as RPAs and UAVs, must maintain a distance of at least 100 metres from whales and are prohibited from approaching them head-on. 

Vessel Clearances: All vessels, whether motorised or non-motorised, including boats, jet skis, kayaks, and surfboards, must keep a 100-metre clearance from whales. 

Special Provisions for Calves: Vessels must maintain a 300-metre distance from whales accompanied by calves, ensuring these vulnerable pairs have ample space. 

Swimmer Distances: If you are in the water, you must keep at least 100 metres away from whales.

These laws, enforceable by authorities, are crucial for the protection of marine mammals. 

The public is urged to comply to ensure the safety and preservation of these creatures. 

ORRCA, a volunteer-run, non-profit charitable organisation, is dedicated to the rescue, research, conservation, and protection of whales, dolphins, seals, and dugongs in Australian waters. 

By following these guidelines, our community can help ensure a safe and respectful environment for the whales during their migration. Let’s work together to protect these incredible marine animals and enjoy the wonder of their presence in our waters. 

I’m thrilled for whale season this year. With the waters now a bit too chilly for snorkelling, I spend all my free time at Bass Point, camera in hand, eagerly waiting to capture the perfect shot. I can’t wait to share the magnificence of these incredible creatures with everyone.

Jody Langlois is an ORRCA Committee Member and an Illawarra local. 

For any concerns, entanglements, or strandings involving marine mammals, the ORRCA hotline is available 24/7 at 02 9415 3333. 

The Kiama Bugle is closely following the massive controversy over Federal Government proposals to place wind farms off the Illawarra coast, directly in the path of the annual whale migration.

To learn more see our long form essay Politics, Profit and a Whale of a Dilemma by John Stapleton on our website. 

As our diligent readers have pointed out, the opposite view, that the wind farms will not harm the whales, is being pursued by Greenpeace. See their website.