With southern right whales set to return to the Victorian coast in coming weeks, boaters are being reminded to stay alert to protect the endangered species.

After spending summer feeding in the sub-Antarctic waters, southern right whales return each year from May to October to birth and raise their young. They are the only whale species to calve in Victorian waters.

Those familiar with southern right whales might associate the winter whale season with the west coast of Victoria but there has been an increasing number of sightings of mothers and calves in waters off other parts of the Victorian coast.

While most sightings off Gippsland are humpback whales, there have been more than 80 sightings of cow-calf pairs of southern right whales off the coast of Gippsland since the 1980s including Phillip Island, Wilsons Promontory, Seaspray, Marlo and Mallacoota.

“Every boater in Victorian waters has a role in protecting this amazing species,” said Dr Kasey Stamation, Senior Scientist, Arthur Rylah Institute.

“It’s fabulous to see so many Victorians doing the right thing at this critical time of the year.”

Boaters can help protect southern right whales in Victoria’s coastal waters by following three steps:

Watch out for whales: Stay alert, southern right whales can be difficult to spot. These whales have no dorsal fin, so they can look like floating logs as they rest near the surface, often in shallow water close to shore.

Slow down to 5 knots: Within 300m of a whale you must slow to 5 knots. It's best to travel at speeds less than 10 knots when within 1km of whales to keep vessel noise low. Mothers and calves need rest and quiet as they communicate in whispers to avoid predators.

Keep a safe distance: Do not go within 200m of a whale in a boat, 300m on a jet ski (legal requirement). Stay out of their way and avoid boxing them in. If you find yourself too close to a whale, put your engine in neutral and let them pass.

Brad Woods, Gippsland Program Manager, Conservation Regulator has called on boat operators to exercise caution when travelling along the coast.

“Blows and splashes are the most obvious signs that whales are present in the area.”

He also warned people to do the right thing.

“Over the next few months, Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers will be patrolling the Phillip Island coast to ensure vessel users are keeping their distance from whales.”

Southern right whales are listed as endangered in Victoria, with the south-eastern Australian population estimated to be only around 300 individuals.

The community is encouraged to support whale conservation efforts by uploading any photographs and sightings of the visiting whales to the online platform, WhaleFace. The information collected will help future research and provide updates on the whales during breeding season.

All aircraft and drones must not fly within 500m of a whale, unless operating under a wildlife permit.

For more information about the regulations around whales, visit: www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/our-wildlife/whales,-dolphins-and-seals/water-safety-around-marine-mammals 

Anyone who sees vessels breaching minimum distances can report the incident to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. Details such as date, time, and location of the incident, as well as a description and photographs, can assist investigations.