Southern Right Whale Nursery Protection Area

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Consultation has concluded

Council is seeking feedback on the possibility of asking State Government to establish a motorised vessel exclusion zone between the Hindmarsh River Mouth and the Murray River Mouth during whale season to provide increased protection for this important calving and nursery habitat for the threatened Southern Right Whale. The Whale season runs from May to October each year.


Background

The Southern Right Whale is an endangered species under national and international environmental law and State and Commonwealth Governments already place restrictions on how close motorized and other vessels can get to whales and calves, both for our safety and that of the animals.

Data collected by the Encounter Bay Right Whale Study shows that on average, five calves per year are born in our inshore coastal waters, making it a critical area for protection and recovery of the species. Council is interested to know whether the community supports stronger protections being provided for this important whale nursery area.

Vessel strike and noise disturbance are known threats to the recovery of the Southern Right Whale. With appropriate exceptions for emergency services, the exclusion zone would prohibit motorised vessels from entering the nursery area during whale season, providing extra protection for vulnerable whale mothers and their calves.

Have your say

View the map and read the FAQs and have your say regarding the Southern Right Whale Nursery Protection Area.

Provide your feedback by one of the following options:

  • Submitting an online submission below;
  • Emailing your comments to alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au; or
  • Posting your comments to Alexandrina Council, PO Box 21 GOOLWA SA 5214.

If you have any questions please contact Council’s Environmental Strategy Project Officer, Grayson Saruwaka, on 8555 7000.

Consultation closes at 5.00pm Friday, 1 March 2019.

Next Steps

Community feedback received during public consultation will be considered by Council in making a decision whether to proceed with an application to State Government for the creation of a whale season motorised vessel exclusion zone. Submissions received by Alexandrina Council may be forwarded to State Government for consideration.

Council is seeking feedback on the possibility of asking State Government to establish a motorised vessel exclusion zone between the Hindmarsh River Mouth and the Murray River Mouth during whale season to provide increased protection for this important calving and nursery habitat for the threatened Southern Right Whale. The Whale season runs from May to October each year.


Background

The Southern Right Whale is an endangered species under national and international environmental law and State and Commonwealth Governments already place restrictions on how close motorized and other vessels can get to whales and calves, both for our safety and that of the animals.

Data collected by the Encounter Bay Right Whale Study shows that on average, five calves per year are born in our inshore coastal waters, making it a critical area for protection and recovery of the species. Council is interested to know whether the community supports stronger protections being provided for this important whale nursery area.

Vessel strike and noise disturbance are known threats to the recovery of the Southern Right Whale. With appropriate exceptions for emergency services, the exclusion zone would prohibit motorised vessels from entering the nursery area during whale season, providing extra protection for vulnerable whale mothers and their calves.

Have your say

View the map and read the FAQs and have your say regarding the Southern Right Whale Nursery Protection Area.

Provide your feedback by one of the following options:

  • Submitting an online submission below;
  • Emailing your comments to alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au; or
  • Posting your comments to Alexandrina Council, PO Box 21 GOOLWA SA 5214.

If you have any questions please contact Council’s Environmental Strategy Project Officer, Grayson Saruwaka, on 8555 7000.

Consultation closes at 5.00pm Friday, 1 March 2019.

Next Steps

Community feedback received during public consultation will be considered by Council in making a decision whether to proceed with an application to State Government for the creation of a whale season motorised vessel exclusion zone. Submissions received by Alexandrina Council may be forwarded to State Government for consideration.

Consultation has concluded
  • Southern Right Whale Nursery Protection Area consultation has now closed

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    Following a community deputation in September 2018, Council agreed to undertake public consultation seeking community feedback on the possibility of establishing a motorised vessel exclusion zone between the Hindmarsh River Mouth and Murray River Mouth during whale season to provide increased protection for this Southern Right Whale nursery area.

    Public consultation was undertaken during February/March 2019 and in light of community feedback received, Council supported writing to State Government in support of a motorised vessel exclusion zone for 1 May to 31 October (i.e. with an exception for emergency services only).