29/04/2005 - The Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell, today wrote to his State and
Northern Territory counterparts seeking support
for a national review of regulations relating
to human interactions with whales and dolphins.
"We need to make sure all the states
have a coordinated approach to the way we
manage the human interaction between whales
and dolphins," Senator Campbell said.
"Not only will this provide clarity
for the whale watching industry, it will also
help protect whales and dolphins and ensure
that people can continue to enjoy watching
these creatures."
The current national standard is the Australian
and New Zealand Environment and Conservation
Council National Guidelines for Cetacean Observation,
published in February 2000.
"Since the publication of the Guidelines,
public interest in whales and dolphins has
continued to expand and this has led to an
increase in the number of tourism operators
focusing on whale watching activities,"
Senator Campbell said.
"The whale watching industry has also
grown from the observation of mainly humpback
whales to include other species of whales
and dolphins.
"There is now a need to review the guidelines,
concentrating on those issues where jurisdictions
have encountered problems or where differences
in approaches are forming.
"Whale watching is estimated to benefit
Australia directly to the tune of $30 million
a year, with indirect benefits close to $300
million.
"As well as economic benefits, whale
watching also helps raise awareness and appreciation
of whales and their habitat, and highlights
the importance of protecting our oceans.
"That's why it's so important to get
the guidelines right, so that we can continue
to reap these rewards sure in the knowledge
that we are not harming whales or dolphins."
State and Territory governments have their
own legislation or guidelines relating to
whale and dolphin protection, including whale-watching
regulations.
"Consistent and coordinated regulation
of whale watching activities between the States,
the Northern Territory and the Australian
Government will assist with enforcement of
laws protecting these wonderful animals,"
Senator Campbell said.
Once an agreement for a review has been reached,
a meeting will be convened to plan the way
forward. Stakeholders, including the whale
watching industry, will be closely involved
in the review. Revised guidelines will be
put before the Natural Resources Management
Ministerial Council for endorsement.
