Southern Right Whale Nursery Protection Area

Public Consultation open until 1 March 2019

Alexandrina Council is seeking community 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 area for Southern Right Whales.  The whale season runs from May to October each year.

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

On average, five whale calves are born in this area each year.  Whale watching is part of what makes our region such a special place to live and visit. Council is interested to know whether the community supports stronger protections being provided for this important calving and 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 using the nursery area during whale season, providing extra protection for vulnerable whale mothers and their calves.

To see a map of the proposed exclusion area, along with further background information and FAQs, please visit our consultation website My Say Alexandrina at http://mysay.alexandrina.sa.gov.au

Written submissions can be made online at My Say Alexandrina, via email to [email protected] or by post to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 21, Goolwa, SA 5214.

Submissions close 5pm Friday 1 March 2019.