Queensland, Australia - June 7, 2024

As whale watching season kicks into high gear in Queensland, enthusiasts are reminded to admire these majestic creatures from a respectful distance. The Queensland Environment Department issued guidelines urging observers to maintain safe distances to ensure the well-being of marine wildlife.

While the urge to capture the perfect shot may be strong, it's crucial to prioritize the welfare of whales and dolphins. Drone operators are advised to keep a minimum distance of 100 meters from these marine mammals, while vessels such as jet skis and hovercraft are required to maintain a distance of 300 meters.

Aircraft and helicopters are also instructed to maintain respectful distances of 300 meters and 500 meters, respectively, with helicopters specifically cautioned against hovering. Even swimmers are urged to keep their distance, staying at least 100 meters away from whales and 50 meters from dolphins.