Marine mammal legislation review
The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) is reviewing marine mammal legislation in Queensland.
DERM has now completed the second round of its consultation for the review of the Nature Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) Conservation Plan 1997 and the Nature Conservation (Dugong) Conservation Plan 1999.
The four main topics being reviewed are:
- changes to marine mammal proximity restrictions for vessels and aircraft
- consideration of allowing commercial marine mammal watching to occur within State waters that are outside marine parks
- managing the ongoing limited feeding of dolphins at Tin Can Bay
- amending the declaration process for areas of special interest and special interest whales and dolphins, and introducing special interest provisions for dugongs.
An information booklet (PDF, 1.1M)* provides more detail regarding the matters under consideration.
DERM wishes to thank those members of the community who provided submissions. This feedback will now be considered in the development of draft legislation and supporting policies to better conserve and manage Queensland's marine mammals.
This draft legislation will be made available for a further round of public comment before it is finalised.
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 13 February 2012