Boat strike

Photo: George Aldridge

Each year many marine turtles, dugongs and whales are injured or killed by inappropriate operation of boats and personal watercraft. These species are vulnerable in shallow coastal areas and everyone that enjoys the use of these areas should 'go slow for those below'.

Six species of marine turtle are found in Queensland waters. These species occur in shallow water, coral reefs and oceanic areas. Marine turtles only reach breeding age at about 30 years and do not necessarily breed annually, but may skip years between breeding seasons. Of all the eggs that a female turtle lays, only about one in 1000 may survive to maturity. Turtles are threatened by feral animals such as pigs, drowning in fishing gear and being struck by boats in bays and estuaries.

Dugongs

Photo: George Aldridge

Dugongs are found all along the Queensland coastline. These slow-moving creatures spend most of their time feeding on seagrass. Growing to about three metres in length and weighing as much as 500 kilograms, dugongs may live for 70 years or more. Dugongs are also slow breeders, with the female reaching sexual maturity at 10-17 years and they only have one calf every three to five years. Dugongs are threatened by entanglement in gill nets, declining water quality and being struck by boats.

Whales

Numerous species of whales live and migrate through Queensland's inshore areas. These species includes the humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae. Humpback whale numbers were once decimated through commercial hunting but this species is now protected under Queensland and Commonwealth legislation. With increasing numbers of humpback whales migrating into Queensland waters each winter and increasing boating traffic, there are more collisions between boats and whales. Whales can also become entangled in shark nets.

Struck!!

All of these marine species can be injured or killed by boat strike because they are vulnerable at the surface. They all must come to the surface to breathe. When a boat is moving fast over the water, the helmsperson may not see a turtle, dugong or whale before it is too late. Often turtles have flippers amputated or their carapace (shell) damaged by propellers. This may kill them instantaneously or leave them permanently disabled and in pain. Whales and dugongs are killed or left with gaping wounds. The migratory behaviours of whales and their behaviour when congregating in breeding areas make them susceptible to interference by boats¹. The ability of all these animals to reproduce is badly affected by the injuries they receive and this adds to the demise of the species.

Go slow for those below!

Green turtle with fatal propeller cut injuries Photo: DERM

While using your personal watercraft (jet skis, waveriders and waverunners) or boats follow the regulations relating to them. Avoid travelling over or operate off the plane over seagrass beds and shallow water and stay in the navigation channel when travelling to your destination.

In Moreton Bay Marine Park designated 'turtle and dugong go-slow areas' (PDF, 11M)* aim to protect these species from boat strike. When travelling in a 'Go slow' zone all boats must travel off the plane. Boats and personal watercraft must also be operated in a way and speed to avoid hitting turtles or dugong. On-the-spot fines are actively enforced if these zones are not observed.

What can you do to help our marine creatures?

Female dugong and calf with injuries from a propeller Photo: DERM

When boating especially in shallow waters, be on the lookout for turtles, whales and dugong to avoid injuring them.
Find out more about these species and in particular if they occur where you go boating. This will help you take care when getting to and from your fishing spot or when touring along the coast.
Download the Moreton Bay Marine Park User Guide! (PDF, 11M)* Know where you need to go slow.
Get the Moreton Bay Marine Park User Guide Maps and always have the Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon publication on board your vessel.
To keep you and whales safe follow the guidelines for watching whales which can be found on the DERM website.