Warning over drone use around whales in Australia
The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) in Australia has issued a warning to anyone thinking of using drones to capture footage of the annual whale migrations that continue around Australia.
The amazing migration of southern right whales and humpbacks along the south coast of Australia takes place between May and October each year and interest from nature tourists is growing. So too is the use of drones by those who want to capture the ultimate memory.
A representative from DEWNR said that they were seeing a big increase in the use of drones carrying high-quality cameras in national parks and marine parks, and that was a concern. ‘We don’t want to distract or distress those whales while they are here to breed and give birth,’ DEWNRs Chris Thomas said. ‘We also don’t want people’s experience of the whales to be aggravated by buzzing noises and drones hooping all over the place.’
WDC’s Nicola Hodgins said: ‘Drones can be both an exciting yet dangerous tool. WDC promotes adhering to any legislation in place, being responsible and keeping a safe distance from any wildlife (or people)’.
Want to go and see whales in the wild? More information on responsible whale watching here and check out WDC partners Off the Map Travel – www.offthemaptravel.co.uk
