Whale sharks in Ningaloo Marine Park to be protected

The State Government has moved to protect whale sharks in the Ningaloo Marine Park from harassment by visitors.

Whale shark tour operators will be licensed and a 'code of conduct' for whale shark watching prepared.

Environment Minister Bob Pearce said today that the new management measures were similar to those in place for whalewatching tours in Western Australia.

He said coupled with the co-operation of tour operators and the general boating public, the new measures would protect whale sharks while allowing visitors to view the animals.

"The whale sharks is the largest cartilaginous 'fish' in the world and can reach lengths of up to 18 metres," Mr Pearce said.

"They are often seen close to the coast in the Ningaloo Marine Park, especially during the annual coral spawning in March-April.

"These unique creatures are becoming a big attraction for visitors to the park, who want to view them from boats or swim and dive with them.

"While we do not want to prevent anyone from enjoying the sight, we have a responsibility to ensure that the species is not harassed to a point where its natural behaviour - particularly its social behaviour and breeding might be affected."

Mr Pearce said in order to protect whale sharks while at the same time encouraging visitors to view them, the Department of Conservation and Land Management had been instructed to implement similar conditions and guidelines set down in WA for whalewatching tours:

·         whale shark tour operators would be licensed and conditions or guidelines amounting to a 'code of conduct' would be established;

·         a logbook system would be put in place so that tour operators could help provide scientific data about the little-known animals;

·         information on whale sharks would be provided to park visitors and tour operators;

·         field patrols by CALM officers would ensure whale sharks were not being harassed.

"These management measures are working successfully amongst whalewatching tour operators elsewhere in the State," Mr Pearce said.

"I am sure that they will also be welcomed by tour operators at Ningaloo whose activities are obviously dependent on the well-being of the animals."