Dampier port (Pilbara Port) issued Marine notice for protection of whale. Whales and other marine fauna susceptible to vessel collisions are protected under both Commonwealth and State legislation.

The Western Australian coastline is a known migration route for the Western Australian Humpback whale population. Humpback whales pass through Dampier Port Waters as they migrate from their Southern Ocean feeding grounds to their tropical breeding grounds in the Kimberley. The migration occurs annually between June and November. The presence of whales in relatively shallow Port Waters limits their ability to avoid vessels, significantly increasing the risk of collisions between vessels and whales.

All Vessel Masters are required to maintain a safe distance from whales:

• 100m on either side

• 300m in front or behind

Commercial Vessels, as part of their Safety Management Systems, are required by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to conduct a risk assessment when operating in areas where marine fauna is likely to be present.

Read Notice for Full Details