Warning for social media users to back off and not get too close to whales to take videos

Authorities have raised concerns about “completely unacceptable” videos being taken at whale-watching locations along Victoria’s coast.

TikTokers and Instagramers are being warned off whale-watching locations along Victoria’s coast because they are getting too close to the animals.

Videos of swimmers, surfers and people in boats getting too close to Southern-Right Whales have been posted on social media apps, raising concerns by state wildlife authorities.

The whales are migrating along the southern coast, many pods with calves.

Victoria’s Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said the videos encouraged behaviour that threatened the animal’s health and welfare.

“The Conservation Regulator takes marine wildlife crimes very seriously and this ocean patrol sends a clear message that ignoring the rules for photos or social media likes is completely unacceptable.”

There have been numerous sightings of Southern-Right whales in Victoria.

People are being warned to keep a safe distance from whales.

Officers are investigating nine cases of social media posters getting too close to whales this season.

Videos have emerged of boats appearing close to whales, almost sailing over the top.

The regulator’s officer will launch more on-water patrols this September as part of the Operation Calyx to keep people a safe distance from whales and other marine mammals such as dolphins and seals.

The patrols will target hot spots from Cowes to Portland to nab offenders.

The Arthur Rylah Institute’s Whaleface project has reported 125 sightings of Southern-Right whales along the Victorian coast this season. The count includes seven cow-calf pairs in the southwest of the state.

Swimmers and surfers must keep at least 50m from whales.

Boats must stay at least 200m away and jet skis 300m.

People who ignore the minimum distances or Warrnambool exclusion zone can face penalties up to $3698.

“We’re lucky in Victoria to have whales so close to shore this time of year, but we need to ensure all sightings are from the minimum distance away to protect the health of our whales and community safety,” Ms Gavens said.

“We want to thank the community who have already flagged social media videos with us and reported people getting too close to marine mammals.”