New South Wales wildlife authorities have issued a temporary stay-away order to protect endangered southern right whales after a mother and calf seen off Sydney attracted close attention from members of the public.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has ordered vessels to remain at least 500 metres from southern right whales sighted anywhere along the NSW coast. Swimmers, snorkellers and divers must stay at least 100 metres away from the animals.
The special restrictions will remain in place until November 30, 2026, when the southern right whale breeding and calving season ends. Authorities have warned that people who ignore the exclusion distances could face fines or court action.
Why the stay-away order was introduced
Wildlife officials became concerned after the southern right whale mother and calf near Sydney drew close attention from local boaters, swimmers and coastal visitors.
Southern right whales are generally considered docile, inquisitive and playful. They are known to enter harbours, remain near beaches and move slowly at the surface, making them easier to observe than many other whale species.
However, their calm behaviour should not be interpreted as an invitation to approach. Getting too close can interrupt resting, nursing and communication between a mother and her calf.
NPWS project officer Andy Marshall said giving the animals sufficient space would improve the southeast Australian population’s chances of recovery and help ensure future generations can continue seeing southern right whales along the coast.
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Southern right whales remain close to shallow coastal waters
Southern right whale mothers and calves behave differently from the humpback whales commonly seen migrating along Australia’s east coast.
According to wildlife authorities, southern right whale mothers and calves spend more than 90 per cent of their time in water shallower than 20 metres. They are also frequently found less than 500 metres from shore.
This preference for protected coastal water brings them close to swimmers, surfers, paddleboarders, kayakers, divers and recreational vessels. It also means a single sighting near a busy beach can quickly attract a large crowd.
These shallow areas provide important places for mothers to rest and nurse their calves. Repeated disturbance may force a whale to change direction or leave an area it had selected for shelter.
Research shows one swimmer can cause a negative response
The citizen science project Right Whale ID has been tracking individual southern right whales for the past six years. Photographs and sighting reports help researchers recognise returning animals and better understand their movements, breeding success and long-term recovery.
NPWS says researchers have found that even one swimmer approaching too enthusiastically can trigger a significant negative behavioural response.
A disturbed mother may stop resting or move away, requiring her calf to use additional energy to follow. This is especially concerning for young calves that depend on regular nursing and calm coastal conditions during their early development.
How to identify a southern right whale
Although southern right whales are rarely seen along the NSW coast, several physical features make them relatively easy to distinguish from humpback whales and other marine mammals.
- They have no dorsal fin.
- They have a broad, heavy body and a large head.
- Their breath often creates a distinctive V-shaped blow.
- They have rough white or pale markings on their head and face known as callosities.
- Their large black tail flukes have an angular shape.
The pattern of callosities is different on each whale, allowing researchers to identify individual animals through clear photographs without physically tagging them.
Official information about the species, its conservation status and identifying features is available on the NSW Government southern right whale information page.
How the temporary restrictions will be enforced
National Parks and Wildlife Service staff will collect witness accounts when swimmers, divers or vessels are reported for approaching southern right whales too closely.
Reports may include photographs, video footage, vessel registration details and descriptions from people who witnessed the incident. Authorities will investigate where necessary, and non-compliance may result in fines or court appearances.
People who encounter a southern right whale should remain calm, avoid entering its path and observe it from a beach, headland or established coastal lookout. Boaters should reduce speed, maintain the full 500-metre distance and never move between a mother and calf.
The temporary order will remain active through November 30, covering the remainder of the 2026 breeding and calving season.
Another recent NSW whale sighting involved a possible sighting of the famous white humpback whale Migaloo near Port Macquarie, showing how quickly rare whale appearances can draw public attention along the coast.
Quick Safety Guide
- Boats and other vessels: Stay at least 500 metres away from southern right whales.
- Swimmers, snorkellers and divers: Keep a minimum distance of 100 metres.
- Never place your vessel or yourself between a mother whale and her calf.
- If a whale approaches you, stay calm, reduce speed if boating, and allow the animal to move away on its own.
- The temporary stay-away order is in effect until 30 November 2026. Breaching the rules may result in fines or court action.
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