The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is an important breeding and feeding ground for cetaceans such as whales and dolphins. There are special regulations for whale watching and it is a requirement that all commercial users obtain permission from management agencies before they conduct whale-watching activities. Whale watching can be an exciting and educational experience. You can help ensure that human activities have minimal impact. The Whale Protection Act 1980 prohibits the killing, taking, injuring and interfering with cetaceans.
Interference includes harassment, chasing and herding of whales.
A conservation plan under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 also provides for the protection of whales and dolphins. Before whale watching, contact a Queensland Parks and Wildlife service office for details of the plan and latest information on whale watching regulations. Some whales or dolphins are known as specific interest cetacea . They have unusual characteristics that make them likely to attract additional attention. Because of this intense interest, special regulations are sometimes needed to prevent harassment, injury or death.