I am deeply concerned about the increasing disturbance to whales caused by tourism boats operating off the coast of Byron Bay. These vessels are frequently getting far too close to the whales, driving at high speeds through their migration paths, and showing little regard for the safety or wellbeing of these whales.
After already enduring the stress and entanglement risks of shark nets further north at Noosa, these whales now face relentless interference from fast-moving tourist boats.
Byron Bay is meant to be a vital area of rest and recovery for them during their long and exhausting migration – a place where mothers nurture their calves and whales regain their strength before continuing south. Instead, this sanctuary has become a zone of stress and disruption.
The constant intrusion from boats can cause extreme distress, interrupt whale communication, and even separate mothers from their young.
The physical and psychological impacts are profound, and collisions or propeller injuries remain an ever-present danger. Whale watching should never come at the expense of the animals’ safety or peace.
The ocean is their home and nursery, and they deserve strict protection and respect.
I strongly urge immediate action to ban tourist boats from approaching whales in the Byron Bay area. In addition, I recommend the employment of dedicated marine rangers or guards along this stretch of coastline to enforce safe distances, regulate speeds, and protect the whales as they rest and migrate.
These whales are a treasured part of Australia’s natural heritage and an essential part of our marine ecosystem. Protecting them is not only an environmental duty but also a moral one.
I urge that action be taken immediately to halt the disturbance and ensure the whales are given the peace and safety they desperately need during their migration. Every day of inaction risks further harm to these vulnerable animals and the delicate balance of our marine environment.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
