NEWS DESK
The drone factor in wildlife protection Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au REGULATIONS designed to keep boats and jet skis away from seals, whales and dolphins have been extended to include one of the latest gadgets to take off – drones. While jet skis must not be closer than 300 metres from whales and dolphins and boats 100 metres away from dolphins and 200 metres from whales drones are prohibited from flying directly over, approaching head on or landing on the water near marine wildlife. Land and sea patrols the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) are on the lookout for breaches of the regulations which can attract $233 on the spot fines or penalties up to $3109 if the matter goes to court. DELWP program manager Craig Woodbridge said the patrols were being carried out over the whole bay, with particular attention being given to waters between Blairgowrie and Mornington. “These patrols will ensure the safety and well-being of the bay’s protected inhabitants such as dolphins and seals, while also educating people on the safe and responsible use of our waterways,” Mr Woodbridge said. “Boat and jet-ski operators in particular should be aware of their responsibility to take care around marine mammals.” He said the proliferation of recreational users on the water “can disturb the behavioural patterns of dolphins and other species”.
Patrols are being made to ensure boats and other craft keep their distance from seals, whales and dolphins, while on land Melissa Varney (left) Lee French (below left) have signed on as seasonal rangers with Parks Victoria.
Boat speeds near dolphins, whales or seals should five knots “and do not approach the animal. Avoid any sudden changes in speed or direction, and move away if the animal shows any sign of disturbance such as swimming away or diving and remaining at depth”. Mr Woodbridge said people and vessels must stay at least five metres away from seals on man-made structures.
On land, Parks Victoria has added three “seasonal rangers” to its team on the Mornington Peninsula. Seasonal rangers help permanent staff with peak visitor management, threatened species monitoring, event support, pest plant control, track and facilities maintenance and providing visitor interpretation and education programs. Aaron Lee, back for a second season at Point Nepean National Park, has a
background in fisheries and natural resource management. Based in Mornington Peninsula National Park, Lee French’s role is all about protecting the threatened hooded plover. His day entails walking the beaches with volunteer friends’ groups monitoring the shorebirds and educating park visitors. Melissa Varney is helping deliver the junior ranger education program at
Arthurs Seat State Park and Devilbend Natural Features Reserve. “Without summer staff, managing the national parks in light of the peak holiday use would be difficult,” area chief ranger Kris Rowe said. For information on regulations go to www.delwp.vic.gov.au or call 136 186. To report sick, injured or distressed marine wildlife call 1300 245 678.
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Road works at The Briars Traffic improvement works at the Nepean Highway access Construction will be taking place from the 9 January to late February 2017. Vehicle access will be maintained for the majority of the works period; however the access road will be closed over 8 days to facilitate underground road drainage works.
The road closure dates are: Wednesday 11 January Thursday 12 January Friday 13 January Tuesday 17 January Monday 23 January Friday 27 January Monday 30 January Tuesday 31 January Existing walking trails in the area will remain open to the public.
For more information please contact The Briars Visitors Centre 5974 3686
Book your free home appointment today
call 03 5975 9366.
www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Shop 8a, 1-13 Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy) Mornington Mornington News 10 January 2017
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