NEWS DESK
Drones focus of marine safety push
New wheels: Senior conservation ranger Tristan Brigham with the new electric all-terrain vehicles at The Briars.
Electric vehicles on the go at The Briars TWO electric all-terrain vehicles will improve ranger access and the visitor experience at The Briars. They will also reduce emissions. The Polaris Rangers are able to be charged at domestic power outlets, which will cut the shire’s diesel fuel
consumption by 2000 litres per year. Fitted with heavy duty tyres and suspension, the ATVs can carry two people, herbicide tanks, tow over 500kg and access hard-to-reach areas within the grounds and wildlife sanctuary. The electric motors are also much
quieter and will significantly reduce noise pollution within the park allowing rangers and volunteers to undertake a range of maintenance tasks throughout the property without disturbing visitors - or wildlife. Visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/thebriars
DRONES will be the focus of a state government push to protect marine life in Port Phillip Bay. This comes as Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning officers begin marine mammal patrols to make sure members of the public keep their distance – especially those flying drones. “We’re increasingly noticing more drones appearing on populated beaches,” DELWP wildlife officer Suriya Vij said. “While drones don’t have large motors, many marine mammals are sensitive to noise, and buzzing from their motors can distress them. “There’s also the potential for amateur operators to unintentionally strike the animals. “Though it may be tempting to fly a drone close to these animals for a photo, our message is simple – don’t.” The officers are asking beach goers to behave responsibly so animals aren’t harmed or stressed in their natural environment. Aircraft, including drones, are not allowed to fly within 500 vertical metres or within a 500 metre radius of whales under the Wildlife Marine Mammals Regulations 2009. But drones are becoming a problem. “With the increasing accessibility and use of small and large drones, we’re seeing more of these being flown over marine mammals,” Australian Marine Mammal Foundation director and researcher Dr Kate Charlton-Rob said. The issue has become “so prevalent” that the foundation plans to investigate the extent drones are
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Southern Peninsula News 7 November 2017
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Back off: Drones can cause distress to marine mammals.
impacting on dolphins in Port Phillip Bay and in the Gippsland Lakes. “Breaches of regulations caused by drones or boats can cause undue stress to these animals [affecting] behaviours like feeding, resting, mother-calf bonding and mating,” Dr Charlton-Rob said. Boats must stay 100 metres from dolphins, except if approached. Beach goers can allow the dolphins to approach them, but must leave them alone otherwise. Jet skis must stay 300 metres away from dolphins, and, when walking or swimming, members of the public must stay 30 metres from a seal on land, and five metres from seals on structures such as Chinaman’s Hat in the bay. Details: Visit delwp.vic.gov.au or call 136 186. Call the Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline 1300 136 017 to report a whale or dolphin stranded, entangled or struck by a vessel. Report injured, sick or distressed marine wildlife to the AGL Marine Response Unit 1300 245 678.