Boat hits whale in the Whitsundays

A BOAT has hit a whale off the Whitsunday coast.

Fauna Rescue Whitsundays and VMR Whitsundays reported late-morning today that a runabout vessel hit the whale near Hook Passage and urged boaties to keep a vigilant lookout for whales at all times.

The organisation said a whale may be under water for 20 to 30 minutes before surfacing for air.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority outlined a host of guidelines for people on the water to avoid the species.

No vessels may be within 100m of a whale and no jetskis within 300m.

Mating season for whales stretches from May to September, and even as the time draws to a close they are still expected to be in the area.

When boating around whales - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Be alert and watch out for whales at all times, particularly during whale migration season (May to September)
Post a look out to keep an eye out for whales if they are suspected in the vicinity
Do not approach or disturb mothers and calves - never place a boat between them
Always move in a parallel direction to the whale or dolphin
Do not use engine sound or speed to attempt to influence the behaviour of a whale
When you're leaving an area where whales were present, turn the motor on, post a look out, and move off slowly
Slow down to minimise the risk of collision where whales have been sighted
Report any boat strikes and reassure your passengers that the relevant authorities have been contacted to assist the whale.