Tue Jun 30, 12.10 pm ET
SYDNEY (AFP) – Australian officials on Tuesday warned the public
to stay away from "Migaloo,"
a much-loved white humpback whale who has reappeared off the
eastern coast.
Queensland authorities reminded enthusiasts Migaloo was a
"special-interest whale" with a 500-metre (yard) exclusion zone for
boats, jetskis and aircraft enforced by a maximum fine of 13,300 US
dollars.
"The whale-watching regulations are there to protect the whales,
but also to protect people from these huge, unpredictable mammals,"
said state environment minister Kate Jones.
"Adult humpbacks can weigh more than a fully-loaded semi-trailer
so you need to stay out of their way."
Migaloo, meaning "white fella" in one of the Queensland
Aboriginal dialects, is the only all-white humpback ever documented
and has built up a loyal following since he was first spotted in
1991.
As well as two dedicated websites, the animal also inspired
Operation Migaloo, an anti-whale hunting campaign by environmental
activists which concluded in March 2008.
