Victorians taking to the water on Port Phillip Bay are reminded to take care around marine wildlife, with patrols now underway to ensure both people and wildlife remain safe. Zoos Victoria’s AGL Marine Response Unit is on call to respond to marine wildlife in distress. Patrol boats from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Parks Victoria, Victoria Police and other agencies will also be on hand to ensure Victorians are doing the right thing in the water and keeping a safe distance from seals, dolphins and other marine wildlife.
Victorian Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville explained that the AGL Marine Response Unit responded to a call earlier this month to free the young seal from a life-threatening entanglement, and she was successfully released back into the wild. The seal has since been seen to be recovering well.
“The recent rescue of a seal at Chinaman’s Hat reminds us why we need to keep our beaches and waterways clear of litter, and behave responsibly in the water.” Minister Neville commented.
Minister Neville pointed out that the warmer months see more Victorians enjoying jet skiing and boating – it also means more encounters with marine wildlife. Both recreational vessel users and tour operators are reminded to comply with the rules and regulations about how close they can be to marine wildlife, for the safety of all involved.
“If you are on a boat in the Bay and happen to be in close proximity to a dolphin, whale, seal or other wildlife, remember the rules about how close you can be. Reduce your speed to five knots or less and drive away from the animal.” Minister Neville commented.