Australian Whale Sanctuary, Marine protected area in Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
The Australian Whale Sanctuary is a marine protected area that covers Australia's entire Exclusive Economic Zone to protect whales and other marine mammals. The zone extends to about 200 nautical miles from the coast and external territories.
The sanctuary was established in 1999 and marked a turning point in Australia's marine protection efforts. This founding created a protected zone for whales and other marine mammals in Australian waters.
The sanctuary shows Australia's commitment to protecting whales and dolphins through strong rules and enforcement. Today, visitors can observe how important these waters are as a recovery space for marine mammals.
To observe whales, visitors should come during migration seasons and maintain appropriate distance from the animals. It is important to follow local guidelines and avoid disturbing them.
A federal court issued a 1 million Australian dollar fine against a whaling vessel for violations within the sanctuary. This demonstrates how seriously the laws are enforced.
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