Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978
Bottlenose dolphin showing severe
propeller marks
All seals, dolphins, whales and porpoises are fully protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978; it is an offence, amongst other things, to harass or disturb marine mammals.
Offences carry penalties of upto 6 months imprisonment or fines up to $250,000 and further fines of up to $10,000 for every marine mammal in respect of which the offence is committed. Refer to the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992 for a complete list of conditions prescribing behaviour around marine mammals.
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