2009-07-02

Exclusion Zone For Special Whale

The BBC reports that Australian authorities have warned the public to stay away from a rare white humpback whale named Migaloo that has made an appearance off the east coast.

Officials in Queensland state have declared Migaloo a "special-interest whale" and banned anyone from coming within 500 metres of him.

Anyone coming too close by boat, jet ski or aircraft will face a fine of $13,500 (£8,000). Officials said the whale needed to be left alone to migrate up the coast.

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