From Cairns.com.au: Migaloo closer to Cairns waters
ALL eyes are on the water with Migaloo the white whale expected to surface off Cairns this week.
The all-white humpback whale was sighted off Hinchinbrook Island near Cardwell by a fisherman on Tuesday.
Quicksilver Cruises spokeswoman Megan Bell said Migaloo was spotted by one of their tourist boats off Low Isles about the same time last year.
"We’ve got all eyes on the water, and cameras at the ready. He’s got to be in the area soon,’’ she said.
The whale has been afforded extra protection from sightseers.
The Queensland Government has now extended the declaration that gives extra protection to special interest whales such as Migaloo until December 31, 2011.
Queensland Environment Minister Vicky Darling said this year, Migaloo was expected to be joined by up to 14,000 whales along Queensland’s coast, a 10 per cent increase on last year.
As a result, encounters with whales are more likely, she said.
The minister warned that vessel captains who manoeuvre their boats too close to whales risked being fined.
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