An exclusion zone, which came into effect on Saturday, prevents powered vessels from entering the southern right whale nursery area.

The exclusion zone applies every year from June 1 to October 31.

Logans Beach is the only established location in south-east Australia where female southern right whales regularly return to give birth.

Forest and wildlife officers will be patrolling Logans Beach to enforce the exclusion zone and allow the critically endangered mammals to rest and nurse their young in peace.

READ more:

A spokesperson for DELWP Barwon-South West region said outside of the exclusion zone, it was important for people to remember to keep their distance if in a boat or on a jet ski.

Minimum approaching distances are in place.

Boat operators who breach the exclusion zone could face fines of more than $3000

For more information contact 136 186.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.