Drone pilots caught flying near whales have been warned they face fines of more than $3000 after reports of illegal activity along the coast.
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The Department of Environment Land Water and Planning said it had received several reports of illegal drone activity near whales over the past week.
It has warned that the whales were sensitive to the noise from drones which had the potential to cause them distress.
Aircraft, including drones and helicopters, are not permitted to fly within 500 vertical metres or within a 500-metre radius of whales under the Wildlife Marine Mammals Regulations.
These minimum approach distances are in place to help protect whales, which are sensitive to noise.
Breaching the minimum approach distances can attract a penalty of up to $3304.
Forest and Wildlife officers have been patrolling the coastline during the whale season, speaking to people about maintaining safe distances from whales.
Members of the public who see drones flying close to whales have been encouraged to document details of the incident and take photographs, if possible.
Offences can be reported on 136 186.
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