Local conservationists are calling for meaningful speed protections for boats in Encounter Bay during whale breeding season, after a mother and newborn calf were spooked yesterday.

Elizabeth Steele-Collins of the Encounter Whales group posted on Facebook yesterday that they were both excited and sad to announce that the second whale calf of the season had been born in the bay.

She said the new mother and her calf had been sighted at 9am yesterday off Depledge Beach, between Petrel Cove and King Head.

“Unfortunately, the joy of witnessing the arrival of a mother with her newborn calf in our waters was short lived,” she said.

“The pair were disturbed by numerous boats travelling at speed this morning, which resulted in them fleeing from our waters within a couple of hours.”

“As far as we were able to observe, the boats were unaware of the proximity of the whales when they passed by at high speed.

“Unfortunately, the whales were very aware of the boats, which spooked them into a panicked exodus. This is of great concern, as being driven from the safety of a protected bay while so young and vulnerable puts a newborn calf at significant risk.

“These kinds of incidents, including vessel strike and forced displacement happen far more frequently than many realise.

"It highlights the need, not only for greater protections for the whales’ main calving and nursery area, but meaningful speed restrictions for all motorised vessels within Encounter Bay during whale season.

“We call upon the authorities to introduce whatever legislation is required to ensure the safety of both whales and water users for the ultimate good of all stakeholders.

“For the sake of the endangered Southern Right Whale, change needs to happen. Nothing changes if nothing changes!”