By Kerry Larsen

Dive operators and recreational boating enthusiasts were buzzing with excitement at the Meridien Marina on Monday morning at the prospect of seeing Migaloo in local waters.

The rare white humpback whale was spotted off Hinchinbrook Island near Cardwell last week, and with sightings in our waters at the same time last year, those boarding vessels this week may be lucky enough to encounter the much-loved marine visitor.

Meanwhile, the State Government has extended a special interest declaration until December 31 to help protect whales from spectators getting too close.

Environment Minister Vicky Darling, any skipper who gets too close to a whale puts themselves, their passengers and the whale at risk and also risks facing a fine of up to $16,500.

Special interest status in Queensland waters has been granted to Migaloo - and other humpback whales with 90 percent or more white coloration - to help them swim freely and safely.

"The special interest declaration means no-one can bring a boat or jetski closer than 500 metres or fly an aircraft closer than 2000 feet to the whale without written permission,” Minister Darling said.

"For all other whales the standard distance is 100 metres for a boat and 300 metres for jet skis and other personal watercraft and when there are already three boats within 300 metres of the whale.

“However, in the whale protection zone of the Whitsunday, Lindeman and Gloucester islands where many whales deliver their calves, the minimum approach limit is 300 metres.”

Ms Darling urged all boat users during the migration in autumn, winter and spring, to take extra care on the water, keep an eye out and reduce speed if whales are sighted.

"Remember, if the whale shows any sign of being disturbed or there is a risk of separating a mother from her calf, you should slowly move away,” she said.

"If you are on a boat and a whale surfaces nearby you must disengage the gears and leave the motor idling or move away at a speed of less than 4 knots until the whale is at least 300m away.

"The best and safest place to check out migrating whales is from commercial whale-watching vessels or from dry land. Migaloo, like all of these magnificent creatures, deserves our respect and plenty of room on the annual migration between Antarctica and Queensland."

Sightings of Migaloo and other white whales, as well as concerns about injured whales, can be reported to 1300 130 372. For more information and regulations for whale-watching please visit www.derm.qld.gov.au.