Whale calf terror off Gold Coast

HUMPBACKS heading north better watch their backs, after a pod of killer whales was spotted in Gold Coast waters yesterday in fast pursuit of their dinner.

Spirit of Gold Coast skipper Jason Roberts said four killer whales about 5m long were seen about 10 nautical miles off Tallebudgera at 9.45am.

And it's expected great white sharks wil not be too far behind.

Mr Roberts said the whales were travelling so fast that crew members almost missed a glimpse of them.

"For three years killer whales have been seen just off the Gold Coast," he said.

"There is the possibility that we will see more of them in coming years as the population of humpbacks increases.

"They were really thrashing around in the water and moving at around 16 knots."

Mr Roberts said killer whales hunted baby humpbacks, feasting on the calves' tongues and lips.

With more humpbacks migrating north each year, it was logical their biggest predators, the killer whale and the great white shark, would come hunting.

"It was a really special occasion for everyone on board," he said.

"It's a rare sight to see.

"Killer whales feeding on the baby humpbacks is just part of nature."

As humpback whales start to migrate up the Queensland Coast, recreational boat owners are being warned to keep their distance.

Queensland Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said while the annual whale migration was an amazing sight, some weighed more than a fully loaded semi-trailer and should be given a wide berth.

"Last year, some boats crowded around whales on the Gold Coast and skippers put themselves, their passengers and the whales at risk," she said.

"A number of boaties were given warnings last whale season and our marine rangers intend on ramping up their monitoring efforts this year.

"Boats cannot go any closer than 300m to a whale if three or more boats are already closer than 300m to a whale.

"Boats cannot go any closer than 300m if moving in a similar direction to or behind a whale, moving at more than four knots."

The maximum penalty for intentionally moving closer to a whale than permitted under the conservation plan is $12,000.

On-the-spot fines ranging from $300 to $500 may also apply for contravention of the conservation plan.