Local boaters have been urged to slow down and watch out for whales as migration gets underway.
There were 95 sightings reports to the WhaleFace project in Victoria last year, including a number along the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road.
The Conservation Regulator says southern right whales use Victorian waters to give birth and raise their young, and are vulnerable to boat strikes as they spend time closer to land.
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Penalties are in place for those who breach approach distances.
Swimmers and surfers must stay at least 50 metres away from the water mammals, boats 200 metres, jet skis 300 metres and aircraft including helicopters and drones at least 500 metres away.
Whale sightings can be reported here.
