New Regulations Set To Go Into Effect August 25

Australian drone pilots who fly less than 100 meters (approx. 328 feet) over a migrating whale could face large fines and jail time under new regulations that go into effect August 25.

The legislation is aimed at protecting the massive marine mammals from any disturbance, according to a report from The Manly Daily newspaper. Drones will be limited to a 100 meter floor and a 122 meter (approx. 400 feet) ceiling under the law.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service classifies any drone as an aircraft, which is not allowed to fly within 300 meters (approx. 985 feet) from a whale or dolphin. So if a drone pilot were to try to photograph any such animal from directly overhead, they would be in violation of the 122 meter ceiling imposed for drone flights.

The potential fines are $110,000 and two years in jail.

A spokeswoman for the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service said that the changes in the law “recognizes advances in drone technology and that their popularity is increasing."

FMI: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au