Summary:
A south Australian man, Jim Murray Smith, was fined after riding too close to an endangered species of whale on his jet skis. The prosecution said that he has been the third person to do so, which was hard to prove or deny. He pleaded guilty to being within 300 meters of the two southern right whales on his jet skis on a day in July 2011, in Port Noarlunga. Magistrate Dixon convicted Smith and imposed a fine of two thousand dollars plus eight hundred in prosecution fees.
Analysis:
I think overall it was a bit much to begin with, and the guy had no idea that he was so near to the animals in the water at the time. However, he did put up over three years of fuss over the fine, and the necessary precautions to protect those animals were being taken. Overall the court did its job and hopefully the money its earned can go towards protecting the endangered whales. At least I hope that's what they're doing with the money? Otherwise why fine this guy in the first place.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-09/jet-ski-rider-fined-for-getting-too-close-to-whales/4946656
I f they haven't already, they should put signs or buoys around the spot where the whales are so this won't happen.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a bit much. Unless the area is clearly blocked off, how is a normal person supposed to know that it is and endangered species area. A jet ski is not going to harm a big whale.
ReplyDeleteProtect the whales, and give their cause money to buy protective buoys!
ReplyDelete