Queensland State Government has agreed to give white humpbacks greater protection after a third one was spotted recently . Climate Change and Innovation Minister Andrew McNamara has ordered wider exclusion zones and tougher fines to protect the animals.

Under the new state rules governing white humpbacks, people who bring a boat closer than 500m or an aircraft closer than 2000ft (about 600m) face fines of up to $12,375, or $9,000 for a non-white humpback whale. Environmental Protection Agency officers will carry out regular surveillance, whale watch operators and the public are being urged to report anyone breaking the law.

The white humpback whale Migaloo was first spotted in 1991 and there have been sightings of other white humpbacks off the Queensland coast in the last two weeks.

"These beautiful, rare animals are now in our waters and it is every Queenslander's responsibility to ensure they aren't disturbed," Mr McNamara said.

10,000 humpback whales are expected off the Queensland coast this year - up 10% from 2007.