The public has until August 31 to comment on the new policy, which was developed through operational experience and from new scientific research into the risks that sonar pulses pose to whales.

Federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the policy was developed by the oil and gas industry, conservation groups and Australia's top whale research scientists.

"Years of experience with and research on whales have demonstrated how well the oil and gas industry has managed the risks of seismic activity on whales," he said.

Previous guidelines stipulated that seismic survey activity could not occur if whales were within 3km of a vessel.

But Turnbull said "rigorous examination" of the available science and operational experience supported stricter safety zones. Under the new rules, seismic operators will have to shut down if whales are within a 2km radius.

The new guidelines change how seismic surveys are undertaken at night when visibility is poor, and provide clearer advice on how to plan seismic operations during migration seasons and what to do if whales are encountered.

The Australian seismic exploration industry will adopt the new policy immediately, with a view to refining the guidelines based on further operational experience.

To read the policy statement, visit http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc. Hard copies can be obtained by emailing ciu@deh.gov.au.