Three surfers who were at a south coast beach may be able to help identify a “fool” who climbed on the back of a Southern Right whale while it rested with its newborn calf.

A drone was also used to buzz close to the whale at Puckeys Beach near Wollongong on Tuesday, in a breach of regulations.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) wants to speak to the three surfers after the incident, which has resulted in Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton labelling the man an “irresponsible fool”.

A file image showing a Southern Right whale calf and its mother frolicking off the southwest coast of Victoria near Portland in June this year. It's estimated there are as few as 300 remaining in our waters. Credit:AAP

Southern Rights are critically endangered, with as few as 300 surviving in our waters, NPWS said.