Be Whale Wise

Guidelines for Marine Wildlife Viewing

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Do your part to protect marine mammals -- Follow these viewing guidelines: 

Whale Watching:

• BE CAUTIOUS and COURTEOUS: approach areas of known or suspected marine mammal activity with extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure.
• SLOW DOWN: reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400 metres/yards of the nearest whale. Avoid abrupt course changes.
• AVOID approaching closer than 100 metres/yards to any whale.
• If your vessel is unexpectedly within 100 metres/yards of a whale, STOP IMMEDIATELY and allow the whales to pass.
• AVOID approaching whales from the front or from behind. Always approach and depart whales from the side, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whales.
• KEEP CLEAR of the whales’ path. Avoid positioning your vessel within the 400 metre/yard area in the path of the whales.
• STAY on the OFFSHORE side of the whales when they are traveling close to shore. Remain at least 200 metres/yards offshore at all times.
• LIMIT your viewing time to a recommended maximum of 30 minutes. This will minimize the cumulative impact of many vessels and give consideration to other viewers.
• DO NOT swim with or feed whales.

Porpoises and Dolphins:

•  OBSERVE all guidelines for watching whales.
• DO NOT drive through groups of porpoises or dolphins for the purpose of bow-riding.
• Should dolphins or porpoises choose to ride the bow wave of your vessel,
  
• REDUCE SPEED gradually and avoid sudden course changes.

Seals, sea lions and birds on land:

•  AVOID approaching closer than 100 metres/yards to any marine mammals or birds.
• SLOW DOWN and reduce your wake/wash and noise levels.
• PAY ATTENTION and back away at the first sign of disturbance or agitation.
• BE CAUTIOUS AND QUIET when around haul-outs and bird colonies, especially during breeding, nesting and pupping seasons (generally May to September).
• DO NOT swim with or feed any marine mammals or birds.
• Viewing wildlife within Marine Protected Areas, Wildlife Refuges, Ecological Reserves and Parks:
  • CHECK your nautical charts for the location of various protected areas.
  • ABIDE by posted restrictions or contact a local authority for further information.
  • The Laws:
    • Regulations in Canada and the U.S. prohibit the harassment and disturbance of marine mammals.