WHALE WATCHING ETIQUETTE

It is always exciting to see a whale, dolphin, or porpoise in the wild. But sometimes we forget that our actions in their presence could have a detrimental effect on them and their habitat. When we get too close, approach too fast, or make too much underwater noise, we cause them unnecessary stress.		photo by L. Barrett-Lennard and K. Heise
Factors such as overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution are already proving to be a burden to many marine animals and the environment in which they live. Therefore, it is important that we try to minimize human-caused impacts whenever possible. So, when you see a whale, dolphin or porpoise in the wild please follow these guidelines and remember that the ocean is their home.

 Be cautious and travel slowly when approaching areas where marine mammals are known or suspected to be present.

Reduce your speed to less than 5 knots when you are within 400 metres/yards of the nearest whale. Don't make any abrupt changes in speed or course.

Don't approach the nearest whale to within less than 100 metres.

Move in the same direction as the whales. Use gradually converging or diverging courses to approach or leave them.

Stay on the offshore side of the whales when they are travelling close to the shore.

Never "leapfrog" whales, or deliberately place your vessel in their path.

If you find your vessel unexpectedly within 100 metres/yards of the whales, stop and allow them to pass.