DID YOU KNOW?
Guidelines are in place for any boats watching whales. If you are planning to dedicate some time on the water to watching whales, make sure you familiarize yourself with responsible whale watching practices. Following the guidelines reduces your chances of disturbing marine mammals and risking injury to both the animals and yourself!
Follow these 6 straightforward tips to safely and responsibly watch whales from your boat!
1. See A Spout? Watch Out!
Did you see a spout, a tail, or a breaching whale? Slow down and post a lookout. Some whales dive 20 minutes or more. Seeing one whale at the surface means more could be nearby. Proceed cautiously!
2. Head On Is Wrong!
Whales are protected under federal law, so interrupting their natural behaviors is illegal. Parallel the whale’s course and direction while staying at least 100 ft away (1,500 ft/500 yd for North Atlantic right whales) to avoid cutting off its path or getting too close.
In US waters it is illegal to approach a right whale within 1,500 feet, or 500 yards (5 football field lengths). Other countries may have different restrictions.
3. Lots of Boats, Then Talk to Folks!
If there are other boats watching or traveling near whales, contact them via VHF radio (CH 9 or 16) and coordinate viewing efforts. If you encounter whale watch boats at idle proceed with caution and idle your boat as well.
4. Avoid Trouble, Steer Clear of Bubbles
Some whales, such as humpback whales, create “bubble clouds” and “bubble nets” to corral schools of small fish. Never approach or drive through bubbles. A feeding whale is likely to surface in that space!
5. Don’t Chase, Give the Whales Space
If a whale moves away from your boat, don’t chase it. Respect the whales’ behavior and keep your distance. Cautious boaters may get to see exciting natural behaviors. Enjoy the whales; don’t endanger them or yourself.
6. Drop Your Sails When Watching Whales
Under sail, it can be difficult to reduce speed or quickly stop a safe distance from a surfacing whale. In the vicinity of whales, luff or drop your sails and use your auxiliary motor to proceed cautiously.
Even more on safe sailing can be found HERE.
7. V-shaped Blow? Right Whale Below!
See a V-shaped blow? It is likely an endangered North Atlantic right whale! Stay at least 1,500 feet (500 yards) away (it’s the law!).
Remember: All whales are protected by federal law. These tips will help you from accidentally illegally disturbing these animals. Your behavior shouldn’t change theirs.