Water Sports and the Environment

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ENCOUNTERS WITH WHALES AND MARINE MAMMALS

From fall to early spring, certain species of marine mammals, including whales, may be encountered in coastal waters:

The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassment of marine mammals such as dolphins, whales, and manatees. The term “harassment” means any “act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which has the potential to injure a marine mammal, or has the potential to disturb a marine mammal by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.”

In order to avoid harassment of marine mammals, boaters should follow these rules:

• Observe them from a safe and courteous distance of no closer than 100 yards (300 feet). Whales require a distance of at least 500 feet.
• If approached by these animals, put the engine in neutral and allow them to continue uninterrupted.
• Avoid unnecessary boat speed or sudden alterations in speed or direction and never steer toward marine mammals.
• Use binoculars or telephoto lenses to get a good view of the animals.
• Do not surround an animal. Always leave an “escape” route.
• Obey all signs and markers in restricted areas.
• Report injured animals to the nearest marine rescue recovery agency.