Be Whale Wise - www.bewhalewise.org

Act Responsibly

Seeing killer whales and other marine wildlife in their natural environment can be a thrilling experience.

In our excitement, we sometimes forget that our presence has an effect on wildlife and their habitat. Just like us, marine animals need space to find food, choose mates, raise young, socialize and rest.

When we get too close, approach too fast, or make too much noise, we may be disrupting these activities and causing the animals unnecessary stress. In some cases, we may be threatening their lives.

This information is intended to assist you in interacting properly with marine life. Set an example for others; assist law enforcement and help protect our spectacular marine resources by reporting violators.

Why do we need guidelines?

The diversity and complexity of marine life in the coastal waters off British Columbia and Washington is truly extraordinary.

It is a fragile world. Pollution, global climate change and other impacts are taking their toll at all levels of the coastal food web. Many species of marine wildlife, such as the endangered southern resident killer whales, are showing signs of vulnerability.

Meanwhile, vessel traffic in our waters is steadily increasing, placing added pressures on marine animals and their habitats.

We need to minimize our impact. These guidelines are designed to help you enjoy your wildlife encounter, and reduce the risk of disturbing marine wildlife.

Killer Whale Viewing Guidelines

1. BE CAUTIOUS and COURTEOUS. Approach areas of known or suspected marine wildlife activity with extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure.
2. SLOW DOWN. Reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400 meters/yards of the nearest whale. Avoid abrupt course changes.
3. KEEP CLEAR of the whales’ path. If whales are approaching you, cautiously move out of the way.
4. DO NOT APPROACH whales from the front or from behind. Always approach and leave whales from the side, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whales.
5. DO NOT APPROACH or position your vessel closer than 100 meters/yards to any whale.
6. If your vessel is not in compliance with the 100 meters/yards approach guideline (#5), place engine in neutral and ALLOW WHALES TO PASS.
7. STAY ON THE OFFSHORE SIDE of the whales when they are traveling close to shore.
8. 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.
9. DO NOT swim with, touch, or feed marine wildlife.

The Laws

Regulations of Canada, the U.S., and Washington State prohibit the harassment and disturbance of killer whales and other marine mammals. Many species are listed as threatened or endangered and therefore are subject to additional protections under the Endangered Species Act (U.S.) and the Species at Risk Act (Canada).

In Washington State, it is unlawful to:

Approach within 100 yards of a killer whale while on board a vessel.

• Intercept a killer whale by allowing a vessel or other craft in the path and within 100 yards of a killer whale.
• Fail to immediately disengage a vessel’s transmission when within 100 yards of a killer whale.
• Harass any marine mammal.
• For more information, please visit:
  Washington Fish and Wildlife www.wdfw.wa.gov/viewing/wildview.htm
• NOAA Office of Law Enforcement www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/

What is a disturbance?

Disturbance is when we interfere with an animal’s ability to hunt, feed, communicate, socialize, rest, breed, or care for its young. These are critical processes, necessary for healthy marine wildlife populations.

Report Violators

IN THE US: Call NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement, at 1-800-853-1964

IN CANADA: Call Fisheries and Oceans Canada 1-800-465-4336

Online: http://www.bewhalewise.org

Enforcement

Local law enforcement, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement are dedicated to the enforcement of state and federal laws that protect and conserve our nation’s living marine resources and their natural habitat.

Local law enforcement, Washington Fish and Wildlife Officers, and NOAA Fisheries Special Agents have specified authority to enforce numerous treaties related to the conservation and protection of marine resources.

Information provided by NOAA Office of Law Enforcement