Operating Near Marine Mammal Species

Alaska law designates certain dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Operating Near Marine Mammal Species is operating a vessel in an area where there are marine mammal species that are protected by federal law. According to federal law, vessel operators should:

• Stay at least 300 feet from marine mammals.
• Keep the time spent viewing the animals to less than 30 minutes.
• Not chase the animals.
• Make sure the animals have a clear escape route.
• Put the engine in neutral to let any approaching animals pass.
• Leave the area if an animal becomes upset.
• Make sure no one on the vessel feeds the animals or touches a young animal.