Additional Tips for All Boat Operators

Multiple Vessels Whales and dolphins are more likely to be disturbed when more than one vessel is near. Please be aware that cumulative impacts may also occur. You and your vessel may not be the only one that day to have approached the same animals. Wildlife Behavior Encounters with marine wildlife may cause stress to the animals even if it isn't obvious. Limit your time with any individual or group of marine wildlife. Marine mammals engaged in breaching and flipper/tail slapping may endanger people and/or vessels. Marine wildlife may surface in unpredictable locations.

Maneuvering Always adhere to NOAA’s Northeast Whale Watching Guidelines Actively look for surfacing animals. Slow down and steer away from their direction of travel. If you see one animal, assume there are more that are submerged in the vicinity. Decrease speed and stay alert. Vessels traveling in a predictable manner may be less disturbing to marine wildlife. Avoid excessive speed or sudden changes in speed or direction in the vicinity of wildlife. If you need to move around marine wildlife, do so from behind. Always leave the animals an "escape route." Limit your time with any individual or group of marine wildlife.

Last Updated: April 21, 2009