How Recreational Fishermen Can Help Protect Marine Mammals
Highlights
ALWAYS approach areas of surface fish activity cautiously - marine mammals might be present.
NEVER cast your line or set your gear near marine mammals. An increasing number of large whales have been observed with recreational gear attached to them. Prevent this from happening and set and/or troll your gear elsewhere. If a marine mammal approaches your gear, remove it from the water. REMEMBER: The presence of whales does not indicate the presence of tuna or other sportfish.
ALWAYS Keep your distance. Be aware of and adhere to minimum approach guidelines for whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals. These guidelines will help you to keep yourself, your passengers and the whales safe. *Note: Right whales are protected by additional regulations that prohibit approach within 500 yards (1500 feet).
ALWAYS place engine in idle and allow marine mammals to pass.
NEVER entrap, encircle or chase marine mammals. This is illegal.
ALWAYS retrieve your mooring system (anchor and ball) before returning to port.
NEVER tie-off to fixed gear (buoys or high flyers). Commercial gear is designed to have reduced breaking strengths to mitigate against any potential large whale entanglement. Federal law prohibits tampering with fishing gear.
For BUOY LINES:
ALWAYS maintain knot-free buoy lines.
DO NOT use floating buoy line at the surface.
DO NOT wet store your trap/pot gear.
NEVER feed marine mammals. This is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Feeding encourages marine mammals to approach boats and piers for handouts. Such behavior can cause them to become entangled in gear or hit by vessels.
ALWAYS abide by any commercial fishing regulations that protect marine mammals. For information on these regulations, call 978-281-9300 x6505.
Wearing polarized sunglasses can help you to better see animals when they are underneath the water's surface.
• REMINDER FOR CHARTERS: Charter vessels are considered commercial fishing operations under the MMPA, and therefore owners/operators are required to report all incidental injuries and mortalities of marine mammals caused during fishing activities to NOAA Fisheries Service.
• If you suspect potential harassment or violations of other marine mammal protection laws, contact NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement: 800-853-1964
For more information, contact the Protected Resources Division of NOAA Fisheries Service’s Northeast Regional Office: 978-281-9300 ext. 6505 Return to Main Marine Mammal Viewing Site