How Recreational Fishermen Can Help Protect Marine Mammals

• Download Protection Guidelines Brochure for Recreational Boaters & Fishermen
• ALWAYS approach areas of surface fish activity cautiously - marine mammals might be present.
• NEVER cast your line or set your gear near marine mammals. Reduce your risk of accidentally hooking a marine mammal with recreational gear by setting and/or trolling your gear where marine mammals are not present. Even if you do not hook a whale, setting or trolling gear close to whales and other marine mammals may be considered harassment under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 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).

• 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 978-282-9328.
• ALWAYS dispose of trash and fishing gear properly. Throwing plastic into the ocean is illegal. Recycle your monofilament line. More information on marine debris and gear recycling programs
• 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