Whale watching can be one of the most thrilling experiences in Bermuda during the spring. But the Department of Conservation Services would like to remind the public that the presence of humans can affect the whales. Whales are mammals and just like us, they need space to find food, to socialise and to rest. If we get too close, approach too fast, or make too much noise, we may be disrupting these activities, causing the animals unnecessary stress.

The Department of Conservation Services has set out whale watching guidelines which are designed to help the public enjoy their whale (or dolphin) encounter and to reduce the risk of disturbance to the whales.

The guidelines

are as follows:

If you see a whale, slow down and proceed with caution.

Do not approach closer than 100 metres to any whale or 50 metres to any dolphin.

Within the caution

zone, ie within 300

metres of a whale (or 150

metres of a dolphin)

Move at a constant, slow, ‘no-wake’, speed. Maximum speed not to exceed 7 knots.

Avoid sudden or repeated changes in direction or speed when within this zone. This will decrease noise and risk of collisions.

How to approach whales

Avoid approaching whales from directly in front or behind.

Always approach and depart whales from the side, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whale.

If your vessel is unexpectedly within 100 metres of a whale, take you vessel out of gear and allow the whale to pass.

Allowing a vessel to drift within the approach limits specified for whales due to wind, currents or forward momentum constitutes an approach and should not occur.

If the whales show behaviours indicating disturbance, such as erratic movements, rapid departure away from the vessel, performance of multiple tail slaps, immediately withdraw from the caution zone at a constant ‘no wake’ speed.

Whales should not be pursued. If a whale moves away, Do not chase it.

While watching whales

When stopping to watch whales, place your gear selector in neutral, and allow the motor to idle without turning it off; or allow the motor to idle for a minute or two before turning it off. This prevents abrupt changes in noise which can startle the animals.

Avoid excess engine use, gear changes, manoeuvring or backing up to the whales. These produce sudden, large changes in underwater noise levels which may startle the whales and drive them away.

To prevent crowding the whales, avoid having more than three boats within the caution zone at one time.

If more than one vessel is present, vessels should position themselves adjacent to each other to ensure the whales have large open avenues to leave the area.

Vessel operators, where possible, should coordinate their movements around whales by radio contact.

Do not crowd other whale watching boats. When encountering other whale watchers, wait your turn at a distance, and then approach cautiously after they have left the area.

It is recommended that you limit your viewing time to a maximum of 30 minutes. This will minimise the cumulative impact of many vessels and give consideration to other viewers.

Whales will sometimes approach the vessel, more closely than the specified approach distance, of their own accord. If this occurs, place the engines in neutral and let the animal(s) come to you; or slow down and continue on course, avoiding potential collisions; or steer a straight course away from them.

If a whale comes

close to you:

Remain quiet. Avoid making loud or sudden noises near whales.

Avoid sudden movements that might startle it.

Do not touch the animal. You can place yourself and the animal at risk.

The public are advised not to swim with or feed the whales.

When leaving the whales

Move off at a slow ‘no wake’ speed to the outer limit of the caution zone for the closest animal before gradually increasing speed. Avoid engaging propellers within the minimum approach distance, but if necessary to do so, use extreme care.

Dolphins

The whale watching guidelines also apply for dolphins except where stated.

A vessel should not be brought within the caution zone for dolphins faster than a ‘no wake’ speed as this may encourage dolphins to bow ride.

Should dolphins choose to ride the bow wave of your vessel, REDUCE speed gradually and avoid sudden course changes.

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A pamphlet “Guidelines for Whale Watching” is available from the Department of Conservation Services or on online at www.conservation.bm. Please help to protect the whales and dolphins by following the guidelines and setting an example for other boaters.