| Guidelines for watching
cetaceans |
| 1 |
Do not go closer than 100m (300ft)*
(WDCS) |
| 2 |
When there are 2
or more boats whale watching: do not go closer than
200m* (WDCS) |
| 3 |
Approach whales and
dolphins slowly from behind and to the side, not head
on or directly behind (Hoyt) |
| 4 |
Boats must reduce
speed and avoid sudden changes in speed when in the
vicinity of whales (Greenpeace) |
| 5 |
Never move between,
scatter or separate dolphins. If unsure of their movements,
simply stop and put the engine into neutral (WDCS) |
| 6 |
Never try to swim
with whales (WDCS) |
| 7 |
Never try to swim
with dolphins (WDCS) |
| 8 |
Special care must
be taken with mothers and young (WDCS) |
| 9 |
Spend no longer than
15 minutes near the animals (WDCS) |
| 10 |
Do not dispose of any rubbish, litter
or contaminants at sea (WDCS)
|
| 11 |
Do not feed cetaceans (Hoyt) |
| 12 |
Reduce as far as possible the production
of potentially disturbing sounds and avoid sudden changes
in noise (IWC) |
| 13 |
Vessel design should minimise the risk
of injury to cetaceans, e.g. propellers should be shrouded
(IWC) |
| 14 |
A naturalist should be on the boat
to provide information (Greenpeace) |
| 15 |
Provide tourists accurate and educational
information guides and books (IWC) |
*When cetaceans approach the boat, it is not necessary
to move away
