COLUMN: Whale watching: Being an observer, not an intruder

Every year whale-watching tours off the Atlantic coast offer thousands of people the opportunity to encounter some of the world’s largest creatures.

While these majestic mammals may at times seem curious or even playful, it’s important to remember to be an observer – not an intruder – in order to make the best memories for both you and the whales.

Under the Fisheries Act and the Marine Mammal Regulations, it is against the law to disturb marine mammals.

The Species at Risk Act, in particular, outlaws the harassment of threatened or endangered species including the North Atlantic right whale and the blue whale. Unfortunately, fishery officers receive reports every year of people chasing and disturbing these mammals. Keep the following guidelines in mind when you take a tour this summer to make sure you have the lowest possible impact on the whales' daily life.

When sailing into whale territory, do so cautiously at low speeds. If seen as charging, your vessel may unintentionally kick off a dangerous chase for a whale in unfamiliar waters. Whales may also feel threatened if approached from behind or directly in front, where their side-facing eyes do little good.

Remaining to the side while making gradual changes in speed and direction offers them more time to react and become more comfortable with you as an observer. By sailing slowly and cutting the engine when within 200 meters, you are more likely to see a relaxed whale open to your company.

Experienced tour operators will be able to tell you when certain whales should be left alone. Remember, whales are not in the water for our entertainment. They are living creatures that come to our shores to feed, mate, raise their young and socialize. Whales resting on the surface, younger calves and any whales showing signs of avoidance should be left to swim freely. There are plenty more whales in the sea.

Once whales are spotted, it is extremely important to give them plenty of space. These are not animals in an aquarium; they are not protected from sharp boating equipment or becoming entangled in fishing lines. Sailing too close could mean injuring a whale or herding it into the path of other vessels.

Continuously scanning the horizon and always sailing parallel to whales will allow them more room to swim, explore, play and do all the things you came to see.

The Bay of Fundy boasts many different visitors in the summer months. Be on the lookout for finback whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales and the endangered North Atlantic right whales.

Now that you know how to be an observer instead of an intruder, don’t forget to keep yourself safe too. When heading out on a whale-watching tour, dress in warm layers, stay hydrated, bring binoculars, make sure you know where to find personal flotation devices in case of emergency and prepare for a great ocean adventure with some truly impressive creatures.

(Ian Marshall is the DFO Area Director for Southwest Nova Scotia. If you have questions about this column or would you like to read about other DFO issues that affect you and your community in future columns send en email to CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca or call (902) 426-3550.)