Be Whale Wise

Marine Wildlife Guidelines for Boaters, Paddlers and Viewers (Revised 2006)

Why are marine mammal guidelines needed?
The marine areas of northern and southern Vancouver Island have a high abundance and diversity of marine mammals and seabirds. These animals are vulnerable to impacts from chemical and noise pollution, fishing activity, global climate change and loss of habitat. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada have listed the southern resident killer whales as endangered and the northern resident killer whales, transient killer whales and humpback whales as threatened. In response to the growth of commercial and recreation marine mammal viewing activities, guidelines (PDF) have been developed to help reduce the risk of disturbance by vessel traffic.

The whale watching guidelines are endorsed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and BC Parks in Canada and by NOAA Fisheries and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in the US.

By following the Be Whale Wise Guidelines you are helping to reduce
the impact of your vessel on marine mammals.

Be Whale Wise Brochure (PDF)

Be Whale Wise Poster (PDF)

Be Whale Wise for Kayakers in Johnstone Strait (PDF)

Guidelines:

BE CAUTIOUS and COURTEOUS: approach areas of known or suspected marine wildlife activity with extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure.
SLOW DOWN: reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400 metres/yards of the nearest whale. Avoid abrupt course changes.
KEEP CLEAR of the whales' path. If whales are approaching you, cautiously move out of the way.
DO NOT APPROACH whales from the front or from behind. Always approach and depart whales from the side, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whales.
DO NOT APPROACH or position your vessel closer than 100 metres/yards to any whale.
If your vessel is not in compliance with the 100 metres/yards approach guideline (#5), place engine in neutral and allow whales to pass.
STAY on the OFFSHORE side of the whales when they are traveling close to shore.
LIMIT your viewing time to a recommended maximum of 30 minutes. This will minimize the cumulative impact of many vessels and give consideration to other viewers.
DO NOT swim with, touch or feed marine wildlife.

Bow and stern-riding porpoises and dolphins:

DO NOT drive through groups of porpoises or dolphins to encourage bow or stern-riding.
Should dolphins or porpoises choose to ride the bow wave of your vessel, avoid sudden course changes. Hold course and speed or reduce speed gradually.

Seals, sea lions and birds on land:

BE CAUTOUS AND QUIET when around haul-outs and bird colonies, especially during breeding, nesting and pupping seasons (generally May to September).
REDUCE SPEED, minimize wake, wash and noise, and then slowly pass without stopping.
AVOID approaching closer than 100metres/yards to any marine mammals or birds.
PAY ATTENTION and move away, slowly and cautiously, at the first sign of disturbance or agitation.
DO NOT disturb, move, feed or touch any marine wildlife, including seal pups. If you are concerned about a potentially sick or stranded animal, contact your local stranding network where available.