[CINC] NOAA News Release: Viewing Guidelines for Blue Whales and Other Marine Mammals

[Shauna.Bingham at noaa.gov]

Sept. 15, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Milbury/562-980-4006 
Monica DeAngelis/562-980-3232 

Viewing Guidelines for Blue Whales and Other Marine Mammals

Whale watching can be a positive and enriching experience when it is conducted responsibly and in a manner that results in the safety of animals and boaters alike. NOAA Fisheries Service is reminding boaters of guidelines and regulations for observing marine mammals like the numerous blue whales currently off the coast of Los Angeles or any of the other marine mammals that often live in and transit our local ocean waters.

All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972. In addition, some species, like the blue whale, are also protected under the Endangered Species Act. Both federal laws prohibit the “take” of any marine mammal except by permit or exception. Any actions by vessels operating in the vicinity of marine mammals that have the potential to significantly disrupt their behavior may be a violation of the law(s) unless such persons have specified legal authority or a permit under the MMPA. Violators may be subject to significant monetary fines and penalties.
Mariners should use prudent judgment while operating their vessels and always follow the navigational Rules of the Road. The following guidelines are intended to inform the public on how to avoid inadvertently disturbing these amazing animals in their natural environment. These guidelines are not a replacement for federal legal requirements.

• Be alert and avoid disturbing whales and changing their normal behavior.
• Attempt to stay at least 100 yards away from any whale.
• Do not:
o Move into the path of a whale
o Move faster than the whale
o Make rapid speed or erratic directional changes
o Go between two whales
o Chase any whales
o Attempt to feed any whales

For further information please contact Monica DeAngelis at 562-980-3232 or contact NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement Hotline at 800- 853 -1964.
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