It is unlawful to disturb a whale in Canadian waters. The following

guidelines are designed to help you avoid causing disturbance, stress or

injury to the whale.

 

·          Make sure your expectations are realistic. A whale may or may not choose to come close to your boat or wharf. Enjoy observing whichever activities the whale is engaged in while you are there such as foraging, resting, socializing or playing on his own.

 

·          Choose land-based over boat-based whale-watching whenever

      possible.

 

·          Never attempt to feed a wild whale. His survival depends on

      maintaining an ability to capture fresh, live food. Feeding him could

      result in sickness or even death.

 

·          Do not throw stones, sand or other objects into the water in the vicinity of the whale. He may surface unexpectedly and the object may enter his blowhole causing injury or death.

 

·          Do not offer objects as toys to the whale. For example, avoid attracting  the whale to dangling ropes. Understand that ropes are commonly tied to fishing gear and boat moorings and entanglement can be deadly for the whale.

 

·          If the whale is close to you, never reach out to touch or grab him.

 

·          Do not place hands or feet in the whale's mouth or on his blowhole.     Disease can be transmitted  between whales and humans.

 

·          Recreational swimming and diving in the vicinity of the whale is not recommended, as this creates a situation of high risk for both human

     and whale. Do not swim or dive with the whale especially near wharves         where vessels may be moving.

 

·          When boating, slow to no-wake in the area inhabited by the whale and avoid making any abrupt changes in speed or direction.

 

·          There should never be more than two boats operating within 50 meters of the whale at one time. If stopping to view the whale, turn your motor off when 50 meters from the whale and drift. Allow the whale to initiate closer contact if he chooses.

 

·          Beluga whales show a strong attraction to boat motors. Never use a boat motor or any other object to deliberately attract or manipulate the

      whale. This increases chance of injury.

 

·          Be courteous to other boat-based whale watchers and limit the number of visits to the whale, as well as the amount of time spent around the whale to about 15 minutes in a single visit.

 

·          Do not pursue, herd or chase the whale.

 

·          Respect rest areas and foraging areas by giving the whale his space. Rest areas are often marked by a moored boat or float, where he     surfaces frequently.

 

·          Remember it is a privilege to view wild, free-ranging whales. Enjoy them from a distance.

 

Whale Stewardship Project Guidelines for

Observing a Solitary Sociable Beluga Whale