10/15/2018
PLEASE GIVE THE WHALES ROOM. If you see harassment call the USCG (516) 785-2995 immediately!
Yesterday a Humpback Whale was hit by a boat off Long Beach NY. It was called in to the USCG by many on the shore and on boats in the area, immediately after happening! The whale went on its way as did the boat. Don’t know how bad the whale was injured?
We need to be clear that this photo (and the boats in the photo) has nothing to do with a whale being hit.
NOW, look at the photo taken yesterday from the Long Beach Boardwalk. You can see the boats are 50 feet or less away from the diving whale. Just because a boat is close to a whale, it doesn't "always" mean its harassing the whale!
EXAMPLE OF NO HARASSMENT! "IF" these boaters were fishing or stationary and the whale came to them this would be acceptable. NO HARASSMENT!
EXAMPLE OF HARASSMENT! "IF" (hypothetical) these boaters drove up to get close to the whale it is 100% not acceptable, especially the boat that is in front of the whale! That would be considered harassment!
It is illegal to interrupt any marine mammal’s natural behavior. If your behavior changes their behavior, back away! All law enforcement needs are a clear video of a harassment event (like, maybe, in the photo) The USCG and NOAA will go after them.
WHALE WATCHING GUIDELINES
You always need to be 300 feet away from a whale.
Parallel course & speed of whales.
Approach and leave stationary whales at no wake speed.
Do not attempt head-on approach.
Do not intentionally drift down on whales.
Do not exceed 7 knots in Stand-by Zone.
Close Approach vessel time limited to 15 minutes.
Departure Procedure - Leave whales following same procedures described for applicable distances away from whales.
Vessels should depart whales and return to port 15 minutes before sunset.
No Intentional Approach within 100 feet, if the whale approaches within 100 feet, put vessel engine in neutral and do not re-engage propulsion until whale observed clear of harm’s way.
SAILING VESSELS
Drop sails and use auxiliary engines while whale watching to maintain more maneuverability.
REMEMBER
Interrupting natural behaviors of marine mammals, such as feeding, nursing, resting, and traveling is against the law.
Boating Magazine Boating Times Long Island The Fisherman Magazine USCG Sector New York NYS Department of Environmental Conservation National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)