After humpback whales put on a show close to shore in Plymouth last summer, including a high-profile incident when a whale breached onto a boat, NOAA has issued tips to help people safely operate their vessels around whales this year.
Large whales can be a safety hazard for recreational boaters and fishermen because they can surface unexpectedly, and are hard to detect in certain weather conditions.
“As whales feed at the surface and close to shore, the chances of encountering one increases,” NOAA wrote on its website. “Accidental collisions with these large animals can be dangerous for everyone involved and can result in costly repairs to your boat.”
Officials are emphasizing the “See a Spout? Watch Out!” boater education program to keep safe when operating a vessel in waters shared by whales.
“Did you see a spout, a tail, or a breaching whale? Slow down and post a lookout,” NOAA wrote. “Some whales dive 20 minutes or more. Seeing one whale at the surface means more could be nearby. Proceed cautiously!”
Some whales, such as humpback whales, create bubble clouds and bubble nets to corral schools of small fish. Never approach or drive through bubbles, NOAA warns. A feeding whale is likely to surface in that space.
Also, if a whale moves away from your boat, don’t chase it. Respect the whale’s behavior and keep your distance.
“Whales are protected under federal law, so interrupting their natural behaviors is illegal,” NOAA wrote. “Stay parallel to the whale’s course and direction while staying at least 100 feet away to avoid cutting off its path or getting too close. Give North Atlantic right whales more space — it is illegal to approach within 1,500 feet/500 yards (five football field lengths) in U.S. waters.”
Meanwhile on Tuesday, a New England Aquarium scientist will testify before a congressional subcommittee on enhanced federal regulations to protect North Atlantic right whales.
Jessica Redfern will be testifying in favor of proposed changes that would slow vessels to protect the critically endangered species, which has an estimated population of less than 350 individuals.
Proposed changes to the vessel speed rule include expanding the size of and time period for areas with seasonal speed restrictions, extending restrictions to most vessels measuring 35 to 65 feet in length, and implementing mandatory speed restrictions in dynamic speed zones.
Vessel strikes are a leading cause of the North Atlantic right whale’s decline, and scientific evidence has shown that slowing down vessels is essential to reducing deaths and serious injuries.