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Observing Marine Mammals
Do's and Don'ts
Viewing whales, seals, sea lions,
sea otters, and porpoises are experiences that make boating in
Southeast Alaska waters special. But please avoid disturbing
or harassing them. Humpback whales, in particular, are on their
only feeding grounds in Alaska during the summer. While you may
be able to see several whales during the course of a trip or
predictably observe a concentration of whales in some areas at
certain times during the summer, remember that most whales are
endangered species. Sea lions have been declining for several
years and were recently classified as a Threatened Species everywhere
in their range under the Endangered Species Act.
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Signs
You Are Too Close To Marine Mammals!
- A rapid change in direction or speed
- Escape tactics such as prolonged diving
or fleeing into the water from haulout or rookery
- Underwater course changes
- Underwater exhalations
- Evasive swimming patterns
- Interruptions of feeding or migratory
activities
- Agressive postures or charges directed
at intruders
- Attempts to shield a calf or pup from
a human observer or a vessel
- Vocalizations, finning, tail-lobbing,
tail-raking or breaching
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Avoid:
- Encircling or herding marine mammals.
- Coming between members of a pod or group,
especially between a female and its young.
- Pursuing a marine mammal.
- Causing a marine mammal to abandon regularly
used areas.
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Tips
for Safe Viewing Distances
Should You Try to Get Closer?
The National Marine Fisheries Service has
made the following recommendations:
- Avoid an intentional approach within 100
yards if you are in a vessel less than 100 feet long.
- Avoid an intentional approach within 1/4
mile (440 yards) if you are in a larger vessel.
An intentional approach means
steering toward the animal or animals when you could avoid doing
so without jeopardizing the safety of your vessel or persons
on board.
If marine mammals approach you closer than
the recommended distances or you are operating in a restricted
bay, strait, or passage, then steer a steady, safe course and
speed, and avoid sudden changes in engine speed, vessel direction
or the use of bow thrusters. |
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Observing Seabirds
Do's and Don'ts
Southeastern Alaska waters have an abundance
of seabirds. While accessible nesting colonies are relatively
few compared to other parts of Alaska, places such as St. Lazaria
near Sitka and islands in Glacier Bay provide unique wildlife
viewing experiences. Please avoid scaring birds off nesting colonies.
- Don't Yell, Blast Boat Horns, or Buzz
Cliffs "To See The Birds Fly."
If nesting birds are flushed, especially in large colonies, eggs
and chicks are often knocked out of nests, chicks and eggs may
die from excessive stress or cold, predators will eat unguarded
eggs and chicks, nests can be abandoned.
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