Code of Conduct for Responsible Whale Watching – Operators Manual

Searching-Zone (3000m >):
This is the area of the actual search for the cetacean. In some locations the search starts right after leaving the port whereas in other locations some sailing is required to reach the cetacean grounds. Therefore it’s important to adjust the distances to the area in which you operate. Naturalist(s), crewmembers and even guests take part in the search and when any cetacean have been spotted it’s important to follow this code of conduct on how to approach and behave in the vicinity of the animals.

• Keep a dedicated lookout and stay in radio contact with other vessels (approaching and departing).
  We never know where or when the cetacean may come to the surface and therefore it’s important to always be prepared for their appearance.
• Avoid making sudden or excessive noises and disturbances.
  Recent studies suggest that noise pollution may cause harm to cetacean directly, e.g. by damaging their hearing. More commonly it appears that excessive or prolonged noise pollution can cause behavioural changes that interfere with their health and survival.
• Avoid sudden speed or course changes (approaching and departing).
  Just as we try to interpret cetacean behaviour we should be as predictable as possible so they may also interpret our behaviour. The vessels should therefore be manoeuvred softly and as predictably as possible. This is not only better for the cetacean and other wildlife but also the engines and gearboxes. It also minimises pollution and increases passenger safety.
• Continuously assess cetacean behaviour during interactions, and avoid repeated attempts to interact with animals that are showing signs of distress.
  A responsible encounter is always on the animal’s terms. We still have a lot to learn about cetacean behaviour, but disturbance by vessels is believed to cause: disruption to normal animal behaviour (e.g. when feeding, migrating, resting); avoidance of important habitats (e.g. feeding, resting and mating areas); increased stress; injury; increased mortality; and even reduced breeding success (less births or less births that survive to adulthood). Therefore it’s important to continuously keep an eye out for what appears to be an aggressive or negatively disturbed behaviour (in particular, tail slapping or loud trumpet blows, but other signs of disturbances include: obvious or repeated attempts to move away from the vessel; regular changes in direction or speed of swimming; hasty dives; changes in breathing patterns; and increased times spent diving compared to time spent at the surface) and to swiftly take appropriate action.

Approaching-Zone (300m >):
This is the area where we have the chance to approach the cetacean and gain their trust. Given the nature of our operations, obviously the main objective is to get as close as possible, but to still be far enough away so that our presence does not disrupt natural behaviour. It’s important to keep in mind that some species and/or animals are more elusive than others, and so the actual distance should wherever possible be adjusted according to the species being approached. It’s also important to take account of the local geography to avoid the possibility of trapping cetacean in or crossing their path.

• Aim at maintaining a distance of 300 m at the beginning of the encounter, and gradually get closer with time.
  This gives the captain the chance to assess the cetacean behaviour and also builds up excitement amongst passengers that gradually get a better view. Show particular care and keep more of a distance in rough sea conditions, when cetacean are feeding (e.g. lunge feeding, fast surfacing, dolphins breaching in a circular pattern, and flocks of birds) or resting (usually travelling slowly and surfacing in the same direction or logging). If it seems to be avoiding the vessel then either increase the distance between the vessel and the cetacean or move on and leave it alone. Most importantly when unsure about the appropriate action always keep more of a distance between you and the cetacean.
• Stop the main propeller (max speed ≊5-6 mph). If the cetacean is travelling fast you can speed up a little (up to ≊8 mph) but not directly towards the animal.
  Cetacean can change direction, speed, and behaviour rapidly and these factors could lead to problems if you approach too quickly.
• Avoid following behind cetacean and never deliberately approach directly in front. Vessel movements should be parallel to them, approaching cautiously at an oblique angle (from behind).
  Cetacean have none, or limited view directly in front or behind and could therefore be startled by an encounter in those areas. The behaviour described above is therefore believed to be the safest way to approach cetacean. It also gives passengers the best view of the animal(s). If the cetacean is a sperm whale it is thought best to approach from behind.
• Don’t move closer if there is another boat in the approaching zone, unless the other boat gives way or signals that it is safe to approach.
  The crew of the first vessel to spot the cetacean and approach it has had more time to assess its behaviour and could therefore advise any following vessel(s) on how best to move in. Therefore it’s important to communicate with other vessels in the area and to coordinate actions, equally within and between companies. Nearby fishing or other vessels could also have valuable information on the cetacean.
• Keep to a steady speed if dolphins approach the vessel and start bow-riding, or else come slowly to a stop and let them pass.
  If dolphins choose to come under the boat of their own free will do not change speed. This will allow them to play in the wave from the bow. When this occurs, it is perfectly fine to enjoy the experience, and to encourage passengers to watch and enjoy the dolphins playing by or under the bow of the boat.
• Do not attempt to encourage dolphins to bow-ride.
  It is not certain that all dolphins will want to bow-ride as this close proximity could cause unnecessary stress.
• Ensure that the vessel does not disturb nesting or resting birds.
  Seabirds that are seen on the surface of the ocean around colonies may be resting, foraging, feeding, courting or preening. These are all critical activities that the presence of any vessel(s) may disrupt. If birds are repeatedly forced to take flight, and are interrupted in their activities it could have a detrimental impact on them.