What is the Code of Conduct for Responsible Whale Watching?

As whale watching becomes more popular, there is increasing concern about its impact on cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises). In Iceland, where the legal regulations are limited, IceWhale - an organization dedicated to promoting responsible whale watching and works to ensure the welfare of cetaceans in whale watching operations and sea activities - has developed a Code of Conduct to promote sustainable whale watching and provide guidelines to operators, aiming to raise awareness about human impact on marine life. This document is based on expert input and global best practices.

At Friends of Moby Dick, we are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism. We are proud to be part of Ice Whale and we follow strict guidelines to ensure that we do not disturb the whales or their environment.

Our tours are prioritizing to minimize our impact on the environment, and we encourage our guests to take an active role in protecting the whales and their habitats. We proudly follow Code of Conduct for Responsible Whale Watching with respect for the wildlife and surroundings.

“Code of conduct aims to ensure that whale watching operations are conducted responsibly, with a focus on well-being of cetaceans and a rewarding experience for passengers. By following these guidlines, we can contribute to suistainable whale watching practices and protect these incredible beings for future generations”

Goals

Minimise impact on cetaceans and ensure sustainable operations.

Enhance encounters by prioritizing animal welfare and passenger good experience.

Promote awareness and understanding of appropriate whale watching practices.

The Code of conduct is not a law, but a guideline to help reduce disturbances and ensure a responsible approach. There is no legal way to enforce it as an industry standard.

Factors to Consider

When out at sea, there are several factors that influence cetacean behavior and interactions:

Weather conditions
Whale numbers and prey availability
The presence of calves (young individuals)
Animal behavior and vessel proximity

Searching-Zone (3000m >)

Stay on the lookout: Keep a dedicated lookout and maintain radio contact with nearby vessels.

Avoid Disturbance: Do not make sudden noises or course changes. Noise pollution can harm cetaceans and disturb their behavior.

Be Predictable: Move the vessel gently and predictably, minimizing engine wear and pollution.

Approaching-Zone (300m >)

Distance: Start with a 300m distance and gradually close the gap, while continuously observing cetacean behavior.

Speed: Reduce speed (max 5-6 mph). If the cetacean is moving quickly, you may increase speed to around 8 mph, but not directly toward the animal.

No Chasing: Avoid following directly behind or approaching from the front. Keep the vessel at an oblique angle.

Cooperate with Other Boats: If there are other vessels, do not get closer unless the other boat signals it is safe. Take turns spending time with cetaceans.

Caution-Zone (50m >)

Stop Propeller: When cetaceans approach, stop the propeller and only re-engage it once they have cleared the vessel.

No Interaction: Do not touch, swim with, or feed cetaceans. Maintaining natural encounters is essential for their well-being.

Responsible Whale Watching Practices

Respect Distance: Cetaceans should have control over the interaction. If they move away or show signs of distress, increase the distance or move on. “Trumpeting” can be a warning sign, so make sure that captain can hear the animals of is in communication with the guide who can hear them.

Bow-Riding Dolphins: If dolphins approach the vessel and start bow-riding, maintain a steady speed or gently stop to allow them to pass. Do not attempt to encourage bow-riding.

Avoid Disturbing Birds: Ensure the vessel does not disturb nesting or resting birds, as this can have a negative impact on their activities.

Reporting and Violations

Potential Violations: Any actions leading to harassment or collision with cetaceans should be reported. If you notice that animals are being harassed or disrespected in any activity that appears to be an intentional or negligent please report and notify local coastguard, police, us (Friends of Moby Dick office - info@friendsofmobydick.is) or Ice Whale directly.

Ship Strikes: Any collision with cetaceans must be documented and reported to local authorities (tel. 112) and ideally also to the IWC (International Whaling Commission) ship strike database.

Entangled Cetaceans: Report sightings of entangled cetaceans to the police, local coastguard or us - Friends of Moby Dick.

Dead Cetaceans: Report sightings of dead or injured cetaceans. If possible include location, condition of the animal (e.g. live/dead/wounded), the type and number of animals (if the type of analysis is not possible, it is useful to obtain information on size and whether it’s a toothed whale or baleen whale).

Learn more:

For more information on cetacean behavior and whale watching guidelines, see publications about cetaceans and whale watching in Iceland, including:

AN ANALYSIS OF WHALEWATCHING CODES OF CONDUCT (2004) by Brian Garrod and David A. Fennell.
A REVIEW OF WHALE WATCH GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS AROUND THE WORLD (2009) by Carole Carlson.
WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND: AN ASSESSMENT OF WHALE WATCHING ACTIVITIES ON SKJÁLFANDI BAY (2012) by Sara Marie Martin.