Understanding Responsible Whale Watching - Responsible Whale Watching Practices
Strict mammal observation guidelines have been created, respected and adhered-to by the whale watching industry: Other whale watching operators worldwide have adapted variations of this model, from which similar whale-friendly observation guidelines have been implemented.
Cooperation between researchers and the whale watching companies has contributed to the successful creation of a mutual and pro-active conservation and rescue effort. On any given day, members of the U.S. based Soundwatch Program and the Canadian Marine Mammal Monitoring (M-3) effort provide information to all boaters with respect to conduct and the effects of vessel traffic in the presence of whales. Leaflets and informational materials related to whale activities and behaviours are handed out to those who may inadvertently have encountered whales in their movement through coastal waters.
This kind of scientific, knowledge-based 're-education' has turned the tide of public misunderstanding into humane consideration and protection of whales from the possibility of critical population decimation, mainly through both prohibition of live capture and close approach by vessels. Rivers and estuaries are being reclaimed, toxic sites are being removed from waterways, and researchers have new evidence that whales have freely returned to former commercial capture areas they intentionally, and consciously, had avoided during the last three decades.
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Recent Sightings
April 25. 2008: Well when it rains it pours, except its not raining, its actually a beautiful sunny day(for a change). I am reffering to Whale sightings and today they are pouring in. We are currently south of Trial Island with Pender, a frequently sighted transient Orca. We also have reports of another group of whales, possibly transients out near Beechy Head. Jim on Osprey is on his way with a group to check out who it is, I'll let you know.
April 16. 2008: Today it is starting to actually feel like spring. The sun is shining and its kind-of warmish...sort of. Well anyway its a nice day and there are whale sightings so all is good. This morning there are some Transients hanging around Trial Island, looking for seals I'm sure, and last direction was towards Oak Bay and the flats. Its a great day for a boat ride.
April 9. 2008: Today we were out on "Osprey" the Zodiac and spent some quality time with the always entertaining J-pod. It is wonderful to see all of them again and we are looking forward to seeing them on a regular basis. We were down about 8 miles south of Brotchie.
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