Best practices for watching marine mammals in QuebecMany of us want to watch whales, but not disturb them. In May 2007 Fisheries and Oceans Canada replaced the Code of ethics with “Guidelines for best practices for watching marine mammals in Quebec”. These best practices are in line with DFO’s Marine Mammal Regulations, which prohibit the disturbance of marine mammals in Canadian waters. These Regulations are under revision in order to better manage marine mammal observation practices for the entire country. In the interim, while waiting for these new regulations to be adopted and applied, best practices for watching marine mammals in Quebec presents clear and concrete voluntary guidelines. At sea, on land or from the air, these practices concern all whale watchersThe best practices are aimed at protecting marine mammals in the St. Lawrence. They apply to all types of commercial or privately owned vessels, including sea-doos, kayaks and sailboats, as well as divers and aeroplanes flying over the water. For seaborne whale watchers, this document sets limits for distance, speed, approach angles and numbers of boats. It also specifies behaviour near endangered species and seal haul-outs. For land-based whale watchers, it outlines behaviour when in the presence of resting or injured seals. These best practices apply to the St. Lawrence in its entirety, with the exception of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park where special regulations exist since 2002. Marine Activities Regulations What is the responsibility of scientists studying whales?Permits for scientific or educational purposes can be allocated in accordance with article 52 of the general fishing regulations. These permits are given out with certain conditions and allow for approaches or special research, such as biopsy sampling or photo-identification, which would be difficult to conduct under normal observation conditions. Holders of these permits must hoist the flag given to them by DFO. If they contravene conditions specified under their permit, they may be legally prosecuted. I want to know more On the Fisheries and Oceans Canada site: Guidelines for best practices for watching marine mammals in Quebec Why best practices guidelines are needed for watching marine mammals in Quebec? |