There are limits to observe!
Do whale watching boats disturb the whales?Discovering whales in their natural environment is an activity that is becoming more and more popular. It helps to heighten public awareness of the fragile nature of the marine environment. However, this craze does have a downside. Do whale watching boats disturb the whales?Which regulations are in force? The regulations in force are contained in article 7 of the Marine mammal Regulations of the Fisheries Act that prohibit the disturbance of marine mammals in Canadian waters. By virtue of Fisheries Act, anyone infringing this regulation can be legally prosecuted. Are Canadian regulations adequate?Dr. Jon Lien concentrated on this subject in 2000 at the request of Fisheries and Oceans Canada,. DFO has since been working on new regulations for whale watching in Canadian waters. Guidelines for best practices for watching marine mammals in QuebecIn May 2007, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) elaborated a document entitled ŇGuidelines for best practices for watching marine mammals in QuebecÓ to inform the general public in order to minimize the risk of disturbance. Clear and concrete voluntary guidelines have been established while new pan-Canadian regulations are being elaborated. Marine Park regulations: A sizeable respect for whalesIn collaboration with scientists and boat owners, the SaguenayŃSt. Lawrence Marine Park established the Marine Activities in the SaguenayŃSt. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations in 2002. These Regulations include a cap on the growth of the whale-watching industry, permits for tour operators and rules governing the approaching of marine mammals. The Marine Park and its partners also proposed a diversification of tours and an improvement of on-board educative programmes.
|
