Tuesday, September 25, 2018
The federal government has implemented changes to the Marine Mammal Regulations, which impact whale watching operators.
The new rules for whale watching and approaching marine mammals provide a minimum approach distance of 100 metres for most whales, dolphins and porpoises to legally protect these animals from human disturbances.
The amended regulations clarify what it means to disturb a marine mammal, including: feeding, swimming or interacting with it; moving it (or enticing/causing it to move); separating a marine mammal from its group or going between it and a calf; trapping marine mammals between a vessel and the shore, or between boats; as well as tagging or marking it.
For more information about the regulations, please see http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/mammals-mammiferes/watching-observation/index-eng.html
In response to these new regulations, Tourism Nova Scotia has made a decision to only share photos and videos where whales are shown separately from tour boats as it can be difficult to determine the distance between the whales and boats in a video or photo.
The incredible opportunities to observe whales and other marine life is one of the many reasons people travel to Nova Scotia, and Nova Scotia tour operators provide thrilling whale watching experiences that are safe and ecologically responsible.
In response to this, Tourism Nova Scotia has made a decision to only share photos and videos where whales are shown separately from tour boats as it can be difficult to determine the distance between the whales and boats in a video or photo.
One of the many reasons people travel to Nova Scotia is to observe our amazing whales and marine life, and Nova Scotia tour operators provide thrilling whale watching experiences that are safe and ecologically responsible.
Tourism Nova Scotia will continue to promote the incredible opportunities for visitors to our province to view marine life to our visitors.
Should you have questions about the Marine Mammal Regulations, please contact the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
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