Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation

Healthy marine species like whales, sea turtles, coral, and salmon are important for maintaining balanced and thriving ocean ecosystems.  We work to protect marine species populations from decline and extinction, conduct research to understand their health and environment, and evaluate and monitor human activities that might affect them to ensure future generations may enjoy them.  –  NOAA

BOATING DURING WHALE SEASON IS NOT DIFFICULT OR DANGEROUS WHEN YOU UNDERSTAND THE SCIENCE AND TAKE PRUDENT MEASURES.

All ocean users should be familiar with the 100-yard or close approach rule.  This important regulation makes it illegal to approach a humpback whale within 100 yards (90 m) by any means when on or in the water. These regulations apply to all ocean users and vessel types.

The presence of whales should not stop you from enjoying fishing, exploring and voyaging on the ocean.  You can take steps to prevent collisions with these visiting giants.  It is as simple as understanding the five “whats” of boating during whale season.  Specifically:

 

1. What TIME of Year?

2. What DEPTH?

3. What SPEED?

4. What DISTANCE?

5. What’s the SOLUTION?

 

This web page was last updated on 9/24/2021