Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines
following marine wildlife viewing guidelines are intended to help you
enjoy watching marine wildlife without causing them harm or
placing personal safety at risk. Please note that these are
general guidelines and that the types of wildlife, local habitat
conditions, and numbers of people present in an area may require local
restrictions or closures to protect the wildlife. Always follow local
and species-specific guidelines and regulations when available, and
respect the rights of landowners and other wildlife viewers on your
Learn before you go. Read
about the wildlife, viewing sites and local regulations to get the most
from your wildlife viewing experience. Many species live only in
specific habitats such as estuaries, coral reefs, sand dunes or the
open ocean. Seasonal and daily cycles also influence when and where an
animal may be located. Research on the internet, buy regional viewing
guidebooks, talk with local residents and hire local guides to increase
your chances of seeing marine wildlife.
Keep your distance.
Use binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras with zoom lenses to get a
closer look. Marine wildlife may be very sensitive to human
disturbance, and if cornered, they can harm the viewer or leave the
area. If wildlife approaches you, stay calm and slowly back away or
place boat engines in neutral. When closer encounters occur, do not
make sudden moves or obstruct the travel path of the animals - let them
have the unhindered "right of way."
Never touch, handle or ride marine wildlife. Touching wildlife, or
attempting to do so, can injure the animal, put you at risk and may
also be illegal for certain species. The slimy coating on fish and many
marine invertebrates protects the animal from infection and is easily
rubbed off with a hand, glove or foot. Avoid using gloves when diving
or snorkeling to minimize the temptation to touch. Remember, wild
animals may bite, body slam or even pull you underwater if startled or
Do not feed or attract marine wildlife.
Feeding or attempting to attract wildlife with food, decoys, sound or
light disrupts normal feeding cycles, may cause sickness or death from
unnatural or contaminated food items, and habituates animals to people.
Habituated animals are vulnerable to vessel strikes or vandalism, and
can be dangerous to people.
Never chase or harass wildlife.
Following a wild animal that is trying to escape is dangerous. Never
completely surround the animal, trap an animal between a vessel and
shore, block its escape route, or come between mother and young. When
viewing from a boat, operate at slow speed, move parallel to the
swimming animals, and avoid approaching head-on or from behind, and
separating individuals from a group. If you are operating a
non-motorized vessel, emit periodic noise to make wildlife aware of
your presence and avoid surprise.
Stay away from wildlife that appears abandoned or sick..
Some marine animals such as seals, leave the water or are exposed at
low tide as part of their natural life cycle -- there may be nothing
wrong with them. Young animals that appear to be orphaned may actually
be under the watchful eye of a nearby parent. An animal that is sick or
injured is already vulnerable and may be more likely to bite. If you
think an animal is in trouble, contact the local authorities for advice.
Wildlife and pets don't mix. Wild animals can
injure and spread diseases to pets, and in turn, pets can harm and
disturb wildlife. For example, wild animals recognize dogs as predators
and quickly flee when they see or smell dogs. If you are traveling with
a pet, always keep them on a leash and away from areas frequented by
Lend a hand with trash removal. Human garbage is
one of the greatest threats to marine wildlife. Carry a trash bag with
you and pick up litter found along the shore and in the water. Plastic
bags, floating debris and monofilament line pose the greatest risk to
Help others to become responsible wildlife watchers and tour operators.
Speak up if you notice other viewers or tour operators behaving in a
way that disturbs the wildlife or other viewers, or impacts sensitive
habitats. Be friendly, respectful and discrete when approaching others.
When operating a boat, lead by example and reduce your speed in areas
frequented by marine wildlife, anchor properly and encourage others to
do the same. Violations of the law should be reported to local
It's up to you!
Carry a few copies of these guidelines on your travels and share them
with others. When choosing a commercial tour operator, ask if they
follow these guiding principles and patronize those businesses that do.
After all, protecting and conserving marine wildlife and habitats is
Produced by the Watchable Wildlife Marine Viewing Working Group,
made up of representatives from the National Park Service; NOAA
Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources; NOAA National Marine
Sanctuaries; The International Ecotourism Society; U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service; Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society; Wildlife
Conservation Society; and Watchable Wildlife, Inc..
Photos courtesy of www.naturetourismplanning.com.