Boaters on the North Coast are reminded to give whales, dolphins, and porpoises plenty of space. Fisheries and Oceans Canada regulations require vessels to stay at least 100 metres away from all marine mammals—roughly the length of a football field or seven and a half school buses.
If a whale is spotted within 1,000 metres, vessels must slow to under seven knots. Within 400 metres, echo sounders and fish finders should be turned off, and engines put in neutral idle, whenever it’s safe to do so. These measures reduce the risk of collisions and minimize disturbances to marine wildlife.
“Vessels can injure or even kill whales, and disturbances can affect feeding, resting, and natural behaviours,” says DFO. “Following these guidelines helps protect these incredible animals and ensures that they can continue to thrive in our waters.”
Boaters are encouraged to keep watch for whales, use binoculars to spot them early, and always follow safe distances. Being cautious and aware on the water isn’t just about obeying rules—it’s about protecting the North Coast’s unique marine environment for everyone.
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