Home Pilot Whale Spinner Dolphin Humpback whale Spotted Dolphin False Killer Whale Bottlenose Dolphin Fin whale Guidelines Fiji whalesanctuary
	Whales and Dolphin whatching guidelines Whale and dolphin watching may cause disturbance to cetaceans: -Stress -Behaviour changes such as feeding, nursing, mating, migrating -Habitat displacement from feeding, resting, reproduction areas -Reduced offspring -Increased mortality. Changes in behavior must recognized and adressed to reduce  animal disturbance. Whales or dolphins may display the following when disturbed:  -Changes in swimming speed or direction -Changes in breathing or diving pattern -Stopping or changing activity patterns ( vocalizing, feeding, nursing, socializing   Code of conduct -Operate vessels to not disrupt the normal movement or behavior of whales and dolphins -Stop any interactions with cetaceans at signs of the animal becoming disturbed or alarmed; -Allow cetaceans to determine the nature and duration of interactions. Caution Zone Caution zone: The caution zone is the area within 100m – 300m from a whale and 50m – 300m from a dolphin. The following recommendations must to be considered: -Do not touch a cetacean -Do not feed a cetacean -Do not make any loud or sudden noises -Do not make sudden or repeated changes in direction or speed -Always observe where the animals are in relation to the vessel -Do not place a vessel in a position where it will drift into, the no-approach zone (see diagram). When vessels are within the caution zone of whales or dolphins: -Approach cetaceans slowly and cautiously -Observe cetaceans at a speed not exceeding the speed of the animals -Leave boat engine on and in idle when watching cetaceans -Do not eparate a group of cetaceans -Do not chase, encircle, block the direction of travel of cetaceans, or position yourself in the middle of a pod -If cetaceans approach a vessel, slow down gradually and put engines in idle -If cetaceans approach a vessel to bow-ride, maintain a slow and steady speed and avoid sudden changes in course -When departing from watching cetaceans, determine where the animals are to avoid collisions or coming too close to the animals, -The most appropriate method for approaching a whale or a dolphin is from the side and slightly to the rear of the animal. Avoid approaches from head on or directly from behind. Dolphin Caution Zone*
Whale Caution Zone*
*Guideline Source   Int. Fund  for Animal Welfare . .
Home Pilot Whale Spinner Dolphin Humpback whale Spotted Dolphin False Killer Whale Bottlenose Dolphin Fin whale Guidelines Fiji whalesanctuary
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