Aquarium reminds boaters to keep their distance after whales spotted in Nanaimo

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In this file photo, a recreational vessel approaches a group of Pacific white-sided dolphins at speed, increasing the chance of collision and disturbance

B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network

The Vancouver Aquarium is asking boaters to keep a healthy distance from whales and other sea life.

The reminder comes after killer whales were spotted in the Nanaimo area ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend.

The aquarium’s B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network says the sighting serves as a reminder of how boating can impact whales.

“For many, the May long weekend represents the start of the boating season,” saidBCCSN coordinator Tessa Danelesko in a release.

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“It’s also a time when many species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises are seen off the B.C. coast, giving many boaters the opportunity to have incredible marine wildlife encounters. Unfortunately, when we get too close, approach too quickly, or make too much noise, we may disrupt the whales and interfere with foraging, resting and socializing. Boats can also directly injure cetaceans through collisions.”

The society offers these tips to help keep cetaceans safe:

-Be cautious and courteous: approach areas of known or suspected marine wildlife activity with extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure
-Slow down: reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400 metres/yards of the nearest whale. Avoid abrupt course changes
-Keep clear of the whales’ path: if whales are approaching you, cautiously move out of the way
-Do not approach whales from the front or from behind: always approach and depart whales from the side, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whales
-Do not approach or position your vessel closer than 100 metres/yards to any whale
-Place engine in neutral and allow whales to pass if your vessel is not in compliance with the 100 metres/yards approach guideline
-Stay on the offshore side of the whales when they are traveling close to shore
-Limit your viewing time to a recommended maximum of 30 minutes. This will minimize the cumulative impact of many vessels and will give consideration to other viewers
-Do not swim with, touch or feed marine wildlife

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Aquarium reminds boaters to keep their distance after whales spotted in Nanaimo