LBFD Warns Boaters To Give Whales Space After One Was Hit By Boat

The Long Beach Fire Department chastised boaters for getting too close to whales today, and warned them to keep their distance after a boat struck a whale yesterday.

In a post to Facebook showing boats crowding around a whale, the fire department warned boaters to give space to the whales that visit Long Beach's waters. Not only is getting close to the animals dangerous, it is illegal.

Whales need to be given at least 300 of feet of space from boats, both for the safety of the whales and the boat. Whales can capsize boats, and boat propellers can kill whales. Just yesterday, the fire department said, a boat struck a humpback whale in the waters off the Barrier Island.

Anyone who is out on the water and sees boats getting too close to whales is encouraged to call the US Coast Guard and report the activity.

Gotham Whale, a group dedicated to studying and helping whales in New York waters, offered these tips for boaters who encounter whales or who are out whale watching:

• You always need to be 300 feet away from a whale.
• Parallel course and speed of whales.
• Approach and leave stationary whales at no-wake speed.
• Do not attempt head-on approach.
• Do not intentionally drift down on whales.
• Do not exceed 7 knots in stand-by zone.
• Close approach vessel time limited to 15 minutes.
• Departure Procedure: leave whales following same procedures described for applicable distances away from whales. Vessels should depart whales and return to port 15 minutes before sunset.
• No intentional approach within 100 feet. If the whale approaches you within 100 feet, put vessel engine in neutral and do not re-engage propulsion until whale observed clear of harm’s way.
• Sailing vessels should drop sails and use auxiliary engines while whale watching to maintain more maneuverability.

Photo: Shutterstock