Whales and all cetaceans are highly complex social creatures whose position underwater in relationship to each other is vital for survival. These organisms are not just hanging around waiting to be harassed, they are listening, hunting, fleeing, resting, and in general probably growing from the experiences around them as they pass on their guardianship to the next generation. They not only need the space but our own laws should serve us as very minimum guidelines, (what our common sense, long lost for many, has told us all the time).
We must protect our right to Life in all its diversity in a healthy environment starting with our own behaviour. Environmentalists make the call and environmentalists with badges receive it.
In response to a complaint from onshore observers that jet skis and fishing boats were harassing a whale with its newborn calf the Commander said biologists in kayaks from the area would begin a vigil and all evidence would be analyzed.
Costa Rican Coast Guard officials were adamant about the need to provide safe distances for proper wildlife viewing in a recent phone conversation, stating, “Costa Rica has signed many treaties to protect wildlife in and out of the oceans and rivers and laws are in place to mobilize resources in their protection right now“.
Please follow the links for more in depth information.
See Whale observation rules for Environmental Protection here in Costa Rica
Hear what it sounds like to be a Whale in a boating environment
Graphics from NOAA and NMFS make it clear for all observers
Guardacostas information is here
NMFS is (1) prohibiting approaches within 200 yd (182.8 m) distance as outlined in the proposed rule; (2) implementing a ‘‘slow, no wake, safe speed’’ requirement within proximity of a humpback whale;
NMFS es (1) enfoques que prohíbe
dentro de 200 m (182,8 m) distancia como se indica en la norma propuesta; (2) la implementación de un” A baja velocidad, sin oleaje ” requisito dentro proximidad de una ballena jorobada;
Costa Rica Nature Conservatory 