Sailing with whales and dolphins can be a real thrill, says Dr Isabella Clegg, but be careful not to disturb them… (Boat International). Here are some helpful tips to make your encounter with these amazing sea mammals safer and more fun.
There’s nothing quite like watching dolphins bow ride in front of your boat, or seeing whales heaving their gigantic bodies out of the water. Unfortunately, the increasing number of boats and wildlife tourists on the water has caused problems.
The disturbances can affect the animals’ behavior, causing them to flee and abandon their socialization or hunting sequence. In extreme instances, the animals can end up being injured or killed by boats, which is especially devastating to endangered species. Disturbance can be caused by the physical presence of boats as well as the noise pollution of vessels in the area. The inhalation of exhaust fumes is also likely to pose health risks to the animals. Read more
