4VI gratefully acknowledges the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish Peoples that have been caring for the lands and waters we operate on since time immemorial.
All photos on this page were taken in accordance with legal avoidance distances using telephoto lenses.
2025 For the Whales campaign – A collaborative effort between 4TVI (Tourism Vancouver Island), North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA), and Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA), to champion best practices in marine ecotourism. These three ecotourism leadership organizations are emphasizing marine mammal viewing stewardship activities like Sentinel Actions and the Whale Warning Flag to raise awareness about responsible marine mammal viewing and reinforce why the Vancouver Island Region is one of the top places to experience whale watching in the world.Â
Sentinel Actions include crucial efforts such as:
- Alerting Ferries and other vessels that whales are in the area
- Reporting entanglements: Promptly notifying authorities of marine mammals in distress.
- Removing hazards and debris: Actively contributing to a cleaner, safer ocean environment.
- Educating other boaters: Sharing knowledge of current regulations and restrictions to promote responsible practices across the marine community.
At the heart of Sentinel Actions is the belief that everyone shares a responsibility to protect what we love and that every respectful choice on the water counts. By highlighting the dedication and positive contributions tour operators can make, it reinforces the message that experiencing the beauty of British Columbia’s marine life should be done in a way that preserves its wonder and respects its wild inhabitants. The individual Sentinel Actions undertaken by operators, residents, and visitors add up to significant positive impacts year after year.
The development and adoption of a Whale Warning Flag has been an effective way to alert and inform fellow boaters that whales are in the area, prompting other vessels to slow down and adjust behaviour out of respect for marine life. The Whale Warning Flag promotes a consistent unified message throughout the Salish Sea for proper boating practices around all whales.
Showcasing these proactive efforts within the second iteration of the ongoing For the Whales project, 4TVI aims to encourage greater industry participation in these initiatives, and educate both visitors and residents on the stewardship role tour operators can play in marine conservation. These positive behaviours not only protect wildlife and ensure meaningful viewing opportunities for future generations but also inspire a broader community of ocean stewards.
—————————————————————————————————————————–
2024 For the Whales campaign – A collaborative effort between 4TVI (Tourism Vancouver Island), North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA), and Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) to champion best practices in marine ecotourism.
Whale watching is more than just a thrilling adventure; it’s a profound encounter with some of Earth’s most magnificent creatures. Yet, amidst this awe-inspiring experience lies a critical responsibility: responsible viewing and sharing of experiences.
In order to increase understanding of the importance of marine species and the need to reduce threats, it’s imperative to promote whale watching experiences in a manner that prioritizes their well-being and that of the marine ecosystem.
We are asking visitors and locals to please, view and share responsibly.
Ethical marketing practices ensure that tourists and locals alike view these majestic creatures in a manner that respects their natural habitats and behaviours, minimizing disturbance and fostering a sustainable relationship between humans and wildlife.
Vancouver Island’s whale watching industry not only provides unparalleled opportunities for awe-inspiring viewing of orca, humpback and gray whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions and otters, but also serves as a beacon of responsible tourism. By embracing ethical marketing principles, operators and enthusiasts can contribute to the preservation of these iconic marine species for generations to come, ensuring that the privilege of whale watching remains an enriching and sustainable experience for all.
4VI is grateful to the Marine Education & Resource Society (MERS) and the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) for sharing their knowledge and insights with us.
“The highest measure of an experience is if it happens as if you weren’t there.”
Jackie Hildering, The Marine Detective, Co-Founder and Education & Communications Director of MERS, Biologist, Humpback Researcher.
What you need to know about responsible marine mammal viewing on Vancouver Island:
For detail on the laws and best practices for marine mammal viewing, learn more at www.SeeABlowGoSlow.org
Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations
- Minimum avoidance distances for motorized and paddle-propelled vessels to reduce disturbance:
- 200m for Killer Whales/Orca
- Due to another law, the Management Measures to Protect Southern Resident Killer Whales, the minimum avoidance distance is 400 metres in the area from Cape Mudge to Ucluelet with the exception of whale watch operators who have signed, and adhere to, the Sustainable Whale Watching Agreement. These operators may view non-Southern Resident killer whales at an avoidance distance of 200m.
- 200m for whale, dolphin and porpoise species with calves or in resting position.
- 100m for all other whales, dolphins and porpoises.
- It is illegal to feed, swim with, or touch marine mammals.
- Accidental contact with a marine mammal (collision or entanglement) must be reported to the Fisheries and Oceans Incident Reporting Line 1-800-465-4336.
- 200m for Killer Whales/Orca
Due to another law, the Management Measures to Protect Southern Resident Killer Whales, the minimum avoidance distance is 400 metres in the area from Cape Mudge to Ucluelet, with the exception of whale watch operators who have signed, and adhere to, the Sustainable Whale Watching Agreement. These operators may view non-Southern Resident killer whales at an avoidance distance of 200m and fly a purple “Authorized Vessel” flag (AV Flag) as pictured above.
Further best practices to increase marine mammal and boater safety
- Do not position the vessel in the path of any marine mammal or otherwise strategize to have a close encounter. It is important to understand the intent behind the laws and avoidance distances. The proximity of vessels, even when stationary or with the engines off, can cause behaviour changes and add to stresses, risk of habituation, and cumulative effects for marine mammals.
- Always be alert for signs of whale presence such as splashes, blows, aggregations of birds, and vessels flying the Whale Warning Flag.
- Aggregations of birds can be an indication of feed, and therefore increased likelihood of marine mammal presence.
- Be extremely vigilant if you suspect you are in an area with baleen whales such as Humpbacks; they can be oblivious to the presence of boats, can be resting just below the surface, and where they surface can be very difficult to predict.
- Stay on the offshore side of whales and stay clear of their path.
- When ~1,000 metres of any whale, reduce vessel speed to 7 knots. Non-motorized vessels should raft up.
- Shut off engines to reduce underwater noise and exhaust emissions whenever possible, especially when within 400 metres of whales.
- If despite this vigilance, a whale surfaces nearby, stop immediately, put engine in neutral, and proceed slowly only when the whale is beyond 400 m.
- Do not share imagery or text on social media that creates confusion about the laws and best practices (see below under “Best practices for social media”).
Choosing a whale watching tour operator
There are many responsible wildlife watching operators on Vancouver Island. When booking with an operator, here are a few tips:
- Does the crew have the training, experience and ethics to provide safe and legal vessel operation around marine mammals and to provide accurate, engaging information about marine species and conservation? See the “About” and “Crew” sections of operators’ websites.
- What vessel is used? Consider passenger comfort and safety, as well as how the vessel minimizes ocean noise and fossil fuel use. How far are you likely to travel in the operator’s vessel to see marine wildlife?
- Does the operator’s website and social media reveal dedication to safe and legal marine wildlife viewing? There should be no imagery suggesting encounters that are closer than the legal distances.
- Does the company acknowledge whose Territories they operate in and benefit from First Nations’ knowledge?
- Is the operator a member of a professional body dedicated to ethical wildlife viewing?
- Does the company make their tours count for marine conservation through actions such as funding support and/or providing whale identification photos to researchers?
Best practices for social media sharing
- Don’t share imagery or text of illegal marine mammal viewing nor of surprise close encounters. Not only does sharing such content work against the laws and best practices to reduce threats to marine mammals, it feeds demand/expectations for close encounters.
- Do not share text that suggests it is okay to position a vessel in order to have a close encounter e.g. “vessel was shut down when animals approached”. Responsible whale watching respects and promotes understanding of the minimum avoidance distances.
- Do include details that help readers and viewers know the footage was taken legally and respectfully e.g. if the photo or video was taken when with a professional tour operator, the lens focal length, if the photo has been cropped, and/ or if the photo or video was taken from land.
- Do include information relevant to safe, legal and Leave No Trace wildlife viewing
- If in doubt about whether or not a potential post is ethical, err on the side of the responsibility and do not post that content.
Further resources:
- MERS
- NIMMSA Code of Conduct
- PWWA Regulations and Guidelines
- See a Blow Go Slow
- Coast Smart
- BeWhaleWise.org
Thank you, for being mindful of your visit to our home, and for the preservation of these incredible species.