General Best Practices

CODES OF CONDUCT

GENERAL BEST PRACTICES:

Noting that different specification for codes of conduct for vessels in the proximity of cetaceans may apply to different species and even for different sub-sections of a population (for example mothers and calves), therefore the following recommendations for this aspect of codes of conduct will require specific development at the local level and for each operator as part of their impact assessment. Nonetheless, each encounter should be managed such that it allows cetaceans to control the nature and duration of the interaction.

Cetacean watch operators have a “duty” to care for the animals that they exploit. Every effort should be made to minimise disturbance to cetaceans and avoid collisions with the animals and other vessels in the vicinity.

The following basic protocols should be established in codes of conduct and considered in the permitting process:

• Vessels should be operated so as not to disrupt the normal behaviour of cetaceans; Advice concerning what constitutes “normal behaviour”, disturbance and can be sought from

ORCA Ireland and is provided during accredited SeaSafe Observers Operators Training.

• Contact with cetaceans should be abandoned at the first signs of the animals becoming disturbed or alarmed;

• There should be periods during the day when the animals are not subjected to whale watching activities by any vessel, including those in possession of a research or filming licence/permit. These “quiet periods” should be at least one third of the period of daylight; operators should seek to coordinate their operations to avoid this quiet period.

• Particular care should be taken when calves are present; and vessels should avoid nursery groups.

• No rubbish, sewage or other polluting substances (including oil) or food should be disposed of at sea and in the proximity of cetaceans.