Drones

• Except in circumstances where the cetaceans themselves choose to approach, vessels should always maintain themselves at a particular distance from the animals being watched depending on the zone or “distance ring” the vessel has entered.

• In the case of large whales, a distance of 100m is recommended and, for dolphins, 50m.

Vessels at this distance from the animals are at the edge of the “Watching Zone”;

• Between the watching zone and a distance of 300m from the animals, vessels should maintain a slow and constant no-wake speed, this is known as the “Caution Zone”. The area between 300m and the watching zone is the “No Approach Zone”; 100m for whales and 50 m for dolphins - here operators should shut off their engines. In the case of critically endangered killer whales that visit our shores, the caution zone is extended to 400m.

• A vessel departing from the vicinity of cetaceans should also proceed slowly (i.e. travelling at 7 knots or 10 knots maximum), until it is at least 300 metres from the nearest cetacean;

• Only one vessel at any one time should be in the watch zone and no more than two in the approach zone;

• Time in the watching zone should be limited; periods of twenty or thirty minutes may be appropriate at a maximum.

DRONES:

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)/unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are commonly known as drones. Drone technology is outpacing regulations in Ireland and drone use around cetaceans is rapidly growing. This poses an imminent threat to cetaceans from harassment with little known impacts on the disturbance to species present in Irish waters. In addition, scientific studies are hindered by lack of regulatory framework and permitting, while recreational users go unchecked with use of drones being poorly regulated on whale watch vessels.

Research studies have indicated that in certain circumstances, drones can contribute to avoidance behaviour of marine mammals. When marine mammals react negatively to drones (or other disturbances), they can become separated from their group or pups. They can wander off to unsafe places. Birds can be flushed out of their nests, potentially dropping their unhatched eggs. Avoidance behaviour is well documented in the marine biology fields, but most drone operators are not aware of the implications.

As the noise and close proximity of drones can disturb marine wildlife. When viewing marine mammals from the air using a drone:

• Become a registered and trained drone pilot with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). • Plan your flight ahead of time. • Seek advice from biologists to learn about potential species you may encounter in a certain

area and to learn about key disturbance behaviours.

• Never fly your drone beyond the visual line of sight. • Maintain a distance and an altitude of at least 300 meters altitude when flying a recreational or commercial drone with a weight of 4 to 25 kg. • Maintain a distance of 300 m and an altitude of 150 meters when flying a recreational drone of 1kg. • Researchers may use drones/UAS to conduct scientific research on protected species only if the proper permits and authorisations are secured and should maintain a flight height of 30m. • NEVER fly at cetacean head on - this is a no approach zone. • Use models that are electric (gas powered drones are louder and nosier). • Avoid endangered species unless you have a special permit for research e.g. humpback whales. • Avoid flying your drone over mothers and calves during the breeding season e.g. common dolphins in spring.

SUMMARY OF GUIDELINES