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Whale & Dolphin Watching Resources
Whale Sense is a voluntary education program offered to commercial whale watching companies in the U.S. (Maine through Virginia) by. Whale watching companies that participate in Whale Sense training commit to a higher standard of whale watching. WILDLIFE WATCHING GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS Recommended wildlife watching guidelines can be applicable to commercial whale and dolphin watch companies as well as recreational boaters. Operational guidelines have been developed all over the world to make wildlife watching safe for both animals and humans. For instance, in the U.S., various guidelines have been developed in different regions of the country and for different wildlife species to help boaters avoid accidentally violating laws and regulations, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Keep in mind that there are federal regulations protecting the right whale in the U.S. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources – this webpage is a great resource for all marine mammal viewing guidelines* in the U.S. (excluding marine mammal species that are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: walrus, polar bear, sea otter, marine otter, West African manatee, Amazonian manatee, West Indian manatee, and dugong). The World Society for the Protection of Animals has also developed recommended marine wildlife watching guidelines in order to prevent irresponsible wildlife viewing procedures, harm to marine wildlife or humans, and violation of federal regulations. * Keep in mind that, in the U.S., guidelines apply to all large whales except the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. There are federal regulations in place that make it illegal to approach a North Atlantic right whale within 500 yards unless granted specific exemption or authorization. For more information on federal right whale approach restrictions click here. Read about world-wide whale watching guidelines and regulations in the following report funded by the Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown, the International Whaling Commission, College of the Atlantic and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission has produced general standards for the whale watching industry. Websites World Society for the Protection of Animals: Compassionate Travel webpage is a great resource to learn about compassionate travel, with some information and tips specific to marine mammals. Oceans worldwide focuses on travel and expeditions related to the natural beauty of the oceans. Cetaceanwatching.org has a free whale watching directory as well as general information about whales and dolphins. Don’t feed wild dolphins is a website dedicated to educating people about the harmful effects of feeding wild dolphins. NMFS’s Protect Dolphins Campaign aims to protect wild dolphins. ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) launched the "Suffering, not Smiling" campaign to raise awareness of captive dolphins in Singapore.
STRANDING CENTERS AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Some stranding centers and non-profit organizations are open to the public and offer various educational opportunities. Some examples are listed below: Caribbean USA International Seal Conservation Society has an extensive list of seal rescue and rehab facilities all over the world, many of which offer programs to the public: http://www.pinnipeds.org/rehab.htm
Museums, especially those specific to whales and dolphins, are a great way to learn about the natural history of marine mammals. Below are some examples. Canada USA Australia Germany México International
Marine-themed festivals are a great way to learn whale species particular to destination spots as well as participate in whale-themed events. A list of some of these events are listed below. Canada USA South Africa Scotland Costa Rica
Visiting marine parks, sanctuaries, and reserves is an easy way to experience the beauty of marine environments in a responsible manner – and perhaps get a glimpse of your favorite marine wildlife! These natural areas can be government (federal/state) run or run by a non-profit organization. These protected areas exist all over the world, and with a little research you can find one close to your destination location. A few examples and links are listed below. USA International India South Africa Tanzania Thailand
Volunteer travel is a great way to experience exciting new places and support conservation – both rewarding and responsible! World Society for the Protection of Animals - Volunteer Abroad: Includes an extensive list of opportunities around the world, including some specific to whales and dolphins. Waterme.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of humanity and specialize in short-term opportunities. Travellers Worldwide is a leading international provider of voluntary placements and work experience internships overseas. You can choose from over 250 voluntary projects in 20 countries. One World 365 is a directory of worldwide travel opportunities including volunteer projects, working holidays, etc. Volunteer Abroad is an international education and alternative travel databases, with the option to specifically search for volunteer travel opportunities.
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