There are limits to observe! 

Management of whale-watching activities

Discovering whales in their natural environment is an activity that is becoming more and more popular. It helps to heighten public awareness of the fragile nature of the marine environment. However, this craze does have a downside.

Do whale watching boats disturb the whales?

Science brings partial answers to this complex question.

Are Canadian regulations adequate?

Dr. Jon Lien concentrated on this subject in 2000 at the request of Fisheries and Oceans Canada,. DFO has since been working on new regulations for whale watching in Canadian waters.

Guidelines for best practices for watching marine mammals in Quebec

In May 2007, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) elaborated a document entitled Guidelines for best practices for watching marine mammals in Quebec to inform the general public in order to minimize the risk of disturbance. Clear and concrete voluntary guidelines have been established while new pan-Canadian regulations are being elaborated.

Marine Park regulations: A sizeable respect for whales

• Towards a precautionary approach: activities at sea in the Marine Park

• Marine Activities in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations
  

In collaboration with scientists and boat owners, the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park established the Marine Activities in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations in 2002. These Regulations include a cap on the growth of the whale-watching industry, permits for tour operators and rules governing the approaching of marine mammals. The Marine Park and its partners also proposed a diversification of tours and an improvement of on-board educative programmes.