Tour Boat Fined for Harassment of Endangered Humpback Whales
NOAA has charged the captain of a tour vessel, the vessel’s managing company, and the vessel’s owner with a $9,000 Notice of Violation and Assessment for violations of the Endangered Species Act. In August 2002, the Juneau-based tour boat was conducting a wildlife viewing cruise in Icy Strait, near Point Adolphus, AK. The captain maneuvered the vessel into the path of oncoming whales, placing the vessel closer than 100 yards from the endangered humpback whales on three separate occasions.
Regulations prohibit vessels from approaching within 100 yards of any humpback whale. “The 100 yard approach restriction for humpback whales was established to protect these animals during a critical feeding period in Alaska waters,” noted Kaja Brix, NOAA Fisheries Service’s Chief of Protected Resources for the Alaska Region. “All of their nutritional needs must be met during this time and it is important that vessels comply with these approach regulations to reduce the potential for negative impacts to the whales.”
To report violations of the Endangered Species Act or Marine Mammal Protection Act, contact the NOAA Fisheries’ Enforcement Hot Line at 800-853-1964.
Tour Boat Fined for Harassment of Endangered Humpback Whales
NOAA has charged the captain of a tour vessel, the vessel’s managing company, and the vessel’s owner with a $9,000 Notice of Violation and Assessment for violations of the Endangered Species Act. In August 2002, the Juneau-based tour boat was conducting a wildlife viewing cruise in Icy Strait, near Point Adolphus, AK. The captain maneuvered the vessel into the path of oncoming whales, placing the vessel closer than 100 yards from the endangered humpback whales on three separate occasions.
Regulations prohibit vessels from approaching within 100 yards of any humpback whale. “The 100 yard approach restriction for humpback whales was established to protect these animals during a critical feeding period in Alaska waters,” noted Kaja Brix, NOAA Fisheries Service’s Chief of Protected Resources for the Alaska Region. “All of their nutritional needs must be met during this time and it is important that vessels comply with these approach regulations to reduce the potential for negative impacts to the whales.”
To report violations of the Endangered Species Act or Marine Mammal Protection Act, contact the NOAA Fisheries’ Enforcement Hot Line at 800-853-1964.