Whales coming inshore to feed are grabbing the attention of photographers and observers alike, but DFO is warning boaters to keep their distance.
Federal regulations dictate you must keep 100 metres from a marine mammal.
A young humpback feeding in Holyrood Harbour over the last few days has been wowing crowds on shore, but DFO whale researcher Dr. Jack Lawson says some are venturing out in speed boats to get a closer look.
That, he says, is a serious issue.
Lawson yesterday tweeted out a picture of a humpback near Twillingate bearing the scars of a boat propeller.
Humpback whale is still in Holyrood eating herring. BUT, reports of boats coming in for a look at this whale have raised concerns that it could be struck and injured by a propeller in shallow water! Please keep back 100 m! Twillingate humpback shows that whales & props don't mix. pic.twitter.com/aVmeUy7Es7
— Dr. Jack Lawson (@drjwlawson) May 27, 2019
The picture shows a healed scar that runs up the whale’s back and cut off its dorsal fin. He’s seen a few whales like that around the province and it’s something they’re concerned about.
He’s reminding people to keep 100 metres from any whale, and if the animal ventures close, cut your engine.
