Ottawa, the capital city of Canada is to impose new regulations that will require boat users to keep a distance from whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The announcement comes as people continue to flock to an area off Ingonish Beach to see two beluga whales, (one believed to be juvenile and another younger animal), which have been frequenting the area for a week or so. Videos and photos on social media sites show boats, kayaks and swimmers surrounding the whales as they surface, coming within reach of various vessels.
New marine mammal regulations require vessels to stay at least 100 metres away – any penalties for violations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Getting too close is known to be harmful to cetaceans. When these marine mammals become too familiar with people and boats, it increases their risk of injury; something that has occurred in the past with similar situations regarding wild cetaceans. In 2002, near Calvert, a beluga that had become used to the presence of people was killed when it was hit by a boat propeller, and sadly there have been similar incidents globally.
