GUIDELINES ~ SOLITARY SOCIABLE BELUGA WHALES
Ensuring the safety of a lone beluga whale is a unique challenge, especially
when he chooses to inhabit a busy harbour. Naturally social and curious, a
solitary beluga can become increasingly interested in humans and boats. We
understand you may feel tempted to engage the beluga. However, it is unlawful
to disturb a whale in Canadian waters. The following guidelines* are designed for
your safety and to help you avoid causing disturbance, stress or injury to the whale.
Everyone’s cooperation is needed. Thank you for helping enhance a young beluga’s chances
for survival!
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Choose land-based over boat-based whale-watching whenever possible.

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When boating, slow to no-wake in the area inhabited by the whale and avoid making any
abrupt changes in speed or direction.

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Do not pursue, herd or chase the beluga.

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Solitary belugas may choose to visit narrow, shallow or confined waterways. Special care
is needed in these areas. There should never be more than two boats operating within 50
meters of the whale at one time. If stopping to view the whale, turn your motor off when
50 meters from the whale and drift if it is safe to do so.

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Belugas show a strong and often perilous attraction to boat motors. Never use boat
motors or other objects to deliberately attract the whale. This can lead to injury or death.

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Never attempt to feed a wild whale. He must maintain ability to capture fresh, live food.

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Do not throw stones, sand or other objects into the water in the vicinity of the whale. He
may surface unexpectedly and the object can cause injury.

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Do not offer objects as “toys” to the whale.

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If the whale is close to you, resist the temptation to reach out to touch or grab him.

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Do not place hands or feet in the whale's mouth or on his blowhole.

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Recreational swimming or diving in the vicinity of the whale is not advised. Especially, do
not swim or dive near the whale in strong currents, boat navigation areas or by wharves.

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Be courteous to other boat-based whale watchers and limit the number of visits and
length of time around the whale to about 15 minutes in a single visit.

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At any time the beluga may be foraging for food or resting. Respect these vital activities
and give the whale his space. “Rest areas” for a solitary beluga are often marked by a
moored boat, float or navigation marker, around which he can be seen surfacing
frequently.

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Remember it is a privilege to view wild, free-ranging whales. Have realistic expectations the whale may or may not choose to come near to you. Enjoy from a distance!
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.whalestewardship.org

The Whale Stewardship Project is a non-profit organization doing research, protection and education concerning solitary sociable beluga whales since 1998.
*These Guidelines were developed by WSP with approval of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and may be adapted for each solitary beluga situation.