What Really Defines Marine Wildlife Harassment?

Whether you're diving, snorkeling, using your scuba dive packages or just enjoying time in your sailboat, it is important to be aware of your surroundings.  Living organisms both above and below the water have become accustomed to their habitat, and one little disturbance to this home that they have created, can be devastating.

Obviously none of us would purposely destroy a piece of coral or harm a sea turtle swimming by.  However, it is important to understand things from a different point of view.  Humans do not spend their lives in the water (Unless you're a mermaid, which will be covered in a different post).  When we participate in water sports that we love, we really are only in the water for short periods of time in comparison to our life span as whole.  So how can we really understand the consequences that our presence in the water generates?

For example, bubbles and noise from scuba equipment can be very troublesome to some underwater mammals.  So maybe you startle an animal with your loud equipment and it scurries off.  You still believe that no harm has been done, as you have not physically touched the animal, and it swam away injury-free.  But what about the aftermath of this event?  Maybe the animal was already weak before you entered the water.  We cannot really determine the level of stress and energy used in the animals attempt to leave the scene.  All of these factors added together could create a weakened immune system and lead to other health problems for the mammal.
To conclude our conversation we are going to try to create a list of suggestions for marine nature lovers, on how to observe marine live:

First of all, try to keep the watching event as natural as possible. – Always make sure that you allow the animal to control the length and course of the encounter. It is very important not to harass or chase large mammals like the whale or dolphin. Keep noise to a minimum; do not use loud diving or boating equipment. If the animal becomes disturbed or frustrated, abandon the visit.
Second, be aware of your surroundings. - Please be alert at all times to prevent any type of collision. Also, never separate a mother from their calf, if this means keeping a further distance away from the animals, then be sure to do so. Check with local laws and regulations if you are unsure of any practices when it comes to observing these animals.

Third, Maintain a predictable pattern of behavior when operating a boat. - Do not try to out-speed the animal in order to force a head-on encounter. Avoid startling movements such as changes in speed, direction, or noise level. Make sure that you always provide the animal with some escape path. Keep your boat at a no-wake speed.
Forth, coordinate viewing times and directions prior to departure. – Always be sure to check-in with other vessels before approaching a viewing area to avoid trapping the whales or dolphins. Do not spend more than 30 minutes in a particular viewing area. Keep a safe distance between the boat and the animal, at least 330 feet away.
And fifth suggestion, do not enter the water with the animals. - Most experts will recommend that you do not swim with whales or dolphins, but rather maintain a safe distance away, above the water. There is no direct understanding of the behavior of these water mammals, and therefore it is too risky to enter the water when they are present. By staying out of the water, you are providing the animal with the most natural experience possible when it comes to human observation.


Once again, we hope that none of our fellow divers or water sportsmen would purposely try to harm wildlife within the water.  There are a lot of online scuba diving stores, so you can buy new great scuba packages at affordable prices. You will have your hobby and sport for life! At Dip N Dive, we do however see it important to provide a different point of view, and help create understanding from all sides of the issue- including the animals'.  So, happy swimming, boating, and diving!  Just be aware of your surroundings and brush up on your information about the wildlife in the area before you take the plunge.