January 31, 2019 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
As large whales migrate along the Eastern Seaboard, remember to follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines to keep everyone–whales and people– safe!
Whales are large and need lots of space to feed, travel, and rest. In an underwater world, noisy boats can interrupt their activities, make whales nervous, or make them leave an area. Getting too close raises the risk for the whale of being hit by a boat or a propeller, and can cause injuries to boaters as well.
Reduce your risks and increase your chances of seeing natural, uninhibited whale behaviors by keeping a safe distance (100 feet for most whales, 1,500 feet for right whales). Use your zoom or a telephoto lens to capture the experience, or just relax and enjoy the awesome experience of sharing the water with whales.
If whales leave the area, it’s their way of telling you they’ve had enough attention. Respect their space. It’s also illegal to chase or in any way change a whale’s natural behavior.