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GUIDELINES FOR WHALE WATCHING IN TYSFJORD
Killer whales live in stable family groups which lead busy lives. Even when it may appear to
us that they are not really doing anything, they could be engaged in an important behaviour. Throughout the day, they will be feeding, travelling, resting and socialising. There is a risk of disturbing the whales
during any of these activities.
In Tysfjord, our aim is for whale watching to be conducted in such a way that the natural behaviour patterns of the killer whales are not disturbed.
Please follow the guidelines presented below. If we all behave in a careful and respectful manner, everybody will benefit by a unique whale watching experience that can be enjoyed for
many years to come.
1. How to approach the killer whales.
Always approach the whales from the side and never closer than 50m. If the whales want to approach your boat once it has stopped, that
is fine. If the whales appear stationary, wait at a distance to see if they come to your boat.
2. How to behave around the killer whales.
Boat engines can cause a high level of noise disturbance to killer whales, so it is important to maintain a constant and slow
speed. Avoid sudden changes of speed and course, as this can startle and stress the whales. If the whales are travelling in a steady direction, it is OK to follow them at a distance, but spend no longer than 30
minutes with any one group of whales. Max 2 boats per whale group and max 30 minutes if other boats wants to come closer.
3. What to be careful about.
Be especially careful when you see that the whales are resting or feeding. They are particularly susceptible to disturbance during these two
behaviours. Do not approach resting whales as you may startle them; pay attention not to drive off the school of fish when the whales are feeding. Mothers are very protective over their vulnerable calves, so it is
important not to stress them in any way.
4. Signs of disturbance.
Possible indications that you could be stressing the whales are:
- repeated changes in swimming speeds and direction to avoid the boat.
- repeated long dives as the boat approaches.
If you think you may be disturbing a group of killer whales, leave them alone and try to find another group nearby.
5. Look out for the Research Boats.
The researchers working in the area are gathering information which is of central importance in understanding more about the killer whales
that visit Tysfjord every winter, and to determine correct management issues. In the past few years, the intense tourist traffic has hindered the progress of some of this work. Give the research boat working space.
Tysfjord kommune Miljøvernutvalget.
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