With the return of blue whales, including recent reports of up to 30 whales feeding and multiple mother/calf pairs, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary reminds ocean users to follow best practices to reduce harassment and possible vessel strikes that pose risks to the animals and ocean users alike.

A mother blue whale and her calf ply the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. (Adam Ernster photo)
A mother blue whale and her calf ply the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. (Adam Ernster photo)

The whales are attracted to the area because of seasonal upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water that creates a hotspot for krill. Blue whales spend the summer and fall feeding on krill.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) makes the following recommendations:

– When encountering marine mammals, boaters are advised to slow down, operate at no-wake speed. Put engine in neutral when whales approach to pass.

– Never pursue or follow marine wildlife; any vessel movement should be from the recommended distance and slightly parallel to or from the rear of the animal. If you need to move around marine wildlife, do so from behind. Never approach head-on. Slowly leave the area if marine mammals show signs of disturbance.

– Keep a safe distance. Collisions with vessels are a risk to whales, captains and passengers. Remain at least 100 yards away, about the length of a football field, whether you are on a boat, kayak, paddleboard, or any watercraft. 

“By following regulations and recommendations, ocean users can enjoy whales and reduce their impact on the animals, their habitat and also play an important role by helping monitor whales in the sanctuary and nearby waters,” said Chris Mobley, superintendent, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 

“By locating and reporting distressed animals and providing initial documentation and assessment of the animal — from a safe distance- — ocean users act like first responders and are the foundation of our conservation efforts,” he said.

Keeping a sharp eye out for whales and reducing vessel speeds have been shown to reduce the risk of hitting a whale, especially calves, which are particularly susceptible to vessel strikes.

NOAA, U.S Coast Guard, and Environmental Protection Agency recommend large vessels over 300 gross tons reduce speeds to 10 knots when transiting the Santa Barbara Channel from May to December.

The sanctuary also recommends vessels of any size do the same to reduce the risk to the whales and damage to their vessels. 

Additional wildlife viewing guidelines, safety tips, and hotlines can be found at: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wildlife-viewing/. 

Report whale sightings
• Download the free Whale Alert App, https://www.whalealert.org/

Reporting an issue
To report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal:
• West Coast Region Stranding Hotline: 1-866-767-6114

To report entangled marine mammals:
• Entanglement Reporting Hotline: 1-877-SOS-WHAL or 1-877-767-9425
• The U.S. Coast Guard: VHF Ch. 16

To report harassments and other violations to law enforcement:
• NOAA Enforcement Hotline: 1-800-853-1964

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 1980 by the NOAA. Located off the Santa Barbara and Ventura coastlines the sanctuary encompasses some 1,470 square miles of ocean around Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara islands, extending from the mean high tide of these islands to six nautical miles offshore, and surrounding Channel Islands National Park.

For more, visit Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, https://channelislands.noaa.gov/; NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov; Regional Stranding Response Contacts, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report.