155219_DBW_ABCs_updated_2025_Oct_FINAL

Green Boating Guidelines

Marine Mammal Interactions Whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions inhabit California's coastal and bay waters throughout the year. These marine mammals are protected under federal law, and it is every boater's responsibility to operate safely around them. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassment, pursuit, or disturbance of marine mammals. When you are on the water, the most important rule is simple: give marine mammals space and never interfere with their natural behavior. • Do NOT approach closer than 100 yards (Length of a football field). If animals surface near you, reduce speed and shift to neutral until they move away. • D o NOT cross their path or split groups, especially mothers with calves. • Do NOT chase, follow, or position your vessel in front of or behind them. Travel parallel from a safe distance instead. • Do NOT attempt to free an entangled marine mammal. This is dangerous and illegal. Instead, report entanglements immediately to (877) SOS-WHALE or U.S. Coast Guard on VHF CH-16. Stay alert for signs of marine mammals; blows (spouts), splashes, tail flukes, or groups of circling seabirds often mean animals are nearby. Report whale sightings using the free Whale Alert app to help reduce the risk of vessel strikes. For dolphins, porpoises, seals, or sea lions in distress, contact your regional marine mammal stranding hotline. Marine Protected Areas Marine protected areas are special underwater places, similar to wilderness areas on land, designed to protect key ocean habitats and species by managing activities that threaten their integrity. In 2012, California became a leader in ocean conservation by completing the first statewide network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the United States. Today 124 MPAs stretch along the entire coast between the borders of Oregon and Mexico.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) include a variety of allowed activities and protections. Special Closures are MPAs that safeguard sensitive seabird nesting and marine mammal haul-out sites. These areas are closed to all watercraft in an effort to minimize wildlife disturbance.

Photo Ralph Wessel

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