Wildlife Watch: Tips for Boating Around Marine Animals

Boating offers a unique opportunity to explore the vast expanses of our planet's waterways, but it also comes with the responsibility of coexisting with marine wildlife. Whether you’re boating in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Chesapeake Bay or the Great Lakes, sharing the waterways with creatures great and small requires a delicate balance between adventure and respect for their habitats. 

Photo: Wikimedia/U.S. Geological Survey/CC by SA 2.0

To ensure both your safety and the well-being of marine life, here are some essential tips for boating safely around marine wildlife. Check them out before heading out from a private boat lift rental or marina. 

Educate Yourself

Before embarking on any boating adventure, take the time to familiarize yourself with the local marine wildlife species you may encounter. Learn about their habits, preferred habitats and any regulations or guidelines in place for interacting with them. Knowledge is the first step towards responsible coexistence.

Keep a Safe Distance

Maintain a respectful distance from marine wildlife at all times. The appropriate distance varies depending on the species and local regulations, but a general rule of thumb is to stay at least 100 yards away from whales, dolphins and other large marine mammals. Getting too close can disrupt their natural behavior and pose a risk to both you and the animal.

Watch for Signs

Keep a vigilant eye out for signs of marine wildlife in the area, such as splashing, breaching or the presence of feeding birds. These indicators can help you anticipate the presence of animals nearby and adjust your course accordingly to avoid disturbing them.

Photo: Wikimedia/Derrick Coetzee/CC by SA 1.0

Reduce Speed

Slow down your boat when navigating through areas known for marine wildlife activity. Lower speeds not only reduce the risk of collisions but also minimize noise pollution, which can disrupt the sensitive auditory systems of many marine animals, which includes manatees.

Avoid Feeding Wildlife

Resist the temptation to feed marine wildlife, as this can alter their natural behaviors and create dependencies that are harmful to their health and well-being. Feeding wild animals can also increase the risk of aggressive behavior towards humans in the future. Keep the snacks to yourself or at the private boat lift rental. It’s also illegal to touch pretty much any marine animal, so just don’t.

Be Mindful of Propellers

Take extra precautions when boating in areas frequented by marine wildlife to avoid accidental collisions with propellers. Keep a lookout for signs of animals near the surface and designate a spotter to help guide your navigation, especially in areas that are shallow and have low visibility.

Photo: Pexels 

Dispose of Waste Responsibly

Properly dispose of any trash or debris to prevent pollution of marine habitats. Plastic waste in particular poses a significant threat to marine wildlife through ingestion and entanglement. Practice Leave No Trace principles and take any trash back to shore or to a private boat slip rental for proper disposal.

Respect Protected Areas

Before leaving a private boat lift rental or marina, familiarize yourself with marine protected areas and adhere to any regulations or restrictions in place to safeguard sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitats. These areas serve as vital refuges for marine life and require special care and consideration from boaters.

Photo: Wikimedia/Rhododendrites/CC by SA 4.0

Report Distressed Wildlife

If you encounter marine wildlife in distress, such as entangled or injured animals, report it to the appropriate authorities immediately. Do not attempt to intervene directly, as handling wild animals can be dangerous and may cause further harm.

Lead by Example

Set a positive example for others by practicing responsible boating behaviors out on the water and at private boat docks for rent. Encourage fellow boaters to do the same. By fostering a culture of respect and stewardship towards marine wildlife, we can all play a role in preserving these precious resources for future generations to enjoy.

Photo: Pexels 

The next time you’re cruising or sailing the waterways from marinas or private boat slip rentals, take a look overboard to check out the wide variety of marine life out there. Follow these simple tips to prevent injury.