Advice offered to boat owners
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Wednesday February 03 2010
BOAT OWNERS are being called upon this week to avoid any 'excessive disturbance' of 'Bingo' the humpback to ensure the whale stays off the Wexford coast for as long as possible.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) have issued a warning notice to all whale watchers planning to try to see 'Bingo' to be aware of the marine guidelines and respect the mammal.
'We all want to ensure the whale stays off Wexford for as long as possible and returns over the coming years. The best way to achieve this is to avoid any excessive disturbance and respect the whale and its feeding requirements,' explained Dr Simon Berrow, the IWDG Coordinator.
The IWDG have issued a series of guidelines in a bid to offer best practice to be followed in cases of any interaction between small crafts and 'Bingo'.
According to Dr. Berrow, when whales or dolphins are first encountered craft should maintain a steady course and boat speed should be maintained below seven knots.
'Do not attempt to pursue whales or dolphins encountered. Maintain a distance of at least 100m from whales and maintain a distance of 200 m between any other boats in the vicinity.' said Dr. Berrow.
