Vessel Operation

Guidelines for responsible vessel operation around wildlife

Steer Clear Of Animals!

• Do not approach closer than 50 yards to nesting or resting birds, sea turtles or dolphins. If you have to move close to animals because of channel markers, shallow water or traffic, maintain a set speed (as slow as possible) and course.

• Never surround animals or circle animals or their nests.
• Avoid sensitive habitats such as shallow water around marshes and submerged vegetation.
• If you wish to observe dolphins, turtles or birds, maintain at least a 50-yard distance. Slow down as soon as you see them and approach groups of animals from the side, not head-on or from behind as if to chase them. Idle slowly or remain in neutral and follow a set course.
• If the animals leave the area, don't chase them. Limit your observation time to 15 minutes or less.
• If animals approach you closer than 50 yards, place your vessel in neutral or maintain a set course at a slow speed until you are more than 50 yards away.
• WHALES - Do not approach right whales closer than 500 yards, stay 100 yards from other large whales!
• If you encounter an animal in distress (injured, entangled or sick) or a dead sea turtle or marine mammal, contact the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Center or your local appropriate authority.
• In rivers and lakes, contact Game Wardens from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The U.S. Coast Guard is the point of contact for the Chesapeake Bay and ocean waters.