WILDCOAST Launches New Campaign to Promote Safe Whale Watching Practices

WILDCOAST announced Friday the launch of “Protect the Locals,” a new campaign dedicated to raising awareness and promoting safe whale watching practices in California and beyond.

The Del Mar-based nonprofit’s campaign comes in the midst of a recent uptick in boats violating the Mammal Protection Act, which states that vessels must remain at least 100 yards away from whales at all times.

The rising popularity of this tourist activity has led to competition between tour operators which has created a stressful and unsafe environment for marine life. The consequences include noise pollution, chemical fuel pollution, displacement, interruption of feeding, and boat strikes, according to WILDCOAST.

“Like many growing industries, the success of the commercial operators and the proliferation of private boats creates new challenges that, until now, have not been an issue,” said Capt. Russell Moore, a partner of WILDCOAST’s campaign and the operator of Xplore Offshore.

Moore has been leading dolphin and whale-watching tours in the San Diego area for over two decades.

“At times, it is like the Wild West in the waters off San Diego with myriad whale watching outfitters operating with zero supervision. These magnificent creatures deserve better protection and respect from humans,” said Moore.

The campaign includes the release of Protect the Locals: Responsible Whale Watching with WILDCOAST, an educational short film about responsible whale watching produced by Nautilus Studios.

The video features the expertise of Moore and WILDCOAST Executive Director Serge Dedina. In the film, they explore the significance of the current threats to whales and how visitors can make a difference for marine mammals while viewing them responsibly.

The campaign is intended to empower tour operators, residents, and visitors to advocate for responsible whale watching and prioritize safety for all wildlife.

WILDCOAST is an international nonprofit dedicated to conserving coastal and marine ecosystems and addressing climate change through natural solutions. Other projects include MPA Watch, Marine Monitor Radar, Tidepool Ambassadors, and materials such as the San Diego County Wildlife and Recreation Guides and San Diego County Fishing Guides.