THE SHELLTONE CHARTER
Our approach charter
Over the decades, our research and field experience have led us to a simple conclusion: the more an approach respects cetaceans, the greater the opportunity for a meaningful encounter.
It is from this principle that the Shelltone Whale Project Approach Charter was born.
This charter defines the practices we consider respectful of animal welfare and serves as one of the criteria we use when selecting the operators featured on our website.
All operators presented by the Shelltone Whale Project are committed to respecting this approach charter.
Rules to follow:
1 – Cetaceans must be approached at a speed not exceeding 5 knots and at an angle of approximately 30° in the direction in which the animals are travelling. The vessel must not approach marine mammals within less than 100 metres and must move away immediately if any change in the animals’ attitude, speed or behaviour is observed.
2 – The vessel must never approach cetaceans from the front, from behind or perpendicular to their direction of travel. It must not block the animals’ path, pass through a group or separate individuals from the group. The approach must be slow and gentle, with the vessel travelling parallel to the group being observed.
3 – The use of sonar or fish-finder-type equipment to locate the animals is prohibited, as these devices emit frequencies that can interfere with communication between the animals. During the observation period, the vessel must maintain a constant speed and travel parallel to the animals’ direction of movement. The vessel must never travel faster than the slowest animal in the group.
4 – If a whale approaches the vessel or suddenly appears within 60 metres of it, the engine must be placed in neutral. When dolphins are present, the vessel may maintain a slow and constant speed.
5 – Approaching or observing a “nursery group”, meaning a group of calves or juveniles accompanied by only a few adults, is prohibited.
6 – Pursuing cetaceans while they are hunting or feeding is prohibited.
7 – Disturbing surface-active groups during mating behaviour is prohibited.
8 – Observation of the same group of cetaceans must not exceed 45 minutes.
9 – Sudden changes in direction or speed must be avoided during the observation period. The animals are more likely to remain calm when the vessel maintains a constant speed.
Cetacean Approach Charter drafted by the Shelltone Whale Project.
2 – The vessel must never approach cetaceans from the front, from behind or perpendicular to their direction of travel. It must not block the animals’ path, pass through a group or separate individuals from the group. The approach must be slow and gentle, with the vessel travelling parallel to the group being observed.
3 – The use of sonar or fish-finder-type equipment to locate the animals is prohibited, as these devices emit frequencies that can interfere with communication between the animals. During the observation period, the vessel must maintain a constant speed and travel parallel to the animals’ direction of movement. The vessel must never travel faster than the slowest animal in the group.
4 – If a whale approaches the vessel or suddenly appears within 60 metres of it, the engine must be placed in neutral. When dolphins are present, the vessel may maintain a slow and constant speed.
5 – Approaching or observing a “nursery group”, meaning a group of calves or juveniles accompanied by only a few adults, is prohibited.
6 – Pursuing cetaceans while they are hunting or feeding is prohibited.
7 – Disturbing surface-active groups during mating behaviour is prohibited.
8 – Observation of the same group of cetaceans must not exceed 45 minutes.
9 – Sudden changes in direction or speed must be avoided during the observation period. The animals are more likely to remain calm when the vessel maintains a constant speed.
Cetacean Approach Charter drafted by the Shelltone Whale Project.
The Foundations of a Respectful Approach
This diagram illustrates the basic rules for a respectful approach to cetaceans.
- Minimum distance of 100 meters: Never enter this area to avoid stressing the animals or disrupting their natural behavior.
- Do not linger or press the issue: Do not hover around cetaceans in the hope that they will approach you. Let the animals freely decide the distance they wish to maintain.
- Maximum speed of 5 knots: Reducing speed helps minimize noise pollution and ensures a gentle and safe approach.
Discover the operators selected by the Shelltone Whale Project.
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