NOAA Urges Public to Keep Distance from Marine Wildlife

NOAA Fisheries is urging the public to maintain a safe distance from marine wildlife. The agency warns that approaching, touching, or feeding animals like whales, seals, and sea turtles is illegal under federal laws and harmful to both animals and people.

Many species are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Before visiting the ocean, people should know the U.S. Regulations for viewing marine animals in their region.

Guidelines for Safe Wildlife Viewing

Officials emphasize a 'look, but don't touch' policy. It is illegal to harass, feed, capture, or injure marine species. If you see a possible violation of a federal marine resource law, you should call the 24-hour enforcement hotline.

Observe animals from a safe and legal distance. Move away cautiously if you see signs of stress. Using binoculars or a telephoto lens is recommended for a better view.

The Impact of Human Disturbance

Human interaction is having a direct impact, particularly on seal populations. In the Pacific Northwest, increased human visits to beaches have led to more encounters with harbor seal pups.

Local rescue centers are filling up. Pups are being abandoned by their mothers due to human disturbance or taken from the beach by well-meaning people. Only professionally trained members of the Marine Mammal Stranding Networks should attempt rescues.

Near Seattle, the SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation and Research (SR3) rescue center has nearly reached capacity, with only a few spaces left. This is a critical time when some wild pups begin to leave their mothers and need space to learn survival skills. "Rehabilitation, while a great tool, is not as good as mom," said Casey Mclean, SR3’s executive director and veterinary nurse.

Additional Safety Measures

People should report sick, injured, entangled, or dead animals to authorized responders. Keeping pets leashed or at home is important, as they can cause stress and harm to wildlife.

Taking trash from the beach helps prevent animals from becoming entangled or eating debris. It is also illegal to feed marine life, as it makes animals reliant on handouts and leads to dangerous encounters.

Guidelines can vary by region and species. NOAA Fisheries specifically recommends staying at least 50 yards away from seals and sea lions.