A little courtesy for our large mammal friends

Ahoy.

So our unseasonably warm winter weather continues into this weekend for boating. In last Friday’s column, I mention how good the weather and sea conditions would be for boating, and for everyone to get out on the water even if it is the middle of winter. However, as some of you like to point out, my weather forecast was off because I did not mention the thick fog that blanketed the coastal areas.

Well, I never thought that in January there would be fog hanging around the coast most of the day like it does in summer. The cool ocean and unexpected warm weather are to blame for the lack of visibility last weekend. Will we have fog tomorrow? I will give it a 50-50 chance, so I will be correct either way. Actually, it should be great for whale watching, especially if the Santa Ana winds blow everything offshore.

Many people have reported they can see whales from shore. I have a few theories why whales are very close. First, the Marine Mammal Protection Act that I summarize below is helping to protect them from harassment. Second, the mammals might simply be following a food source that is swimming closer to shore. And third, the Navy may have turned up the power on the acoustical submarine detection net off our coast, which may aggravate the whales’ sensitive hearing system. This time of year, Gray whales are migrating south. Keep in mind that whales are warm-blooded, air-breathing mammals that swim in a pod, not a school -- they are not fish.

Those of you venturing out to see whales from aboard your boat must follow general rules that protect whales from over-excited or disrespectful boaters. I have noticed that many boaters are vigilant about not disturbing the whales in the ocean. But you never know when a young Gray might decide to alter course and enter Newport Harbor for a visit.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is responsible for protecting whales under the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act. The NOAA Fisheries’ website (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/ education/viewing.htm) dictates that the public doesn’t touch, swim with, feed or harm the whales.

Every recreational boater, commercial whale-watching operator, PWC operator or kayaker has to abide by these basic rules. Those on the water must try to stay at least 100 yards away from whales, and must stop if a whale approaches. While viewing a pod at the required distance, boaters should maintain a constant speed while paralleling the whale’s course, and cruise at a slower speed than the whale. Also, boaters should never follow or approach directly in front of whales.

The regulations note that all boaters should do nothing to cause a whale to change direction, such as a bay.

Everyone needs to be considerate while in these mammals’ home.

TIP OF THE WEEK

For boat owners whose vessels are covered by wildfire ash: Thoroughly wash the ashes off your boat before the damage is done. The ashes, when mixed with water, will create acids that will etch into the fiberglass, stainless railings, canvas covers and rubber dinghies. Do not just try to rinse off the ash; that will not get rid of all the accumulation of particulate matter. You have to scrub your boat. Remember to be cautious of any soapy water washed off your boat into the water. Instead of using a lot of soap, how about using more elbow grease, or do what I tell my clients -- take the easy way out and call your boating washing service for an extra wash.

Tune in to the No. 1 boating talk radio show in the nation every Saturday at noon on KCBQ-AM (1170) or online at www.boathouseradio.com.

Safe voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by e-mail to [email protected] or visit www.boathousetv.com.

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