06/17/2016
Guidelines for Viewing Harbor Seals in Alaska's Glacial Fjords
To avoid disturbance to harbor seals in sensitive glacial habitats, these voluntary guidelines are recommended for all vessel types in all glacial areas year-round, as practicable:
Keep 500 yards (~1/4 mile) from all seals without compromising safe navigation
Practice no wake, avoid abrupt changes in course or engine pitch, and avoid loud noises
Avoid traveling through waters with greater than 50% ice cover
When possible, target visits during early morning and evening hours when fewer seals are hauled out
At two specific sites where high vessel traffic coincides with large numbers of pups, additional seasonal and area recommendations are advised to provide additional protection while mothers are rearing pups. These particular voluntary actions apply to vessels in Disenchantment Bay (near Hubbard Glacier and Yakutat) and Tracy Arm (south of Juneau) from May 15-June 30.
General Marine Mammal Viewing Code of Conduct
Remain at least 100 yards from marine mammals.
Time spent observing individual(s) should be limited to 30 minutes.
Even if approached by a marine mammal
Offering food, discarding fish or fish waste, or any other food item is prohibited.
Do not touch or swim with the animals. They can behave unpredictably and may also transmit disease.
How to Observe Marine Mammal Behaviors and Minimize Your Impact
While viewing marine mammals, your actions should not cause a change in the behavior of the animals. Individual animal's reactions will vary; carefully observe all animals in the vicinity. Assume that your action is a disturbance and cautiously leave the vicinity if you observe behaviors such as these:
Seals, Sea Lions, and Fur Seals
Increased movements. . . away from the disturbance; hurried entry into the water by many animals, or herd movement towards the water
Increased vocalization, aggressive behavior. . . by many animals towards the disturbance; several individuals raising their heads simultaneously.
