Ecological:
Today we saw a group of orcas (4-6) within the ecological reserve, and noted that there was a horde of whale watching/ecotourism boats that followed. Shortly after the pod entered the reserve, we observed 12-15 boats convening in the area, forming a wall of motorized vessels on the border of the reserve. A diving boat was also present in the reserve, and had approximately 5 divers in the water at the same time.
While the ecotourism boats may have maintained an “appropriate” distance, it was undeniable that their approach from one direction as a large group negatively affected the wildlife. The diving boat had divers in the water, which inevitably means it is difficult to move away.
After only a few minutes of the boats approaching the orcas departed, heading away from the approaching boats, which gave chase.
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- Some of the orcas visible just off of great race rock.
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- Some of the whale watching boats stationed at the edge of the reserve.
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- They maintain “appropriate” distance by keeping just outside of the reserve.
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- The dive boat in the reserve, with activity in the background.
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- Boats in pursuit of the departing orcas.
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- A large vessel following the action.
Weather:
- Wind: 10-15kn
- Sky: Partially overcast
- Visibility: 10mi
- Water: Small waves not in excess of 0.5m
Boats/Visitors:
We have had no visitors over the last while, short of Greg delivering water yesterday.