Whale visitor causes alarm for spectators' safety

4:03 AM Fri 19 Jun 2009 GMT

'Whale in Marina del Rey chooses busy channel for three-week visit - photo Jonathan Alcorn' .

The Log has reported that a 25ft whale has taken up residence in such a busy channel in Marina del Rey in Los Angeles that it is impossible for boats and ships to obey the '100 yard' separation regulation, and it has been causing marine mammal experts concern for spectators safety.

While scores of spectators in boats have been curious to see the behemoth up close, marine mammal experts remind whale watchers that a California gray whale can cause major damage to boats and possible injury to boaters with a single flick of its tail. Personal safety, as well as the safety of the whale, should always be a key consideration, explained Peter Wallerstein, founder and director of Marine Animal Rescue.

"Boaters are getting way too close and not obeying the law," Wallerstein said.

Wallerstein, along with volunteers from the center, has spent the past few weeks educating onlookers at the jetty and reminding boaters of Marine Mammal Protection Act requirements that boaters keep at least 100 yards away from whales.

However, since the whale's choice of staying in the busy channel does not allow boaters to maintain the required distance, Wallerstein recommends boaters stay at least 100 feet away from the whale.

The whale is believed to have strayed from its northern migration course to Alaska, and is now spending its time eating and regaining its strength. Wallerstein's concern for the whale's health and safety escalated when he witnessed kayakers and boaters positioning themselves close to the whale and observed some boaters reaching out and attempting to pet the whale.

He said he is considering seeking prosecution for those who knowingly or unknowingly harass the whale, as he and others have been taking photos and documenting CF numbers of culprits' boats.

The U.S. Coast Guard of Los Angeles-Long Beach is issuing boater alerts.

by The Log/Sail-World Cruising