Educating and recognizing responsible whale watching companies

Whale SENSE is a voluntary education and recognition program offered to commercial whale watching companies (Maine through Virginia) by NOAA Fisheries Service, NOAA Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.  The program was developed in collaboration with the Northeast whale watching community.  Whale SENSE is a collaborative, voluntary program recognizing commercial whale watching companies committed to a responsible standard of whale watching.

Whale SENSE in the News!

• “Responsible Whale Watching Program Protects Whales, Encourages Stewardship” NOAA Press Release.  June 16, 2011.
• “Protecting Whales Focus of NOAA, Industry Program for Tour Boat Operators” NOAA Press Release.  July 19, 2010.
• “Program Sets Whale Watch Standards” Cape Cod Times.  July 23, 2010.
• “Whales Return to Stellwagen Bank!” NOAA Press Release.  April 28, 2010.
• “NOAA, Partners Launch Effort for Tour Operators to Protect Whales” NOAA Press Release.  September 10, 2009.

Important Contact Information

• Questions about the Whale SENSE program or whale watching guidelines & regulations call 978-281-9328 or 508-746-2522
• To report live right whale sightings call  978-585-8473 (pager).
• To report stranded, dead, entangled, or shipstruck marine mammals call 1-866-755-NOAA (6622) or radio the US Coast Guard on VHF 16.
• If possible, please stand-by an entangled whale until a response vessel arrives. If you must depart, please document your sighting with photos or video and report the time, location, and whale’s direction of travel when you left the scene.
• Find out more about how to protect and report stranded or entangled marine mammals or sea turtles.