Below you will find a number of downloadable resources supporting the Whale SENSE program. Please note that these publications are subject to change without notice.
Humpback ethogram
Each year, humpback whales migrate to colder waters off the east coast of the US mid-Atlantic and Northeast to feed. Yet not all of the humpback behaviors we see are associated directly with feeding. It is possible that some behaviors may have different meanings at different times. While we cannot always know why a whale does a specific behavior, we can define and describe it. This ethogram catalogues 38 different behaviors of the Gulf of Maine humpback whale population. This should not be considered the limit to the behavior repertoire of humpbacks, but rather a picture into some of the most commonly seen behaviors for this population during the feeding season.
**DRAFT 2011 Whale SENSE Framework- Available for Review**
The Draft 2011 Whale SENSE Framework is now available online for review. Please email any comments to allison.rosner@noaa.gov by MARCH 18, 2011.
2010 Whale SENSE Program Framework
The Program Framework explains the Whale SENSE program in detail; what its objectives are, what is expected of operators, how they can benefit from the program, and how marine mammals benefit from implementing responsible whale watching practices.
Whale SENSE Brochure
Look for the Whale SENSE Brochure on participating whale watch vessels and with local tour agents. You can download and read the brochure offline, or if you know a whale watch company in your region, why not print it and ask if they are interested in participating?
2010 Participation Checklist
This Participation Checklist lists the program criteria whale watch companies must meet in order to participate in the Whale SENSE program.
NOAA Regulatory Perspective: Marine Mammal Interactions
NOAA’s Regulatory Perspective explains to operators the laws that protect marine mammals (and other species) and what is required of them to run wildlife watching excursions in compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act mandates.
Pilot Whale
