Back by popular demand – it is time for our 3rd annual photo contest! What better way to prepare for the upcoming whale watching season than to vote on some of the best photos from previous years!

FACEBOOK PHOTO CONTEST RULES

How to Enter

  1. Submit your photos via email to whalesenseww@gmail.com by FRIDAY February 28. You can enter up to one photo per category. With each photo include your name, the name of the whale watch company with which you were onboard, date it was taken, and a caption/brief description. Please make sure your photo is a high enough resolution for reposting.

Categories include: a) breaching, b) scenic view (does not have to include a whale but can) c) tail shot d) feeding e) non marine mammal, i.e. birds, fish, sharks.

  1. Voting will happen on the Whale SENSE Facebook page, so make sure you “like” or “follow” us to see how your photo(s) ranks.
  2. Voting will run from 12PM EDT March 9 – 12PM EDT March 16. When voting opens, encourage your Facebook friends to “Like” your photo in the contest album!  Each like/reaction is a vote, and participants can vote for as many photos as they want. The photo with the most votes in each category wins! Runners-up will also be acknowledged.
  3. We will notify the winners within 24 hours of the contest ending date. Winning photos will be featured on our Facebook page and website, and winners will receive a swag bag prize from Whale and Dolphin Conservation!

Like our Facebook page to get all the updates!

Eligibility

Any photo of marine mammals taken by passengers or crew members aboard a boat that participates in the Whale SENSE program (Atlantic and Alaska regions!) is eligible for submission, provided that they meet the Whale SENSE responsible advertising criteria. You will be disqualified if your photo shows any of the following:

  1. People touching, pursuing, chasing, attempting to swim with, or closely interacting with wild marine mammals or any activities that would violate the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act or other regulatory measures.
  2. Pictures taken from a vessel underway within close approach zones:
  3. In the Atlantic, the close approach zone is 100-300 feet from whales, or less than 3 boat lengths.
  4. In Alaska, the no wake zone is 300-600 feet.
  1. Photos should be taken while following all regional whale watching guidelines.
  2. We will not accept photos of North Atlantic right whales due to the 500 yard approach regulation. We also will not accept photos of Alaskan humpback whales that don’t comply with the 100 yard approach regulation.

Make sure your whale watch company participates in the Whale SENSE program here.

*Note: Any photos submitted for the contest may be used in future photo contest promotions. We will NOT use submitted photos for any other purpose without first contacting the photographer for permission. Any additional questions/concerns regarding photo use, please email whalesenseww@gmail.com.  

2018 Winning Photos