Participating Whale SENSE companies must agree to adhere to certain standards each whale watching season. In return, companies are provided with a current year Whale SENSE logo for use in their advertisements, and are recognized as members of the Whale SENSE program.
Enrollment for the program typically opens for Maine – Delaware in February and for Virginia in November. Interested companies can reach out any time of year for more information to the regional Whale SENSE coordinator.
Prior to program enrollment:
Determine a Point of Contact: this person will be responsible for corresponding with Whale SENSE Program partners before, during, and after enrollment or renewal. We suggest also having an Alternate Point of Contact.
Compose a List of Operators and Naturalists: staff that you expect to employ during the whale watching season. Lists can be updated during the season as new employees are hired. This list will help to keep track of staff that have received training.
Identify a Stewardship Project that meets NOAA’s Ocean Literacy Standards.
Ensure Advertising Follows Responsible Viewing Practices by checking that all brochures or online advertisements for whale watching does not depict illegal behavior & informs viewers of responsible viewing practices, and NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region whale watching guidelines
Program Requirements
- Atlantic Program Framework (PDF)
- Atlantic Participant checklist (PDF)
- On the Water Evaluation (PDF)
Program Promotion
Interested in becoming a Whale SENSE company?