BIG PICTURE

Be a Seagrass Safe Boater

Seagrass beds are vital marine habitats, but they’re at risk from boating. Propeller scarring occurs when boats enter shallow waters, damaging seagrass root systems. In South Florida alone, over 30,000 acres of seagrass have been scarred by boat propellers. Recovery can take years, and repeated damage may prevent full restoration. Take action to protect these ecosystems:
 
Take the pledge to be a Seagrass Safe Boater and learn how to navigate responsibly.
 
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Protecting the North Atlantic Right Whale

Entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes are the leading causes of mortality for the North Atlantic Right Whale. To help protect these endangered whales, follow the critical safety measures listed below.

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Keeping Distance: Stay at least 500 yards away to avoid disturbing or stressing the whale, as required by federal law.

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Using the Right Gear: Use whale-safe fishing gear, like weak links or rope-less systems, to prevent deadly entanglements.

Boat Speed

Slowing Down: Reduce vessel speed to 10 knots or less to lower the risk of collisions, a leading cause of whale deaths.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU SPOT A RIGHT WHALE
Keep Distance
Stay 500 yards away to reduce the risk of vessel interaction and injury.

 

Use The Right Gear
Use whale-safe gear to minimize entanglements in commercial gillnet

 

SLOW DOWN!
Slow your vessel in Right Whale Zones, established where Right Whales have been recently seen.

 

LEARN BEST PRACTICES

Report Right Whale Sightings

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provides essential guidelines to ensure safe boating practices that protect both wildlife and boaters. Follow their recommendations to contribute to marine conservation efforts:
 
If you spot a right whale, report it immediately via:

  U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Ch. 16
 877-WHALE-HELP (942-5343)
  888-97-WHALE (94253)
Be ready with:
 
 Time and location (e.g., GPS)
 Sighting details (number of whales, etc.)
 
IF YOU SEE A RIGHT WHALE

Learn What to Do if You Spot a Right Whale

From November to April, pregnant right whales migrate from northern feeding grounds to sheltered calving waters to give birth. Safe boating in whale areas protects you, your passengers, and right whale mothers and calves.
 
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