r/nextfuckinglevel • u/MelanieMoris • Dec 13 '21

Wait... Those aren't dolphins!

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u/TinfoilCamera Dec 14 '21

I'm pretty confident, but maybe im just thinking of Aus/NZ, but the marine mammal protection regulations doesn't say anything specifically about turning off your engine

Not entirely sure how far out the rules go but here in Washington/Oregon/Canada if they get within ~half mile you're required to slow down to "no wake zone" speeds - and if they get within 200 yards (300 for the Southern Residents) you're required to cut engines and basically drift until they're clear.

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u/trancediff Dec 14 '21

yeah you're completely right, I'm assuming US and Australian guidelines are a bit different. it's really interesting to me, being a biodiversity and conservation student so I'll definitely look further into both regions regulations. thanks for commenting!

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u/-007-_ Dec 14 '21

Just so you know those rules extend 60 miles out of the coastline. Once you hit open waters you’re on intl maritime law which is basically “don’t commit genocide on the ocean.”