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Strict rules to follow
When heading out on a summer boat trip, it?s common to encounter dolphins or other marine mammals offshore. These encounters create unforgettable memories, but they also require adherence to strict rules to avoid disturbing the animals. French regulations stipulate that you must maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters from any marine mammal and avoid intentionally approaching, chasing, or separating the group.
Having the Right Attitude
The proper approach is to slow down as soon as a dolphin is spotted, maintain a steady course, and allow the animals to move freely. Never try to position yourself in front of them, circle them, or prolong the observation unnecessarily. Any change in behavior, such as an acceleration, a deviation from the course, or a flight response, should prompt you to immediately stop approaching them.
An Ambivalent Impact on Fishing
When it comes to fishing, the presence of dolphins has a variable impact depending on the situation. For recreational fishing, the presence of dolphins can, in fact, have a mixed effect. In some cases, it indicates a lively area, rich in small fish and therefore potentially attractive to anglers. However, it can also cause schools of fish to scatter, disrupt feeding activity, make the fish more wary, and reduce the effectiveness of fishing rigs. The impact depends heavily on the target species, sea conditions, and the type of fishing method used.
Respect Wildlife
In practice, it?s best to avoid keeping your line in an area where cetaceans are present. If dolphins approach the boat, it?s best to temporarily suspend fishing and wait for them to move away on their own. This simple approach respects marine wildlife while avoiding behaviors that could be counterproductive to the fishing trip.
Dolphin watching should remain a responsible pleasure. By adopting the right habits, boaters and fishermen help protect cetaceans, preserve the balance of the marine environment, and ensure that our trips out to sea remain enriching.
