Re: [Paddlewise] Whales

Melissa wrote:
>So Tom - I encourage you to seek out some of these magnificent
>creatures and paddle with them.  I think you'll be very pleasantly
>surprised.

This response isn't necessarily a direct response to Melissa, but to
everyone in general.

Before everyone rushes off to seek out and paddle with whales, keep in
mind that the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the US states that you
must stay at least 200 yards away from marine mammals.  You also
shouldn't put yourself on an intercept course so that they will swim
toward you where you are stopped.

That said, however, the g'ummint has no say in where the
cetaceans/pinnipeds choose to swim.  If they choose to swim toward you
or let you touch them, I guarantee the powers-that-be won't ticket the
creatures on the other side of our air-water interface.

Shawn
Who has never been lucky enough to paddle with whales before, but hopes
someday they'll choose to swim near me!  And yes, I am insanely jealous
of Melissa, but I don't begrudge her her whale friends!





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