Gibraltar Tightens Vessel Controls Due to Whale and Dolphin Migration. Gibraltar has reiterated strict regulations for boats and jet skis during the whale migration season. Violations will be recorded and may result in proceedings. Speed and distance limitations have been introduced.
Additional restrictions have been introduced in Gibraltar for boat and jet ski owners during the annual migration of whales and dolphins. The local Department of Environment reminded that during this period, vessels are required to follow special rules when near marine animals. Authorities emphasize that violating distance or speed limits near whales and dolphins may result in investigation and legal consequences.
Currently, the migration route of rorqual whales passes through Gibraltar’s waters, as they travel from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic. This marine corridor is important not only for whales but also for other species—sea turtles, sunfish, sharks, and seabirds. As a result, all vessels and jet skis are required to follow the Cetacean Protocol, which sets out how to behave when encountering large marine animals.
According to established rules, it is forbidden to cross the whales’ path or move directly toward them. The minimum approach distance for adult animals with calves is 300 meters. Within 500 meters of the animals, vessel speed must not exceed 4 knots and must not be higher than the slowest animal in the group. Approaching closer than 60 meters is prohibited, except in emergency situations. If a whale or dolphin approaches on its own, the vessel’s engine must be shifted to neutral or completely turned off.
Compliance with these requirements is monitored by a special environmental protection division. Any violation of the Cetacean Protocol or the nature conservation law will be considered separately, and legal action may follow. As noted by russpain.com, there have already been cases in the region where government intervention led to legal proceedings, such as the incident involving the football player convicted of assault, previously reported in the article about the court decision concerning a CD Tenerife player.
The Gibraltar Cetacean Protocol was developed to minimize stress and injury to marine animals during their migration. In recent years, the number of collisions between boats and whales in the region has increased, prompting stricter regulations. It is important to note that violating these rules can not only harm the animals, but also result in damage to vessels or injuries to people on board. Gibraltar remains one of the key migration points for large marine mammals moving between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and compliance with the new restrictions is now mandatory for everyone going to sea during this period.
