Whale SENSE is a voluntary education and recognition program offered to commercial whale watching companies (Maine through Virginia) by NOAA’s Fisheries Service, NOAA’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. The program was developed in collaboration with the Northeast whale watching community. Whale SENSE is a collaborative, voluntary program recognizing commercial whale watching companies committed to a higher standard of whale watching. Participating companies agree to minimize negative impacts on whales by:

• Engaging in responsible viewing practices;
• Providing customers with a high standard of education;
• Promoting ocean stewardship and conservation.

What does it take to have Whale SENSE? All Whale SENSE whale watching companies voluntarily:

• Participate in yearly training;
• Provide passage for Whale SENSE evaluators;
• Visibly post whale watching operational procedures;
• Adhere to regulations;
• Promote marine stewardship through yearly conservation projects;
• Participate in annual reviews to ensure active compliance;
• Upon successful completion of training and evaluation, Whale SENSE businesses receive materials identifying them as active Whale SENSE participants featuring the Whale SENSE logo and current calendar year.

For more information on whale watching and current Whale SENSE participants or how to become a Whale SENSE Participant contact:
Allison Rosner, NOAA’s Fisheries Service’s Protected Species Division 978-281-9328
Regina Asmutis-Silvia, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society 508-746-2522