Make responsible wildlife viewing part of your coastal plan

Check the right guidance

DFO publishes marine-wildlife viewing requirements and guidance. The applicable conditions can vary with the animal, location and current protective measures. Review the official page before the outing rather than relying on an old distance repeated in a travel article. This is especially important where specific protections apply. A wildlife photograph on a historic site does not establish what approach is permitted now.

Prepare to observe from a distance

Use suitable viewing equipment and agree that a sighting does not require getting closer for a photograph. Discuss how the responsible operator handles wildlife encounters and changing conditions. Avoid treating an animal’s presence as an invitation to approach or alter its behaviour. Shore-based viewing can also be part of a considered outing when access is suitable and respectful.

Keep the encounter flexible

Follow the responsible person’s instructions and current guidance during an encounter. Do not pressure an operator to reproduce a picture seen online. Record a memorable sighting without presenting your own observation as a guarantee that another visitor will see the same animals. The value of a coastal visit includes the place itself, even when wildlife does not appear on cue.

Your practical checklist

• Read current DFO guidance.
• Check species and location-specific measures.
• Prepare binoculars or suitable camera equipment.
• Let responsible viewing take priority over a close image.