Marine tourist vessels are prohibited from approaching groups of killer whales. The Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) states that “in cases where killer whales attempt to approach vessels, they must move away to avoid situations of possible interaction.” If killer whales approach without the crew noticing, “the vessel must be stopped immediately (if sea and safety conditions permit), leaving the engine running, and the animals’ behavior must be constantly monitored by the crew.” Navigation may only resume “when the killer whales have left.”
The ban is due to the increasing presence of these mammals in the coastal waters of Portugal, especially in the Algarve. “It is known that the initial interactions carried out by a small group of young killer whales are now carried out by a larger group of animals.” Adult killer whales can reach 9 meters in length and weigh up to 5 tons. The ban will last until December 31.