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Concerns arise as marine mammals surface from the deep
View(s):Whale watching season has begun at Kalpitiya with the return of ‘the giants of the deep’. But concerns are being raised for the wellbeing of these mammals due to boat operators.
Manjula Kumara Morathanna
Story and pix by Padma Kumari Kankanamge
Whale watching season, between November and May, offers dolphin sightings as well. The Wildlife Department has said pods of dolphins can be found in Kalpitiya.
Kalpitiya Wildlife Ranger Manjula Kumara Morathanna said swimming with whales and dolphins has been banned to avoid disturbing the whales and dolphins and for safety reasons.
He also said boat operators have been asked to keep a 50 metre distance from a pod of dolphins and a 100 metre distance from whales. The tourist boats can travel with six to ten people, and the boat operators and their assistants need to be certified by The Ocean University as ‘experienced in sailing.’
Unnecessary close encounters also lead to dangerous situations for passengers and whales, if a whale breaches too close to a boat. To avoid such incidents Wildlife officers, coast guards and the navy have been deployed.
Local and foreign tourists need to buy a ticket or permit to observe these marine mammals. Foreign tourists are charged USD eight and local tourists Rs 20.
