The SMART (Sustainable Marine Mammal Actions in Recreation and Tourism) initiative is about making sure everyone who uses the water or the coastline knows how to interact safely with marine mammals. This allows us to enjoy watching marine mammals in their natural environment without disturbing them.
Effect of vessels on marine mammals
Viewing marine mammals in New Zealand is a memorable experience. With half of the world's cetaceans (dolphins, whales and porpoise) having been sighted in our waters, New Zealand really is a hot spot for viewing these beautiful animals.
As demand for viewing experiences with marine mammals has increased, so too has the pressure on these animals by both tourism and recreational vessels. Numerous studies have documented the effects reckless viewing can have on marine mammals – these include changes in behaviour, boat strike, and reducing the opportunity for feeding, resting, and socialising.
We can all play our part in making marine mammal viewing in New Zealand sustainable now and into the future.
SMART training courses
These courses are available for commercial tourism and marine industry staff.
SMART courses are delivered in a number of locations around Aotearoa. These are a tutor led, 4.5 hr course covering a range of topics including:
- Marine mammals around Aotearoa
- Dolphin, whale and seal ID and information
- Potential impacts to marine mammals and how to minimise these
- Legislation (Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 & Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992)
- Responsible advertising
- What you can do to help
All participants who complete a SMART course will receive a certificate valid for 3 years. Refresher’s can be completed by attending another tutor led course or completing the online refresher course prior to expiry.
SMART Operator Programme
This programme is open to marine mammal permit holders.
The SMART Operator Programme is a voluntary education and awareness collaboration between marine mammal permit holders and DOC, encouraging safe viewing practices by all water users.
Businesses involved in the programme commit to a high level of staff training, use responsible advertising and promote safe viewing practices to the public and their guests.
Recreational water users
Coming across wildlife while out boating or walking along the coast can be exciting.
See Sharing our coasts with marine mammals to find information about how to have an enjoyable and safe encounter with whales, dolphins or seals when out in nature.
Report sightings of whales, dolphins, seals with tags, and sea lions
Factsheets and poster
- Sharing our coasts with marine mammals (PDF, 369K)
- Simple rules for boaties when interacting with whales and dolphins (PDF, 249K)
- Simples rules for interacting with marine mammals – poster (PDF, 753K)
Contact
To find out more contact your local DOC office or skipperscourse@doc.govt.nz.