Imagine this: a huge whale, a rare and protected species, is swimming in the Bay of Kotor, and we as a society and tourists have the power to help or harm it! Montenegro’s Directorate for Ecology and Sustainable Development has issued an urgent appeal to all sea users, sailors, tourists, and citizens to behave responsibly and not disturb this marine giant. The whale was spotted on June 27, and its appearance in these waters is an extremely rare and important natural phenomenon.
What does this mean in practice? First, do not approach the whale too closely. Reduce the speed of vessels in the area where the whale was spotted and pay close attention to its movement beneath the surface. The use of underwater devices that may disturb or disorient the whale is strictly prohibited. Any action that may disturb or injure this strictly protected species is a violation of nature protection laws.
Montenegro is a signatory to international agreements on the conservation of whales and other marine mammals in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and adjacent Atlantic areas. These agreements oblige states to take measures to mitigate the negative impacts of maritime traffic, noise, and pollution on these animals. The Directorate urges all of us to contribute to implementing these obligations at the local level.
If you spot a whale or suspect it is injured, immediately report it to the competent authorities – the Maritime Safety Administration, the Institute of Marine Biology, or MERS. Protecting this unique marine guest is not only the task of experts but also of all of us who enjoy the sea and nature of Montenegro.
Just imagine how powerful it is to see such an animal in our sea! But with that power comes responsibility. So next time you are at sea, remember this appeal and be part of the solution, not the problem. And if you have a funny or bizarre story about meeting a whale or some marine adventure, feel free to share it – maybe your anecdote will remind someone how precious nature is and how important it is to protect it!
