Report a marine mammal or sea turtle incident or sighting

If you see abuse or harassment (fisheries violation), contact the following 24-hours/day toll-free numbers:

• Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
• Marine VHF radio channel 16
• Report a fisheries violation

If you see an injured, stranded, entangled or dead animal, contact the emails or 24-hours/day toll-free numbers below.

Be prepared to note:

• Date, time, and location (lat./long.) of animal
• Type of animal
• Behaviours of the animal observed
• Entangling gear
• Visible injuries

Keep your distance and follow the Marine Mammal Regulations.

Do not touch or move an animal yourself because:

• you may accidentally harm it or yourself
• it may carry diseases that could transfer to you

If you see a marine mammal or a sea turtle, take a photograph and make sure you note important details and characteristics that might help to identify or locate it including:

• Date, time, and location (lat./long.) of animal
• Type of animal (species if possible)
• Sighting distance
• Description of key body parts, including color, any tags or unique markings
• Estimated length of the animal
• Behaviours of the animal observed (and your degree of confidence in the identification)
• Number of individuals
• If possible, photographs and video of the animal, especially of the tail, flukes, and flippers. Please ensure you are complying with the requirements of the Marine Mammal Regulations (minimum approach distances) and taking photos from a safe location using your camera’s zoom function.

If you see a free-swimming North Atlantic right whale (NARW), report it as soon as possible (ideally the same day or shortly after) to: DFO.GLFWhales-BaleinesGLF.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. If you see an injured, stranded, entangled or dead marine mammal or sea turtle, please refer to the specified contact information.

For a free-swimming NARW, include the following details in your report:

• GPS location (latitude and longitude)
• Date and time of the sighting
• Number of whales observed
• Behaviour (for example: feeding, travelling, diving)
• Description of animal, highlighting unique markings or features
• If possible, photographs and video of the animal, especially of the tail, flukes, and flippers. Please ensure you are complying with the requirements of the Marine Mammal Regulations (minimum approach distances) and taking photos from a safe location using your camera’s zoom function.

I am a Fish Harvester

Fish Harvester Form (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Do not touch or move an animal yourself because:

• you may accidentally harm it or yourself
• it may carry diseases that could transfer to you

I am an At-Sea Observer

At-Sea Observer Form (PDF, 1.1 MB)

Do not touch or move an animal yourself because:

• you may accidentally harm it or yourself
• it may carry diseases that could transfer to you

This form is for the general public, such as recreational fish harvesters, recreational boaters or recreational whale watchers, as well as commercial whale watching organizations.

I am a member of the public

Member of the public form (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Do not touch or move an animal yourself because:

• you may accidentally harm it or yourself
• it may carry diseases that could transfer to you