Rescue org. urges "beluga tourists" to stop harassing whale spotted off Dutch coast
A beluga whale, first spotted off the coast of Callantsoog and Julianadorp on January 17 after no belugas have been spotted since 1984, has reappeared between Egmond and Castricum, attracting boats, drones, and crowds of visitors. Stichting SOS Dolfijn, a Dutch marine rescue organization, warned that such close encounters with the "beluga tourists" are causing stress to the animal.
The organization reported that the whale has been approached by boats and observed under low-flying drones, while police helicopters have also flown in the area.
Marine biologist Jeroen Hoekendijk said the whale’s behavior has changed due to the disturbances. "At that moment when a drone hovered over the beluga, and a police helicopter flew by, the beluga made a sharp turn and began slapping its tail," he told NU.nl. "It then swam back at high speed to where it came from. That seems to be related to the disturbances."
Despite the attention, the beluga appears healthy. "The beluga is not thin, has no injuries, and is not entangled in nets or ropes. If you saw the animal in its natural environment, you would not be worried," Hoekendijk added.
SOS Dolfijn urges the public to observe the whale from the shore only. "It does no harm to admire the beluga with binoculars from the beach. Let’s prioritize the animal’s welfare," the organization said.
