SEALS love to bask on ledges and rocks, and it is tempting to try to bring small boats, particularly kayaks, within very close range of them. However, recent research shows that disturbances from small boats can be very stressful and disruptive to the seals. Curiously, kayaks tend to be more alarm to seals more than larger boats. Please observe seals from minimum distance of 100 yards, especially during pupping season in May and June. Seal pups, their mothers, and molting adults need uninterrupted haulout time, so are all vulnerable to disturbance. If you see seals getting restless or beginning to slip in to the water, you are too close.
Winston Shaw and Leslie Cowperwaithe via Sea Kayaker magazine have developed the following kayakers' guidelines on observing seals, with the acronym PADDLE:
Pass far
Avoid surprising seals hauled out on ledges and give them the widest berth possible. If you must pass ledges on which seals are hauled out, hug the shoreline farthest from the ledges as this will allow you to "blend in."
Approach parallel
Maintain a parallel course, as this is less threatening than a direct approach and allows the animals to see that you are merely passing by. Avoid changes in course or speed that might startle the seals.
Discrete viewing
Restrain your impulse to get closer to the seals as this places great stress on them. As you pass by, do not engage in any activity that suggests that you are "stalking" the seals such as pausing, viewing them through binoculars, taking photos, attempting to approach them undetected, etc. If you wish to observe their natural, undisturbed behavior, do so from land (not from the sea ledges themselves) using binoculars or a spotting scope.
Defer immediately
Back off immediately if the seals stretch their necks or chests higher into the air, or if they start to move toward the water, as this indicates the seals are preparing to flee. If the seals enter the water, leave the area immediately to avoid prolonging stress on the animals.
Leave alone
Do not handle or attempt to "rescue" seal pups apparently abandoned by their mothers. In most cases, the mother and pup will reunite on their own. If you are concerned about a particular seal, contact the proper authorities.
Explain effects
Tell other sea kayakers and small boaters about the negative effects they can have on seals. COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING Porpoises, dolphins, and whales also visit the waters of Maine. The great whales—finback, humpback, minke, and pilot whales—don’t usually come as close inshore as they once did. If, however, you should be near one in your small boat, use extreme care not to get too close to these powerful and unpredictable creatures.
A good reference to theses great creatures is A Field Guide to the Whales, Porpoises and Seals of the Gulf of Maine and Eastern Canada by Katona, Rough, and Richardson; 3rd ed., Scribner's 1983.