The Kamchatka Transport Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into an incident involving multiple tourist boats chasing a pod of orcas. The event occurred in the Avacha Gulf on August 3, when 17 vessels were recorded pursuing the marine mammals as they attempted to distance themselves from the tour groups.
Environmental specialists from the Far East Orca Project reviewed footage of the pursuit, indicating that unregulated commercial tourism has compromised the safety of the Avacha Gulf for local orca populations.
During the ongoing investigation, authorities will conduct a legal assessment of the tour operators organizing excursions to these specific habitats. If regulatory violations are identified, the prosecutor’s office will determine the appropriate enforcement measures – ensuring that maritime tourism operations comply with established environmental protocols.