Watercraft chase whale and calf on Florianópolis beach Swimmers on watercraft were caught surrounding and chasing a right whale that was swimming with its calf at Praia Mole, in Florianópolis. Drone images taken on Sunday (19) show the moment when three vessels approached the animals, classified as threatened with extinction. ?? According to federal legislation, voluntarily pursuing or approaching animals at sea is a crime. The Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) and the Military Environmental Police said they were working to identify those responsible for the practice. ?Click and follow the g1 SC channel on WhatsApp Right whales are frequently sighted off the coast of Santa Catarina between the months of July and September. During this period, the species migrates to warmer tropical waters with the aim of mating and procreating. Therefore, the region is also known as a kind of whale maternity ward. Animals swam towards Galheta beach. The images, sent to NSC TV, were recorded around 11am. The person responsible for the images, who did not want to be identified, said the animals swam towards Galheta beach and continued to be accompanied by watercraft. Watercraft approach right whale and calf in Florianópolis NSC TV/Reproduction Rules Whale harassment is an environmental crime in Brazil. According to Federal Law 7,643/1987, it is prohibited to intentionally molest any species of cetacean in Brazilian waters. Furthermore, standards regulated by Ibama determine rules for approaching animals. Motorized vessels, for example, are required to: Maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters and, if they are close to a whale, the engine must be kept in neutral (neutral). The penalty for the crime varies from 2 to 5 years in prison, in addition to a fine and loss of the vessel in case of repeat offense. Watercraft chase whale and calf on Florianópolis beach NSC TV/Reproduction VIDEOS: most watched on g1 SC in the last 7 days