NOAA Fisheries has established region–by–region guidelines for protecting marine mammals. But the overall message is this: admire from a distance.

Authorities say anyone enjoying waterways, whether boating or swimming, should never touch, swim with, feed or harm animals in the wild.

NOAA's Web site has several links for what you can do to protect sea creatures.

One program, Ocean Etiquette, offers ways people can help protect not just animals but their habitats.

Take a look.