Kayaker paddling through the jaws of a whale (?!)

Here is a picture which purports to show a kayaker paddling through the jaws of a bubble-feeding whale:



It’s an amusing picture, but a fake.  See http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/whalekayak.asp .

ummmm yep, Zee, SPOT, and a few others busted that one a few years back. Still, I wonder what the federal and state fines are for getting caught molesting and approaching too closely?

What can happen to those prosecuted for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act?
NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement also works closely with other state and federal law enforcement agencies to enforce federal regulations and investigate violations when they occur.

If prosecuted for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, civil or criminal penalties could include:

    Civil penalties up to $11,000
    Up to 1 year in prison plus criminal fines
    Forfeiture of the vessel involved, including penalties for that vessel up to $25,000