The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says human interaction with a beluga whale in the waters near Grates Cove has increased, and includes a report of people trying to harness the mammal and ride on its back.

A statement Friday from DFO said the whale's "normal life process" is being disturbed by scuba divers.

The federal department even released a series of graphic photos to illustrate what can happen to whales if they become too accustomed to humans, including one incident in 2002 in which a beluga was killed after being struck by a boat in Calvert.

A snorkeller frolics with Whaley the Beluga Whale in Grates Cove. (Mark Quinn/CBC )

The whale surfaced below a fishing vessel at the wharf and was cut to pieces by the engine's propeller.

"We are asking the public to refrain from swimming or otherwise interacting with the beluga whale in Grates Cove," Jan Woodford wrote in a statement to CBC News.

Interactions with the whale have continued, despite frequent patrols, visits to the wharf by fisheries officers, and media interviews by DFO officials.

Woodford said it's illegal to disturb a marine mammal, and DFO will pursue charges if an investigation determines that the Marine Mammal Regulations have been violated.

The head of DFO's marine mammal unit, Garry Stenson, is meeting with the media Friday morning to stress the importance of keeping a safe distance from the whale, which as been frequenting the waters near Grates Cove for several weeks.