The Board approved a new policy on the use of drones. The policy has a legal section which basically requires members to follow whatever laws exist in the country in which they are using a drone. There is also an ethical component to the policy and it states:
One of the tenets of photography, is that the safety and well-being of the subject, photographer and surroundings is of paramount importance over the capturing of the photograph. The purpose of this section is to prevent any interference with other individuals or animals which will or may cause a disturbance in their normal activity or disrupt the way an individual or animal interacts with its environment.
1. May not fly a drone above people for the purpose of photographing their activity, unless permission is granted in writing
2. May not fly or photograph animals in their natural habitat, especially nesting areas and locations where the animal is already under stress (winter survival, migratory feeding, protecting young). Photographing scenery/landscapes is permissible.
3. May not fly or photograph in any designated wilderness area.