WHALE WATCHING AND ITS IMPACT ON WHALES
FACTS ON WHALE WATCHING
Terms such as ‘ecotours’ and ‘ecotourism’ are often used by the whale watching industry to lure in costumers at the cost of marine life safety.
The Whale Watching industry is extremely profitable, with an international industry valued at 2 to 3 billion dollars.
More than 14 million people around the world go whale watching every year.
DOCUMENTED BEHAVIORAL CHANGE
Several studies have documented the effect of noise
from boats effecting the swimming speed of
different whale species. The severity of the
phenomena increases with proximity and
concentration of boats in the immediate area.
Like other mammals, whales exhibit strong stress
responses. The presence of boats elevates their
stress levels, leading to increased heart rates, higher
blood pressure, and a rise in stress hormones.
COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
Unlike humans, whales rely more on hearing than sight, making their communication channels essential. However, prolonged exposure to overlapping noise from multiple boats, a growing issue, can lead to permanent hearing damage.
This presents a serious threat to a species that depends on sound and echolocation for feeding and social interactions.
WHALE WATCHING CERTIFICATES: WHAT TO LOOK FOR?
Sources that outlines good code of conduct for viewing different marine wildlife from boats, planes, and on land:
-NOAA’s Marine Life Viewing Guidelines
-International Whaling Commission Handbook
Notable Certifications
-World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) Certification
-The High-Quality Whale Watching Certificate by the Agreement on the Conservation of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area (ACCOBAMS)
SOLUTIONS AND ACTIONS
CHOOSING CERTIFIED AND ECO-FRIENDLY OPERATORS
- Tourists must opt for companies with environmental certifications (e.g., Azores labels).
- Certifications ensure minimum viewing distances, the presence of marine biologists, and the use of hybrid-electric boats.
- Supporting responsible operators reduces stress for whales and promotes sustainable tourism.
STRONGER REGULATIONS AND CONSERVATION COMMITMENTS
- Many operators prioritize profits, causing overcrowding, noise pollution, and harassment of cetaceans.
- Stricter conditions can be enforced through licensing systems with mandatory ecological training and regular audits.
- Incentives like tax breaks and subsidies for eco-friendly boats can promote ethical practices.
- Sustainable whale-watching benefits both marine life and local communities by ensuring long-term tourism income.
RESPONSIBILITY OF TOURISM INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS
- Travel agencies, cruise lines, and booking platforms influence consumer choices and must highlight eco-certified operators.
- Public accountability campaigns can pressure companies to avoid unethical partnerships.
- Visible certification badges on platforms can help tourists choose sustainable options.
- Governments must adopt internationally recommended policies (e.g., IWC guidelines) through petitions and NGO collaborations.
THE ROLE OF RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
- Non-invasive technologies (drones, acoustic tagging) allow scientists to monitor whale stress without disturbance. Scientific data can help adjust management policies, such as limiting boat numbers and observation times.
- Education is the key: Marine Conservation must be included in school curriculums. Awareness campaigns, documentaries, interactive exhibitions, and community events can spread knowledge about ethical whale-watching.
