Whale Watching and Ecotourism

By: Alex Bauman

What they are.Just like any other observation of animals

such as bird watching, whale watching is watching whales and other under sea life from the Order Cetacean.

Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves that environment and improves the well being of the local people by bringing money through the small towns through tourism.

History of Whale Watching• Whale watching as a

organized activity started in 1950 with the Carbillo National Monument in San Diego, California first declared a spot public for the observation of Gray Whales.

• Five years later one dollar was being charged to be out on the water getting close.

History of Whale WatchingThe industry spread to the Eastern half of

North America, where Fin and Beluga whales were viewed.

Thanks to the industry growing in size by 1985 there were more people whale watching in New England then in California.

The rapid growth of the industry on the east coast was due to the actions of the Humpback whale and the close proximity to the large east coast cities.

History of Whale Watching• From the 1980s

through the 90s whale watching spread around the world becoming important for profits of developing countries.

• Whale watching even today is still a hobby for many people and a since the 1955 people have been using many different means to watch whales:

• From small to large boats; to watching for Orcas from land; and for those that are very far out the use of helicopters and fixed-wing aircrafts have been used.

What will we see.

The Whale Watching Season in New England lasts from mid-spring to through October with these Cetaceans being the main ones we will see:• Humpback Whales• Finback Whales• Minke Whales• Dolphins• Right Whale

RegulationsIn 1996 the International Whaling Commission adapted a set of general guidelines for whale wathing which compiled regulations from all around the world to ensure the safety of whales while allowing Whale Watching to remain a recreational activity for tourists.These are: maintain a distance of 100 meters

from whales and 50 meters from dolphins, and if another ship is present make it 200 meters.

Approach them slowly sideways and never cross the path of a group or individual

RegulationsSlow down to a no-wake speed, and maintain a steady

direction.Never split up a groupCetaceans shouldn’t feel trapped be mindful of other

boats Be aware of the presence of Mothers and their calvesNever spend more then 20 minutes with themNever feed themDon’t make any noise or as little noise as possibleBe aware of distress signalsDon’t allow swimming with dolphins, (this one is

controversial and often disreguarded

Principle of EcotourismThese laws or rules coincide with the Principles of Ecotourism: Minimize impactBuild environmental and cultural awareness and

respectProvide positive experiences for both visitors and hostsProvide direct financial benefits for conservationsProvide financial benefits and empowerment for local

peopleRaise sensitivity to host countries’ political

environment, and social climate

Questions?

References “What is Ecotourism”. The International ecotourism

Society. 2012, The International Ecotourism Society. Web. 9th April 2013.

“What Is Whale Watching”. WhaleFacts.org. 2013 WhaleFacts.org. Web. 9th April 2013.

“Be as respectful as they are”. Cetacean Watching. 2011 Nalinka. Web. 9th April 2013.

“Whale watching: a humane alternative”. World Society for the Protection of Animal. Web. 9th April 2013.

“Whale Watching History”. Pinnacle Travel Attractions. Web. 9th April 2013th.