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 Watching The 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

Regulations In 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

Regulations Slow down to a no-wake speed, and maintain a steady direction. Never split up a group Cetaceans shouldn’t feel trapped be mindful of other boats Be aware of the presence of Mothers and their calves Never spend more then 20 minutes with them Never feed them Don’t make any noise or as little noise as possible Be aware of distress signals Don’t allow swimming with dolphins, (this one is controversial and often disreguarded

Principle of Ecotourism These laws or rules coincide with the Principles of Ecotourism: Minimize impact Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts Provide direct financial benefits for conservations Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people Raise sensitivity to host countries’ political environment, and social climate

Questions?

References “What is Ecotourism”. The International ecotourism Society. 2012, The International Ecotourism Society. Web. 9 th April “What Is Whale Watching”. WhaleFacts.org WhaleFacts.org. Web. 9 th April “Be as respectful as they are”. Cetacean Watching Nalinka. Web. 9 th April “Whale watching: a humane alternative”. World Society for the Protection of Animal. Web. 9 th April “Whale Watching History”. Pinnacle Travel Attractions. Web. 9 th April 2013 th.