Whale Watching Worldwide

WhaleWatchingWorldwide
Tourismnumbers,expendituresand
expandingeconomicbenefits
AspecialreportfromtheInternational
FundforAnimalWelfare
WhaleWatchingWorldwide:Tourismnumbers,expendituresandeconomicbenefits
AspecialreportfromIFAWtheInternationalFundforAnimalWelfare
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ProjectLead:SimonOConnor
Researchers:RoderickCampbell,TristanKnowles&HernanCortez
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Projectassistanceandadviceprovidedby:ErichHoyt
SpecificregionaldataforLatinAmericaprovidedby:ErichHoytandMiguelIguez
2009IFAW
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Citation:OConnor,S.,Campbell,R.,Cortez,H.,&Knowles,T.,2009,WhaleWatchingWorldwide:tourism
numbers,expendituresandexpandingeconomicbenefits,aspecialreportfromtheInternationalFundfor
AnimalWelfare,YarmouthMA,USA,preparedbyEconomistsatLarge.
Disclaimer
Theopinionsexpressedinthispublicationarethoseoftheauthor/sanddonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsof
IFAW.ThisreportisbasedondatagatheredandanalysedbyEconomistsatLargethroughinterviewswith
operators,government,nongovernmentandotherstakeholdersaswellassecondarydatareviews.The
findingsofthisreportaredependentonthatdatawhichwasavailableatthetimeofresearch.

WhaleWatchingWorldwide:
Tourismnumbers,expendituresandeconomicbenefits
AspecialreportfromIFAW
PREFACE ...........................................................................................................................................................8
FOREWORD:IFAWANDWHALEWATCHING19802009 .................................................................................9
1.WHALEWATCHINGANDWHALING ............................................................................................................................... 9
2.ADDITIONALIFAWPROJECTSRELATEDTOWHALEWATCHING ......................................................................................... 12
3.WHALEWATCHINGANDTHEINTERNATIONALWHALINGCOMMISSIONABRIEFHISTORY .................................................. 17
EXECUTIVESUMMARY....................................................................................................................................23
MAPOFTHEGLOBALDISTRIBUTIONOFWHALEWATCHINGCOUNTRIES: ................................................................................. 27
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .........................................................................................................................................28
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................................29
RESEARCHMETHODS ...........................................................................................................................................30
LIMITATIONS......................................................................................................................................................35
GLOBALWHALEWATCHING2008 ...................................................................................................................36
REGIONS.........................................................................................................................................................38
AFRICAANDMIDDLEEAST..............................................................................................................................40
SUMMARYOFCOUNTRYRESULTS.....................................................................................................................................42
BAHRAIN ..........................................................................................................................................................44
BENIN ..............................................................................................................................................................45
CANARYISLANDS ................................................................................................................................................47
EGYPT ..............................................................................................................................................................49
LOCALCASESTUDY:SAMADAIREEF,EGYPT .............................................................................................................51
ERITREA ............................................................................................................................................................52
GABON .............................................................................................................................................................53
GAMBIA,THE ....................................................................................................................................................54
KENYA ..............................................................................................................................................................55
MADAGASCAR ...................................................................................................................................................56
LOCALCASESTUDY:ANTONGILBAY,MADAGASCAR ..................................................................................................58
MAURITANIA .....................................................................................................................................................60
MAURITIUS .......................................................................................................................................................61
MAYOTTE .........................................................................................................................................................62
MOROCCO ........................................................................................................................................................63
MOZAMBIQUE ...................................................................................................................................................64
NAMIBIA ..........................................................................................................................................................66
OMAN..............................................................................................................................................................68
RUNION ..........................................................................................................................................................69
SOTOMANDPRNCIPE .....................................................................................................................................71
SENEGAL ...........................................................................................................................................................72
SEYCHELLES .......................................................................................................................................................73
SOUTHAFRICA ...................................................................................................................................................74
LOCALCASESTUDY:HERMANUS,SOUTHAFRICA .......................................................................................................77
TANZANIA .........................................................................................................................................................78
EUROPE ..........................................................................................................................................................80
SUMMARYOFCOUNTRYRESULTS.....................................................................................................................................82
CROATIA ...........................................................................................................................................................84
CYPRUS ............................................................................................................................................................85
DENMARK .........................................................................................................................................................86
FAROEISLANDS ..................................................................................................................................................87
FRANCE ............................................................................................................................................................88
GERMANY .........................................................................................................................................................90
GIBRALTAR ........................................................................................................................................................91
GREECE ............................................................................................................................................................92
GREENLAND ......................................................................................................................................................93
ICELAND ...........................................................................................................................................................95
LOCALCASESTUDY:HSAVK,ICELAND ...................................................................................................................97
IRELAND ...........................................................................................................................................................99
ITALY ............................................................................................................................................................. 101
MONACO ........................................................................................................................................................ 102
NORWAY ........................................................................................................................................................ 103
PORTUGALAZORESISLANDS.............................................................................................................................. 105
LOCALCASESTUDY:AZORES ............................................................................................................................... 107
PORTUGALMADEIRAARCHIPELAGO ................................................................................................................... 108
PORTUGALMAINLAND ..................................................................................................................................... 110
SLOVENIA........................................................................................................................................................ 111
SPAIN............................................................................................................................................................. 112
UNITEDKINGDOM ............................................................................................................................................ 114
ENGLAND ..................................................................................................................................................................114
SCOTLAND .................................................................................................................................................................116
WALES ......................................................................................................................................................................118
ASIA ............................................................................................................................................................. 120
SUMMARYOFCOUNTRYRESULTS...................................................................................................................................121
BANGLADESH ................................................................................................................................................... 123
CAMBODIAANDLAOS ........................................................................................................................................ 124
CHINA ............................................................................................................................................................ 126
CHINA(MAINLAND)....................................................................................................................................................126
CHINAHONGKONGSAR ...........................................................................................................................................127
CHINATAIWAN ........................................................................................................................................................128
GEORGIA,UKRAINEANDRUSSIABLACKSEA ........................................................................................................ 130

INDIA ............................................................................................................................................................. 131
INDONESIA ...................................................................................................................................................... 133
JAPAN ............................................................................................................................................................ 135
KYUSHU ....................................................................................................................................................................136
HONSHU ...................................................................................................................................................................137
OGASAWARA,MIYAKEJIMA,MIKURAJIMA ...................................................................................................................... 138
HOKKAIDO .................................................................................................................................................................139
OKINAWA ..................................................................................................................................................................140
SHIKOKU ...................................................................................................................................................................141
LOCALCASESTUDY:JAPAN ................................................................................................................................. 142
MALAYSIA ....................................................................................................................................................... 143
MALDIVES ....................................................................................................................................................... 144
MYANMAR(BURMA) ........................................................................................................................................ 145
NEPAL ............................................................................................................................................................ 146
PAKISTAN........................................................................................................................................................ 147
PHILIPPINES ..................................................................................................................................................... 148
RUSSIA ........................................................................................................................................................... 150
SRILANKA ....................................................................................................................................................... 152
THAILAND ....................................................................................................................................................... 153
TURKEY .......................................................................................................................................................... 154
OCEANIA,PACIFICISLANDSANDANTARCTICA.............................................................................................. 155
AMERICANSAMOA ........................................................................................................................................... 159
ANTARCTICA .................................................................................................................................................... 160
AUSTRALIA ...................................................................................................................................................... 162
QUEENSLAND .............................................................................................................................................................164
NEWSOUTHWALES ...................................................................................................................................................166
VICTORIA...................................................................................................................................................................168
TASMANIA .................................................................................................................................................................170
SOUTHAUSTRALIA ......................................................................................................................................................171
WESTERNAUSTRALIA ..................................................................................................................................................173
LOCALCASESTUDY:GREATBARRIERREEF,AUSTRALIA ............................................................................................. 175
COOKISLANDS ................................................................................................................................................. 177
FEDERATEDSTATESOFMICRONESIA ..................................................................................................................... 178
FIJI ................................................................................................................................................................ 179
FRENCHPOLYNESIA ........................................................................................................................................... 181
GUAM ............................................................................................................................................................ 182
MIDWAY ........................................................................................................................................................ 184
NEWCALEDONIA .............................................................................................................................................. 185
NEWZEALAND ................................................................................................................................................. 186
NORTHISLAND ...........................................................................................................................................................188
SOUTHISLAND ...........................................................................................................................................................189
NIUE .............................................................................................................................................................. 191
PALAU ............................................................................................................................................................ 192
PAPUANEWGUINEA ......................................................................................................................................... 193
SAMOA .......................................................................................................................................................... 194
5
SOLOMONISLANDS ........................................................................................................................................... 195

TONGA ........................................................................................................................................................... 196
NORTHAMERICA.......................................................................................................................................... 198
CANADA ......................................................................................................................................................... 201
BRITISHCOLUMBIA .....................................................................................................................................................202
QUBEC ....................................................................................................................................................................204
NOVASCOTIAANDNEWBRUNSWICK ............................................................................................................................ 206
NEWFOUNDLANDANDLABRADOR .................................................................................................................................207
CANADIANARCTICMANITOBA,NUNAVUTANDBAFFINISLAND ........................................................................................ 209
MXICO .......................................................................................................................................................... 210
ST.PIERREANDMIQUELON ................................................................................................................................ 212
USA .............................................................................................................................................................. 213
ALASKA .....................................................................................................................................................................214
HAWAII .....................................................................................................................................................................216
WASHINGTON ............................................................................................................................................................219
OREGON ...................................................................................................................................................................221
CALIFORNIA ...............................................................................................................................................................223
NEWENGLAND ..........................................................................................................................................................228
LOCALCASESTUDY:STELLWAGENBANK,USA........................................................................................................ 230
EASTERNSEABOARDUNITEDSTATESNEWYORKTOGEORGIA......................................................................................... 231
FLORIDAANDTHEGULFSTATES ....................................................................................................................................233
LOCALCASESTUDY:FLORIDAKEYSTOTHEFLORIDAPANHANDLE,USA........................................................................ 235
CENTRALAMERICAANDCARIBBEAN ............................................................................................................ 236
ANTIGUAANDBARBUDA .................................................................................................................................... 240
THEBAHAMAS ................................................................................................................................................. 241
BELIZE ............................................................................................................................................................ 243
BERMUDA ....................................................................................................................................................... 244
BRITISHVIRGINISLANDS .................................................................................................................................... 245
COSTARICA ..................................................................................................................................................... 246
DOMINICA ...................................................................................................................................................... 247
LOCALCASESTUDY:DOMINICA ........................................................................................................................... 249
DOMINICANREPUBLIC ....................................................................................................................................... 250
GRENADA ....................................................................................................................................................... 252
GUADELOUPEANDISLANDS(INCLUDINGST.MARTINANDST.BARTHLEMY) ................................................................ 253
GUATEMALA .................................................................................................................................................... 254
HONDURAS ..................................................................................................................................................... 255
JAMAICA ......................................................................................................................................................... 256
MARTINIQUE ................................................................................................................................................... 257
NETHERLANDSANTILLESARUBA,BONAIRE,CURAAOANDST.MAARTEN ................................................................. 258
NICARAGUA..................................................................................................................................................... 259
PANAMA ........................................................................................................................................................ 260
PUERTORICO................................................................................................................................................... 261
ST.KITTSANDNEVIS ......................................................................................................................................... 262
ST.LUCIA ........................................................................................................................................................ 263

STVINCENTANDTHEGRENADINES ....................................................................................................................... 264
TURKSANDCAICOSISLANDS ............................................................................................................................... 266
USVIRGINISLANDS........................................................................................................................................... 267
SOUTHAMERICA .......................................................................................................................................... 268
ARGENTINA ..................................................................................................................................................... 271
BOLIVIA .......................................................................................................................................................... 272
BRAZIL ........................................................................................................................................................... 273
CHILE ............................................................................................................................................................. 274
COLOMBIA ...................................................................................................................................................... 275
ECUADOR ........................................................................................................................................................ 276
FALKLANDISLANDS(LASMALVINAS) .................................................................................................................... 278
PERU ............................................................................................................................................................. 279
SURINAME ...................................................................................................................................................... 280
URUGUAY ....................................................................................................................................................... 281
VENEZUELA ..................................................................................................................................................... 282
AFTERWORDBYERICHHOYT ........................................................................................................................ 283
BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................................. 288
APPENDIX1:SURVEYFORM ......................................................................................................................... 293
Preface
Government officials, scientists and advocates from around the world are gathering this week on the sunny island of
Madeira, Portugal to debate the future of our planets great whales. As they do so, new evidence is surfacing of the
massive economic contribution living whales now make to coastal economies around the world. Whale Watching
Worldwidedocuments the incredible growth of theglobal whale watching industry over thepast decade and provides a
detailedcountrybycountryanalysisofitsexpandingeconomicbenefits.
WhatbeganasaseasonalflukeoffthecoastofCaliforniainthe1950shasgrownintoavibrant,profitablesectorofthe
international ecotourism market. Ten years ago, the first IFAW global whale watching report, produced by noted
researcherErichHoyt,documented9millionwhalewatchersin80pluscountriesandterritoriescontributingmorethanUS
$1billiontocoastalcommunitiesworldwide.
This new IFAW study, painstakingly compiled over the past 18 months by the Melbourne, Australiabased Economists at
Large&Associates, shows more than 13 million people took whale watchingtours last year in119countries worldwide,
generatingawhopping$2.1billionintotalexpendituresduring2008.Thereportalsodocumentsdramaticgrowthofthe
whale watching industry in Asia, the Pacific, South America, the Caribbean and Europe, significantly outpacing global
tourism growth rates over the past decade. Growth like this means jobs: more than 3,000 whale watching operations
aroundtheworldnowemployanestimated13,200people.
As an organization committed to a better world for animals and people, IFAW is proud to have played a part in the
developmentofwhalewatchingworldwideandwearecommittedtoseeingitconductedresponsibly.Sincefirstbecoming
involvedin1980,wehaveproduced15whalewatchingreports,16workshops,numerousscientificpapers,populararticles
andotherpublications.AndwehavebeenpleasedtosupportwhalewatchingprojectsandnetworksofoperatorsinLatin
America,SouthAfrica,Asia,Australia,thePacific,Europe,NorthAmericaandtheCaribbean.
While governments continue to debate the future of whaling, the bottom line is increasingly clear: Responsible whale
watchingisthemostsustainable,environmentallyfriendlyandeconomicallybeneficialuseofwhalesinthe21stcentury.
Atatimewhentheglobaleconomy,ourplanetsgreatwhalesandinternationalwhaleconservationmeasuresareallunder
threat,itisencouragingtoseecoastalcommunitiestheworldovercontinuingtoreapincreasingbenefitsfromthisrapidly
developingformofecotourism.Animalsandpeoplebothdobetterwhenwhalesareseenandnothurt.
PatrickR.Ramage,WhaleProgramDirector,IFAW
Madeira,Portugal
June2009
Foreword:IFAWandWhaleWatching19802009
Theysaythattheseaiscold,buttheseacontains
thehottestbloodofall,andthewildest,themosturgent1
VassiliPapastavrou
Thereisonegroupwhichshouldtakethecreditforthedevelopmentofwhalewatching:itisthewhales
themselves.DescribedbyRogerPayneasnaturesselfpublicists,thereisnothingmoreremarkablethanseeing
awhaleforthefirsttimeanditisnowonderthatwhalewatchinghasnowgrownintoa2.1billiondollar
industry.
AquickscanthroughcampaigningpublicationssuchasTheWhaleManual(FriendsoftheEarth,1972)andMind
intheWaters(ProjectJonaheditedbyJoanMcIntyre,1974)showsthatwhalewatchingisnotablebyits
absence.WhalewatchinghadalreadystartedinCaliforniasometwodecadesearlierbutperhapsthefull
implicationshadnotbeenrealised.Itwasonlyaftertheadoptionofthe1982moratoriumoncommercial
whalingthattheideaofwhalewatchingbegantotakeholdasarealisticfinancialalternativetowhaling.In1983
theGlobalConferenceontheNonconsumptiveUtilizationofCetaceanswasheldinBostonanddiscusseda
numberofusesofwhales,includingwhalewatching.Leadingscientists,politiciansandnongovernmental
organisations,ledbythehostConnecticutCetaceanSociety(nowCetaceanSocietyInternational)attended.The
reportwaspresentedtoIWCmeetingthefollowingyeartooppositionfromJapanandtheUSSR.Betterknown
byitsshorttitle,WhalesAlivewascosponsoredbytheInternationalWhalingCommission,IFAWandother
conservationorganisationsandmarkedthelaunchofwhalewatchingintheInternationalWhalingCommission.
Ataroundthistime,IFAWtentativelystarteditspracticalworkonwhalewatchingwithanaerialsurveyinThe
Seychellesin1980toseeifwhalewatchingmightbefeasibleinthenewlyestablishedsanctuary.Sincethen
IFAWswhalewatchingactivitieshavegrownaswhalewatchingitselfhasexpandedanddeveloped.Several
otherorganisations,particularlytheUKbasedWhaleandDolphinConservationSociety,andHumaneSociety
Internationalhavealsostayedthecourse.Aswhalewatchingexpanded,soeffortsfocusedonensuringthatit
wasconductedinanappropriatefashion,avoidingdisturbancetothewhales.
IFAWsworkonwhalewatchingsplitsintotwoparts.Therehasbeenalongrunningprogrammetousewhale
watchingasawayofcounteringwhalingandspecificallytoinsertwhalewatchingintotheInternationalWhaling
Commissionasanalternativeuseofwhalesthatisinfinitelypreferabletowhaling.Secondly,countryspecific
activitieshavebeenconductedinanumberofkeylocations,withthepresentandpreviousSongoftheWhale
andTeamoftencontributingtothatwork.
1.WhaleWatchingandWhaling
Arguably,IFAWsworkonwhalewatchingasawayofinfluencingthecommercialwhalingdebatestartedin
1988,whenworkwasfundedonafeasibilitystudyforwhalewatchinginIceland.Themotivationforthiswork
wastoseewhetheracounterpointtowhalinginterestscouldbeestablishedinIceland.IFAWsworkinthe
1
WhalesWeepNotbyDHLawrence
9
Azoreswhichbeganin1987,conductedbythefirstSongoftheWhalehadasimilartheme,tochangeattitudes
awayfromthespermwhalingthatwasstillhappeningthereatthetime.
Earlyin1994,theIFAWAntiwhalingCampaignTeam,asitwasthenknown,developedaprogrammeforIFAW's
engagementinpromotingresponsiblewhalewatchinginthecontextofitslongstandingeffortstobringanend
tocommercialwhaling.ThiswaslaunchedatatimewhenwewerecampaigningfortheIWCtodeclarethe
SouthernOcean(southof40S)asawhalesanctuary,whichwassuccessfullaterintheyear.
TheproposedIFAWactivitiesweretopromoteresponsiblewhalewatchinginsensitivecountriesthatwere
eitherengagedinwhaling(NorwayandJapan),possiblysoontobecomereengaged(Iceland)orhadbeen
inducedtosupportJapanintheIWC(suchasDominicawithintheCaribbean).Wealsowantedtoestablish
whalewatchingasasustainablealternativetowhalingandasourceofincome(particularlyforcoastal
communities).FinallyIFAWwantedwhalewatchingtobecomeanactivityinwhichIWCshouldtakeabenign
interest.ThisincludeddemonstratingthatusefulscientificinformationrelevanttotheIWCcouldbecollected
fromwhalewatchingvesselsusingbenigntechniques.
Withrespecttopromotionofresponsiblewhalewatchinginsensitivecountries,itwasdecidedtoconcentrate
ontheCaribbean,IcelandandJapan.InIcelandtoday,themainpoliticalpressurepointisfromthewhale
watchingoperatorsandrecently,thetourismindustryasawhole.ActivitiesinJapanhavehelpedtoestablish
whalewatchingasaviableactivity.Thewhalers'lobbyhaschangedfromflatoppositionandobstructionto
arguingthatcommercialwhalingandwhalewatchingarecompatible.
IntheCaribbean,whalewatchingisgrowinginDominicaandelsewhere,andthoughithasbeendifficultto
countertheinfluenceofJapananditsaidintheregion,thewhalewatchingoperatorsareincreasinglyproviding
acohesiveforceagainstthepresentwhalingpolicies.In2008,Dominicaannouncedthatitwouldnotvotein
favourofwhalingandintheeventdidnotattendthe2008IWCCommissionmeetinginSantiagodeChile.
VotingwithJapaninfavourofwhalingdoesnotsitcomfortablywiththepromotionofDominicaasanature
island.
IFAWsworkintheCaribbeanbeganin1995,followingacommitmentfromBrianDavies(whofoundedIFAW)
thatifDominicadidnotopposetheSouthernOceanSanctuaryvotethenIFAWwouldassistinpromoting
Dominicaasanecotourismdestination(atatimewhenotherswerethreateningtoinitiateatourismboycottof
theislandsbecauseoftheirprowhalingstance).ThatcommitmentwashonouredbyIFAW,throughavarietyof
activitiesincludingwhale/marineconservationawarenessraisingwithinschools,localcommunities,andvisitors
totheislands,baselinewhaleresearchandworkingwithlocaldiveandtouroperators.
Throughthisperiod,IFAWsupportedthecollationofwhalewatchingregulationsandguidelinesaroundthe
worldinacompendiumthatwasupdatedannuallybyCaroleCarlson(e.g.Carlson,2004)andassistedinthe
draftingofnewguidelinesandregulationsforvariouscountries.
Concerningtheaimofestablishingwhalewatchingasasustainableactivity,itwasdecidedtofocuspressureon
theIWCtotakethevariousaspectsofthesubjectseriously.Inparticular,totrytoensurethattherapidly
expandingactivitieswerenotharmfultothewhales,andthatthekeyaspectswereseriouslyconsidered.
FollowingasuggestionfromErichHoytandGiuseppeNotarbartolodiSciara,IFAW(togetherwithotherNGOs)
supportedwhatwastobecomethefirstofaseriesofwhalewatchingworkshops,onthescientificaspectsof
managingwhalewatching.
10
SidneyHolt,atthattimeIFAWScienceAdvisor,thenplannedaseriesofotherinternationalworkshopsinwhich
thespecialcharacteristicsofspermwhalewatching,socioeconomicissues,educationalvaluesandlegalissues
wereaddressed.AnimportantfeatureofthissetofactivitieswasthatresultswerereportedtotheIWC,mainly
throughsympatheticnationaldelegations,whileeffortsweremadetoobtainIWCResolutionsrecognisingthese
results.Inessence,theIFAWprogrammebecametheIWC'sprogramme(anIWCresolutionadoptedin1996was
draftedinlightofthepreexistingIFAWprogramme).Particularlywithrespecttothescientificaspects,theIFAW
workshopshavedriventhediscussionwithintheIWC.Thereportsareasfollows:
WorkshopontheScientificAspectsofManagingWhaleWatching,MontecastellodiVibio,Italy,
30/34/4/1995(SC/47/018)
WorkshopontheSpecialAspectsofWatchingSpermWhales,Roseau,Dominica,811/1/1996(SC/48/0
26)
WorkshopontheEducationalValuesofWhaleWatching,Provincetown,Mass.,USA,811/5/1997
(IWC/49/WW2)
WorkshopontheLegalAspectsofWhaleWatching,PuntaArenas,Chile,1720/11/1997(IWC/S1/WW1)
WorkshoponSocioeconomicAspectsofWhaleWatching,Kaikoura,NewZealand,812/12/1997
(IWC/S0/TGw41)
Hoyt,E.2001.WhaleWatching2001:WorldwideTourismNumbers,ExpendituresandExpanding
SocioeconomicBenefits
ReportoftheClosingWorkshopReviewingVariousAspectsofWhaleWatching.Tuscany,Italy610
February2000.
TheseeffortsintheIWCwereopposedbyJapanateverystageandbyeveryavailablemeanswhichmeantwe
musthavebeenontherighttrack!AnotherfeatureofthiscampaignisthatalthoughIFAWputbyfarthegreater
resourcesintoit,wecollaboratedwithGreenpeace,WWFandWDCS,andfromtimetotimesomesmaller
nationalNGOs.
Thelastworkshopintheseriesisperhapstheonetolookatfirst(ReportoftheClosingWorkshopReviewing
VariousAspectsofWhaleWatching).Itsstatedaimwastowrapuptheworkdescribedintheprevious
workshopreports.Insomecases,thedebatehadmovedonsincetheearlierreportswerepublished.In
addition,thesynergybetweenthevariousdifferentaspectswasconsidered,togetherwithadiscussionof
possiblefutureactivities.WithinthereportthereisagoodsummarybySidneyHoltofthehistoryoftheissue
withintheIWCandthecontextofthediscussiononwhalewatchingasitrelatestootheractivitiesoftheIWC.
Inordertodocumentboththevalueofwhalewatchingandtodetermineitsgrowthrate,IFAWcommissioned
ErichHoytin1999toconductthemassivetaskofaglobalsurvey.TheresultingreportWhaleWatching2001
documentedboththeexpansionofwhalewatchingaroundtheworldanditsvalueonacountrybycountry
basis.Hoytcalculatedthevalueofwhalewatchingasmorethanonebilliondollarsperannumindirectand
indirectexpenditure.Itwasthisreportthatgainedbyfarthemostmediainterest.Hisreportfollowedanearlier
1995reporttoWDCSonthesamesubject.Thepresentreportcomesalmostadecadelater.
11
Sowhatprogresshasbeenmade?Forastart,whalewatchingisnowtakenseriouslyasaneconomicactivity
globally.Longgonearethedaysofcomments,suchasthatofanIcelandicpolitician,whalewatchinginIceland
thatisthestupidestideaIhaveeverheard.WhalewatchingisnowwovendeeplyintothefabricoftheIWC
(throughanumberofIWCdecisions)asaformofutilisationofwhaleswhichinIFAWsviewisinfinitely
preferabletowhaling.Itshouldbenotedwhalewatchingisnotwithoutitsownpotentialimpactsonthewhales.
ThishasbeenanissueofobviousinterestandconcerntoIFAW,andonewhichshouldbefollowedverycarefully
astheexpansionofwhalewatchingcontinuesworldwide.
Insummary,muchofIFAWsworkhasbeentocontributetoeffortstoencouragethedevelopmentandrunning
ofwhalewatchingthatisconductedresponsibly,withduerespectforthewelfareofthewhalesandtoensure
thatthemaximumeducationalbenefitisgainedbywhalewatchers.Inafewspecificlocations,IFAWhasalso
promotedthedevelopmentofwhalewatchingwhileatthesametimeattemptingtoensurethatthiswasdone
responsibly.
2.AdditionalIFAWprojectsrelatedtowhalewatching
Scientificwork
IFAWsscientificworkrelatedtowhalewatchinghasbeenwiththeaimoffacilitatingdatacollectionrelevantto
generalwhaleconservation,andtostudyeffectsofwhalewatchingonwhales.Thefocushasbeenon
developingbenign,nonintrusivetechniquesonSongoftheWhalethatcanbeusedfromwhalewatching
vessels.TheLoggersoftwaredevelopedbyIFAWfordatacollectionisnowusedaroundtheworldbywhale
watchoperationsandotherresearchers.IFAWhasalsocontributedtostudiesofcompliancewithregulations
andguidelines(Wileyetal.,2004),theirscientificbasis(AmaralandCarlson,2005)andtechniquesfor
monitoringthesemoreeffectively(DeNardoetal.,2001;Leaperetal.,1999;LeaperandGordon,2001).
PopularLeaflets,BrochuresandVideo
Variouspopularleafletsandpostershavebeendeveloped,sometimesinseverallanguages,asacontributionto
thedevelopmentofresponsiblewhalewatchingandtomaximisetheeducationalcomponentofwhalewatch
trips.Theseincludespermwhalesandwhalewatching(translatedintoJapaneseandPortugueseandwidely
distributedinJapan,theeasternCaribbeanandtheAzores);andtheminkewhalesandwhalewatchinginthe
BritishIslesleaflet(providedgeneralinterestinformation,detailsaboutresponsiblewhalewatchingandwas
reprintedthreetimeswithminorupdates).Inadditionleafletswerepreparedonwhalesanddolphinsofthe
Mediterranean;NorthAtlanticrightwhales;whalesofthewiderCaribbean(inEnglish,FrenchandSpanish);
harbourporpoises;andwhalewatchinginTonga.Finally,IFAWproducedtwowaterproofmarinemammal
identificationandwhalewatchingguidesforthePacificIslandsregion,andforAustraliaandNewZealandaswell
asawaterproofspeciesguideforusebyE.Caribbeanoperators.In2005,IFAWandWDCSproducedasmall
bookletonwhalewatchinginJapan,HongKong,TaiwanandKorea(Hoyt,2005).
IFAWunderwroteandhelpedproduceWhattoDoAboutWhales,afeaturelengthdocumentaryhighlightingthe
phenomenonofwhalewatchinginfourcountries(US,Japan,NewZealandandIceland).IFAWcontinuesto
promoteanddistributethisvideoproductionviaourwebsites.
12

Australia,NewZealandandtheSouthPacific
IFAWAsiaPacificisinvolvedinanumberofAustraliabasedandSouthPacificactivities.InAustralia,these
includedthelaunchofNationalWhaleDayin2008,apageentitledfollowthewhalemigrationandalistof
locationsofwhalewatchingsites.IFAWAsiaPacifichascommissionedaseriesofsixreports,writtenbySimon
OConnorfromEconomistsatLarge.ThethreereportsofaspectsofwhalewatchinginAustraliawereonthe
growthofwhalewatchingtourisminAustralia(OConnor,2005a),specificallythegrowthofwhalewatchingin
Sydney(OConnor,2005b)andareviewofwhalewatchingeconomicsandactivitiesontheGoldCoast
(OConnor,2008).Anumberofworkshopsandtrainingactivitieswereconductedasfollows;NSWwhale
watchingforum(2005);operatortrainingandindustrycompliancemanagertraininginfivecitiesinNSW(2006);
andoperatorandgovernmenttraininginBroome,WesternAustralia(2008).
InNewZealand,IFAWequipmentandstaffwereusedtoconductastudyfortheDepartmentofConservation
(DOC)ontheeffectsofwhalewatchingonspermwhalesoffKaikoura,in1992(Gordonetal.,1992).Atthetime
thepermitsforspermwhalewatchingwerelimitedtoasinglewhalewatchoperatorusingfourvessels,but
therewasconsiderablepressuretoallowmorepermitsforotheroperators.Thecurrentmoratoriumonissuing
newpermitsexpiresin2012andtheGovernmentofNewZealandisplanningtocommissionfurtherresearchon
theeffectsofwhalewatchingusingmethodsthatshouldgeneratecomparabledatatotheIFAWmethodsinthe
initialstudy.In2004,IFAWfundedtheproductionofareportonwhalewatchinginNewZealandwhichwas
presentedtotheIWCbythegovernmentofNewZealand(OConnor2005).
ElsewhereintheSouthPacific,IFAWsworkonwhalewatchingislargelythroughparticipationintheSecretariat
fortheSouthPacificRegionalEnvironmentProgrammesWhaleandDolphinActionPlan,andthroughthe
ConservationCommitteeoftheSouthPacificWhaleResearchConsortium.Aseriesofcollaborativeworkshops
wereheldonthemanagementofwhalewatching,inparticularforthedevelopmentofnationalwhalewatching
guidelines,andthetrainingofoperators,guidesandindustrymanagerstoimplementthem.Thesehave
includedfacilitatingnationalworkshopsinTonga(2000,2003),Niue(2001,2003),Samoa(2004)andVanuatu
(2002).In2007IFAWcontributedtonationalworkshopsinFijiandPapuaNewGuinea.
IFAWalsococonvenedthePacificIslandsWorkingGrouponWhaleandDolphinWatchinginAuckland,New
Zealand,April,2008,attendedby35delegatesfrom13countries,whichreviewedwhalewatchingactivities,
impacts,bestpractice,andsawthedevelopmentandendorsementofPacificRegionalGuidelinesforWhale&
DolphinWatching.
InTonga,IFAWfundedFilipeTongawhoranaprojectthroughtheIFAWMarineAwarenessCentreonTonga.
Filipeprovidedtechnicaladvicetogovernmentandindustryonthemanagementofwhalewatchingwhich
focusesonhumpbackwhales.
InApril2008,IFAWlaunchedareportonPacificIslandswhalewatchtourism(OConnor,2008)which
documentedthegrowthofwhalewatchingintheareaupto2005,predictscontinuinggrowth,butalsolists
somepossibleconstraintstocontinuedgrowthinthefuture.
AzoresandMadeira
TheoriginalIFAWresearchvesselSongoftheWhalespentseveralseasons,startingin1987,studyingcetaceans,
particularlyspermwhalesaroundthePortugueseislandgroupsoftheAzoresandMadeira.Alocalvariationof
19thCenturyYankeespermwhalingwasstillbeingconductedwiththreewhaleskilledin1987.Therewasstilla
13
verystronginterestwithintheislandstocontinuewhaling.Sincethen,whalinghasendedandtherehasbeena
gradualshiftawayfromwhalingandtowardswhalewatchingwhichinvolvestheformerwhalinglookoutsor
vigias.Inaddition,oneofthemainfamiliesinvolvedinwhalingboughtintothenewlydevelopingwhale
watchingindustry.ThefocusoftheSongoftheWhaleworkwasonstudiesofthebehaviouranddistributionof
spermwhalesandthepotentialfordevelopingwhalewatching.Whalewatchinghasnowbecomeasuccessful
industryintheAzores.IFAWhasmaintainedaninvolvementtohelpensurethatthewhalewatchingis
conductedsensitivelywithminimumdisturbancetothewhalesandSongoftheWhalereturnedtothearea
principallytostudybeakedwhalesin2008.In1999,IFAWstaffcontributedtoaworkshoptodetermine
appropriateregulationsfortheindustry.
Caribbean
Asmentionedearlier,theIFAWworkintheEasternCaribbeanbeganin1995,followingacommitmentfrom
IFAWthatifDominicadidnotopposetheSouthernOceanSanctuaryvotethenIFAWwouldassistinpromoting
Dominicaasanecotourismdestination.
TheSongoftheWhaleTeamspentseveralseasonscollectingdatatoinvestigatethefeasibilityofwhale
watchingaroundDominicastartingin1995(GordonandCarlson,1995;CarlsonandGordon,1997;Gordonetal.,
1998).InJanuary1996,IFAWheldtheworkshoponTheSpecialAspectsofWatchingSpermWhalesinRoseau,
Dominica.IFAWalsoorganisedaregionalworkshopin2000onDominicaforwhalewatchoperatorsinthe
EasternCaribbean.AndasthisreportwenttopressinMay2009IFAWorganizedafloatingclassroomprojectin
Dominica.
InadditiontoworkinDominica,IFAWconductedapublicawarenessprogrammeonwhalesinschoolsthrough
theEasternCaribbeanandcollectedusefulbaselinesurveydataonthelittleknowncetaceanfaunaofthe
region.Inseveralislands,IFAWprovidedassistancetowhalewatchingoperationsintheirearlystages,oftenby
providingthemwithhydrophonesandotherpiecesofequipmentaswellastraining.In2006,theSongofthe
WhaleteamconductednoninvasivewhaleresearchandoutreachactivitiesinTrinidadandTobagoandsurveys
forcetaceansontheSabaBank.TheprojectwasconductedinsupportoftheUnitedNationsEnvironment
Programmes(UNEP)protocolforSpeciallyProtectedAreasandWildlife(SPAW).However,fewcetaceanswere
seenduringthesesurveys,perhapsbecauseoftheextensiveseismicactivityinthearea,orformerwhaling
activities.Studentsandyoungscientistsfromtheregionhavetakenpartintheresearchasinternsworking
alongsideIFAWresearchersonboard.
Mostrecently,IFAWhassupportedthereestablishmentofCARIBWHALE,theCaribbeanwidewhalewatching
association,whichisnowactivewithmembersthroughouttheregion.IFAWprovidedsupporttoenablea
meetingofthekeywhalewatchingconstituenciesintheCaribbeantobeheldinthefringesofthe2006IWC
meetinginStKitts.
Justpriortothe2008IWC,theprimeministerofDominicaannouncedawelcomechangeawayfromDominicas
prowhalingpositionattheIWC.
Iceland
In1988,priortotheexistenceofanywhalewatchinginIceland,IFAWsponsoredastudyonthefeasibilityof
whalewatchinginIceland(LindquistandTryggvadottir1990).Whalewatchinghassubsequentlydevelopedinto
amajorpartoftheIcelandictourismindustryandplaysanimportantroleinthelocaleconomy.Thewhale
watchingindustrynowprovidesanimportantpoliticalcounterpointtowhalinginterests.In1991,thefirstwhale
14
watchingtripsstarted(Papastavrou,1994).IFAWalsoprovidedideasforresearchthatcouldbeconductedfrom
Icelandicwhalewatchingboats.Then,inMarch1999,IFAWfunded,andparticipatedin,ameetingofwhale
watchingoperatorsinIceland.Thiswasanopportunityfortheoperatorstogettogetheranddiscusstheir
commoninterestsincludingoperatingguidelinesandresearch.IceWhale,theAssociationofIcelandicwhale
watchoperators,grewoutofthismeeting.SincethenIFAWhasfundedtheHusavikWhaleCentreandthenew
SongoftheWhalevisitedIcelandtoconductnoninvasivewhaleresearchandpublicoutreachactivitiesin2004
and2006.Inearly2008,IFAWheldanotherwhalewatchingworkshopinIceland,whichbroughttogether
participantsfromseveralothercountriesforagenuinelyinternationalmeeting.
Japan
SeveraloftheIFAWwhalewatchingreportshavebeentranslatedintoJapanese.Theseincludethereportson
theScientificAspectsofManagingWhaleWatching;theSpecialAspectsofWatchingSpermWhales;the
EducationalValuesofWhaleWatchingandErichHoytsWhaleWatching2001reportonthevalueofwhale
watchingworldwide.In1995,IFAWvisitedsixwhalewatchingareas(Nachikatsuura,Ogata,Muroto,Choshi,
MuroranandShibetsu)toreviewtheextentoftheindustry,whichmainlycatersforJapanesenationalsrather
thanforeigntourists.SincethenIFAWhasvisitedotherwhalewatchinglocations.
InNovember2004IFAWhostedaninternationalconferenceonwhalewatchinginChoshi,Japan.Participants
includedadozenJapanesewhaleanddolphinwatchoperatorsfromacrossthecountryandexpertsfromAsia,
Iceland,mainlandEurope,NorthAmericaandLatinAmerica.IFAWalsocreatedamailinglistofmajorwhale
watchingoperators,guidesandscientiststoexchangeinformationandideasonresponsiblewhalewatchingin
Japan.
In2005,whentheIWCwasheldinUlsan,SouthKorea,IFAW,togetherwithWDCSproducedasmallbookleton
whalewatchinginJapan,HongKong,TaiwanandKorea.Alsoin2005,IFAWgavealocalwhalewatching
operator,ChoshiOceanInstitute,asmallgrantforthefirststepsincreatingawhalewatchingcentreinChoshi.
In2006,IFAWgaveasmallgranttoZamamiVillageWhaleWatchingAssociationtohelpwithitshumpback
whalephotoIDcatalogue.
LatinAmerica
IFAWhasorganisedanumberofwhalewatchingworkshopsincoordinationwithSouthAmericanNGOs.In
2003,aWorkshoponwhalewatchingactivitieswasheldinPuntadelEste,Uruguay.Themaingoalofthe
workshopwastolookatfutureopportunitiesintheregionbutalsotoidentifyregionalconservationpriorities
forSouthernrightwhalesanddevelopguidelines.
In2004,IFAWprovidedfundingtosupportaWhaleWatchingWorkshopheldinPuertoPirmides,Chubut,
Argentina.Theworkshopdiscussedregulationsandavoluntarycodeofconducttominimiseimpactsonwhales
atPeninsulaValdes(Sironietal.,2005).Inaddition,theworkshoponthelegalaspectsofmanagingwhale
watchingwasheldinPuntaArenas,Chile(Birnie&Moscrop,2000).Thenin2005IFAWsupportedtheFirst
InternationalWorkshopontheManagementandNonlethaluseofCetaceansinPeninsulaValdes,Argentina
whichwasfollowedbythesecondinternationalworkshopin2007whichwasheldinLaPedrera,Uruguay.The
recommendationsofthisworkshopwerepresentedbytheArgentineDelegationatthe58thAnnualmeetingof
theIWCinStKitts.
In2008,IFAW,togetherwithWDCS,launchedareportonthestateofwhalewatchinginLatinAmericafrom
MxicotothesoutherntipofSouthAmerica(HoytandIguez,2008),whichfollowedonfromearlierwork
15
(Hoyt,1994).Theauthorscalculatedthatcurrently886,000peoplegowhalewatchingeachyearwhichbringsin
US$278millionindirectandindirectexpenditure.
Scotland
IFAWhelpedestablishacombinedwhalewatchingandresearchoperationfromtheIsleofMull,Scotlandin
1992withthefirstSongoftheWhale.Aswellaswhalewatchingandeducation,researchhasbeenconducted
onminkewhalebehaviouranddistribution(Leaperetal.,1997;MacLeodetal.,2004).SongoftheWhale
returnedin1996andagainin2002,inpartconductingresearchonbaskingsharksintherunuptothesuccessful
CITESlistingproposal.TheworkinScotlandisoneofafewlongtermstudiesofminkewhalesandinvolvesthe
samepopulationthatisalsosubjecttocommercialwhalingbyNorway.Itmaybepossibletousethedata
obtainedtolookatlongtermsitefidelityofminkewhales,whichwillhaverelevancetotheongoingIWCdebate
aboutcoastalwhaling.IFAWhasmaintainedlinkswiththewhalewatchingcompanies(whostillcontinueto
collectdatausingLogger)andtheHebrideanWhaleandDolphinTrust.HWDTnowrunsitsownresearchvessel
usingmanyoftheacousticandvisualresearchtechniquesdevelopedbyIFAW.Whalewatchingisnowfeatured
intheLonelyPlanettravelguidetoScotlandwithadvicefromIFAWonensuringminimumdisturbancetowhales
(Leaper,2008).
Seychelles
In1980IFAW,insupportofthenewlydesignatedIndianOceanSanctuary,carriedoutanaerialwhalesurvey.
Theideawastoestablishthefeasibilityofcountingspermwhalesinthisregionfromafixedwingaircraftandto
examinethepossibilityofsmallscalewhalewatchingactivityoffMahe.Unfortunately,itappearedfromthe
surveythatthespermwhalesthathadbeennumerousinthe19thCenturyseemedtobevirtuallywipedoutand
notsufficientlynumerousonwhichtobasewhalewatchingoperations.
SouthAfrica
SouthAfricaswhalewatchingwasinitiallyshorebased.In1998,IFAWSouthAfricafundedafactfindingmission
toNewZealandinordertobenefitfromtheNZexperiencemanagingboatbasedwhalewatching.Two
representativesfromSouthAfricasChiefDirectorateofSeaFisherieswereaccompaniedbyJasonBellandmet
withNZgovernmentcontactsintheDepartmentofConservation.NewZealandwaschosenbecauseofits
largelypermitbasedregulationoftheindustry.ThevisittoNewZealandallowedSouthAfricatodevelopgood
regulationspriortopermittingboatbasedwhalewatching.
Sincethen,IFAWhascontributedtoanumberoflocalwhalewatchingactivities,includinglaunchingtheWalker
BayWhaleWalkin2006andfurtherenhancingwhalewatchingexperiencesinSouthAfricabyproducing
whaleconservationawarenessboardsalongthecoastline.IFAWsWhaleShowpresentationrecentlyenteredits
secondseasoninHermanus.
Taiwan
IFAWcosponsoredthe10thSymposiumonCetaceanEcology&ConservationTowardASustainableFutureof
WhaleWatching,heldinTaiwaninSeptember,2004andthoughnotrepresentedatthemeetingdidprovide
informationonthedevelopmentofresponsiblewhalewatching.
USA
16
Forthepastfouryears,IFAWhascollaboratedwithHyannisWhaleWatcher,awhalewatchoperationonthe
northsideofCapeCodnearourHQofficetodevelopeducationaldisplays,educationalliteraturefordistribution
tocustomersandgeneralpromotionofIFAW.Inpastyears,IFAWhasengagedtheHyannisWhaleWatcher
naturalistsasinterns,affixedtheIFAWlogoprominentlyonthevesselandengagedinsignificantlocaloutreach.
IFAWhasalsosupportedresearchconductedbyNOAA/StellwagenBankNationalMarineSanctuaryresearcher
DaveWileymonitoringwhalewatchingvesselsinNewEnglandwatersandcompliancewithspeedrestriction
guidelines(Wileyetal.2004).Theresearchshowedthatwhalewatchingboatswereroutinelyexceedingspeed
limitswhichwererarelyenforced.
Conclusion
In2009theIWCisatacrossroads.Itcouldreverttothemindsetof1946andfacilitatethecontinuationand
expansionofcommercialwhaling,oritcouldgenuinelybecometheorganisationresponsiblefortheproper
conservationofwhalestocks.WhalewatchingprovidestheleverthatcoulddrivetheIWCintheright
direction.IFAWhasbeenprivilegedtocontributetothatprocessovertheyearsandwehopethatthatsupport
willcontinuewellintothefuture.Forwhalewatchingprovidesthemeanstochangeattitudesaboutwhales.
3.WhaleWatchingandtheInternationalWhalingCommissionaBriefHistory
Summary
TheInternationalWhalingCommissionhasaddressedthesubjectofwhalewatchingsince1975.Astheonly
globalbodyresponsiblefortheconservationofwhales,theIWChasprovidedafocusforallaspectsofthe
discussionregardingwhalewatchingincludingthescientific,legal,socioeconomicandeducationalaspects.The
IWChasprovidedthefunctionofaclearinghouseforthecollation,analysisanddisseminationofinformationon
whalewatchingtobothmemberandnonmembergovernments.
TheIWChasperformedacriticalfunctionofprovidingaframeworkbothtohelpcoastalstatesdraftregulations
andguidelinesandtoprovideaforumforpeerreviewofthescientificaspectsofissuesarisingfromwhale
watching.Thishascontributedtotheoverallsustainabilityofwhalewatchingandensuringthattheeconomic
andeducationalbenefitsarecapitalisedupon.
Chronology
1975ConcernswereexpressedwithintheIWCScientificCommitteethatexcursionboatsenteringScammon
andotherbreedinglagoonsinMexico,whichhadstartedin1970,mightbedetrimentaltothewhales 2.
1976IWCScientificCommitteeaskedtheCommissiontorequesttheUSandMexicanGovernmentsto
establishregulationstoreduceharassmentof(gray)whalesinalltheirbreedingareas 3.TheCommission
respondedbyadoptingaresolution,proposedbyDenmark,thatnotedtheCommitteesrecommendationand
thatthegraywhalesaregenerallyprotected,andrecommendedthatcontractinggovernmentsestablish
suchregulationsassoonaspossible.
2
Rep.Int.Whal.Commn28:20911,1976
3
17
1982TheUSAproposedattheIWCthatthereshouldbeaspecialmeetinginthenorthernhemispherespringof
1983toaddressthenonconsumptiveutilisationofcetaceanresources,givingconsiderationtoresearch,
recreation,educationandculturalaspects.TheIWCagreedtocosponsorsuchameeting 4.
1983FirstwhalewatchingconferenceWhalesAliveheldinBoston,cosponsoredbytheIWCandwith
participationoftheIWCSecretaryasanobserver.
1984OutcomeofconferencewasbroughttotheIWC,includingthatthenewissueofnonconsumptiveuse
shouldbeconsideredbytheIWC.
1993FirstwhalewatchingresolutionadoptedbyIWCin1993,establishingaWorkingGrouponWhale
Watchingtomeetpriortothe1994IWCand,interalia,assembleandsummariseinformationaboutwhale
watchingfrombothpartyandnonpartystates 5.
1994WhalewatchingworkinggroupmeetsjustpriortotheIWCunderthechairmanshipofF.vonderAssen
(Netherlands).ThemaindocumentunderconsiderationwasthereportpreparedbytheSecretaryonthebasis
ofoverviewsprovidedby11membergovernmentsnamely:Argentina,Chile,France,Ireland,Mexico,New
Zealand,Oman,Spain,Sweden,UK(includingBritishVirginIslands,Turks&CaicosIslandsandotherBritish
territories),andUSA.TherewereinadditionlatepapersfromJapan,Brazil,AustraliaandNorway.
1994Resolutiononwhalewatchingadoptedwhichinteraliarequeststhesubmissionofinformationby
contractingpartiesonwhalewatching,requestsadvicefromtheScientificCommitteeinsettingguidelines,and
requeststheIWCtokeepunderreviewallaspectsrelatingtowhalewatching.
1995Present.TheIWCScientificCommitteehasaddressedalargevarietyofscientificissuesconcerning
whalewatching.AstandingWhaleWatchingSubCommitteeoftheScientificCommitteewassetupin1998
fromtheWorkingGroupsetupin1995.Mattersaddressedinclude:
Identifyingandassessingthepossibleeffectsofwhalewatchingoperationsoncetaceans/whales;
Examiningcurrentstatusofmethodsofassessmentofimpacts,includingassessmentofbehavioural
change;
Providingadviceonthemanagementoffuturewhalewatchingbasedonassessmentofimpacts;
Reviewinginformationonnoiseproductionfromvesselsandaircraftanditseffectsoncetaceans;
Todrawupasetofguidelinestoassistcoastalstatesinthemanagementofwhalewatching,basedon
theexperienceofmembercountries;
Consideringtheassessmentofpossibleshortandlongtermeffectsofwhalewatchingandsomespecial
situationssuchasswimwithprogrammesanddolphinfeedingprogrammes;
Utilisingtheopportunitiesforscientificresearchconductedfromwhalewatchingboats;
4
Rep.Int.Whal.Commn33312,1983
5
18
Researchontheeffectivenessof,andcompliancewith,managementmeasures.
1996IWCResolutionadoptedwhichinteralia,committedtheCommissiontodiscusseducational,economic
andsocialaspectsofwhalewatchingatitsAnnualMeetingin1997 6.
1997IWCconsiderstheeducationalaspectsofwhalewatching.TheUSAsubmittedinformationindicatingthe
potentialeducationalopportunitiesthatareavailablethroughwhalewatchingoperationsandhowtomakebest
useoftheseopportunities.
1998IWCconsidersthesocioeconomicaspectsofwhalewatchingindicating:
Itoffersnewdevelopmentopportunitiesforcoastalcommunities;
Itcanprovidesubstantialeconomicbenefits;
Itisasustainable,nonconsumptiveuseofcetaceansofferingopportunitiesfornonlethalresearch;
Itoffersopportunitiesforeducationandfordevelopmentofresearchmethods.
1999IWCconsidersthelegalaspectsofwhalewatchingincludingacompilationofexistingandmodel
legislationandguidelinesfromaroundtheworld.
2000IWCconsiderstheincreasingvalueofwhalewatchingtosmallislanddevelopingstatesandendorsesthe
continuingworkoftheScientificCommittee.TheScientificCommitteeheldaspecialtwodayworkshopon
assessingthelongtermeffectsofwhalewatchingoncetaceans.
2001IWCcontinuesthediscussionregardingthevalueofwhalewatchingasnonconsumptivesustainableuse
ofwhales.NewZealandcitedIFAWreportindicatingthatwhalewatchingisaglobalindustryworthmorethan
onebillionUSdollarsperannum.
2002ScientificCommitteecontinuedtoaddressresearchfromwhalewatchoperations;theeffectsofnoiseon
whalesandtheeffectivenessandcompliancewithnationalwhalewatchingguidelinesandregulations.
2004ThevalueofwhalewatchinginAustraliaIFAWreportpresentedtoIWCbythegovernmentofAustralia.
2005GrowthofWhaleWatchinginNewZealand.IFAWreportpresentedtotheIWCbythegovernmentofNew
Zealand.
2007IWCCommissionadoptsresolutiononthenonlethaluseofcetaceans,proposedbyArgentinaandco
sponsoredby15othercountries.ScientificCommitteecontinuestoconsidertheshortandlongtermeffectsof
whalewatchingoncetaceans.
2008TheScientificCommitteeheldaworkshoponstrategicplanningoflargescalewhalewatchingresearchin
April2008toimprovelongtermeffortstostudytheimpactsofwhalewatchingonwhales.Theseefforts
continuetodemonstratethatwhalewatchingisanactivitythattheIWCshouldtakeseriouslyandthat
discussionsofthemanagementofwhalewatchingshouldbeonanequalfootingwithdiscussionsaboutsetting
6
19
catchlimitsforwhaling.ArgentinapresentsIFAW/WDCS/GlobalOceanreportonthestateofwhalewatchingin
LatinAmericatotheIWCCommissionmeeting.
Acknowledgments
Itisinevitableinareviewlikethisthatsomeactivitieswillhavebeenomitted,forwhichmyapologies.FromwithinIFAW,I
wouldliketothankKelvinAlie,OliveAndrews,JasonBell,MarinaColes,NaokoFunahashi,RussellLeaper,AimeeLeslie,
RichardMcLanaghan,AnnaMoscrop,ChristinaPretorius,PatrickRamageandMarcelaRomerowhoallprovideduseful
informationforthisdocument.SidneyHoltguidedIFAWsworkonwhalewatchingoveranumberofyears,with
characteristicintellectualrigorandforthrightcriticism.CaroleCarlsoncontributedherexpertiseonwhalewatchingand
compiledacompendiumofwhalewatchingrulesandregulationsoveranumberofyears.TheSongoftheWhaleteam
(someofwhomarementionedabove)contributedtowardsensuringthatwhalewatchingprovidedagenuinealternativeto
whalingandwasconductedappropriately:JonathanGordonledthatteamformanyyearsandcontributedgreatlyto
IFAWsearlyworkonwhalewatching.MickMcIntyre,nowofWhalesAliveranIFAWswhalewatchingworkintheregion
whenhewasthedirectorofIFAWsAsiaPacificOffice.OutsideIFAW,wehaveworkedwithverymanycolleaguesin
dozensofcountries:thankyouall!
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RegionalEnvironmentProgramme,FondsFranaispourlEnvironnementMondialandtheKingdomofTonga.
OConnor,S.2008.AreviewofwhalewatchingeconomicsandactivitiesontheGoldCoast
Sironi,M.,Schteinbarg,R.,Losano,P.,Carlson,C.2005.SustainablewhalewatchingatPennsulaValds,Argentina.An
assessmentbyownersandcaptainsoflocalwhalewatchcompanies.PaperSC/57/WW2presentedtotheIWCScientific
Committee,Ulsan,Korea.9pp.
Wiley,D.N.,Moller,J.C.,Carlson,C.2004,Compliancewithvoluntaryspeedguidelinesbythecommercialwhalewatching
industryinandaroundtheStellwagenBankNationalMarineSanctuary.PaperSC/56/WW9presentedtotheIWCScientific
Committee,Sorrento,Italy.9pp.
22

ExecutiveSummary
Tenyearsafterthelastglobalreviewoftheworldwidewhalewatchingindustry,theInternationalFundfor
AnimalWelfarehascommissionedEconomistsatLargetoundertakeanupdatereporttomeasurethechangein
thisindustryacrosstheworldsince1998.Thisreportpresentsthefindingsofa2008reviewoftheglobalwhale
watchingindustry 7.
In1998,theglobalwhalewatchingindustrywasalreadywellestablished,withover9millionwhalewatchers
across87countriesandterritoriesspanningeverycontinentoftheglobe.Atthattime,theindustrywas
estimatedtogenerateoverUS$1billionintotalexpenditure 8.
Tenyearslater,in2008,weseeanindustrythathasgrownstrongly,expandingacrossmorecountriesand
territories,andcontinuingtodevelopinthosecountrieswithlongestablishedindustries.
In2008,13millionpeopleparticipatedinwhalewatchingin119countriesandterritories,generatingtotal
expenditureof$2.1billion.
Furthermore,anestimated3,300operatorsofferwhalewatchingtripsaroundtheworld.Theoperatorsemploy
anestimated13,200people.
Themostrecentdecadehasbeentumultuousforglobaltourism,withtheterroristattacksof9/11,theimpactof
SARS(severeacuterespiratorysyndrome),andtheeffectsofvariouswars.Thisresultedinflatornegative
growthgloballyininternationalinboundtourisminfourofthoselasttenyears.
Acrosstheglobe,thewhalewatchingindustryhasgrownatanaveragerateof3.7%peryear,comparingwell
againstglobaltourismgrowthof4.2%peryearoverthesameperiod.
Butthegrowthrateofwhalewatchingatagloballeveltellsonlypartofthestory.Ataregionallevel,average
annualgrowthhasoccurredwellabovegrowthintourismratesinfiveofthesevenregionsinthisreport:Asia
(17%peryear),CentralAmericaandtheCaribbean(13%peryear),SouthAmerica(10%peryear),Oceaniaand
thePacificIslands(10%peryear)andEurope(7%),evidenceofstronglyemergingindustries.
Concomitantly,theeconomicactivitygeneratedbywhalewatchtouristshasalsogrown.In2008,globalticket
salesforwhalewatchingtripsgenerated$870million(directexpenditure),withsubsequentindirect
expenditureattributedtowhalewatchinggenerating$1.2billionresultingintotalwhalewatchingexpenditure
of$2.1billion.
Clearly,theindustryhasgrownfromitsplaceservicingaselectnichetourismmarket,toonethatinpartsofthe
globehashitthemainstream.
7
Whalewatchinginthisreportincludesallwildcetaceanswhales,dolphinsandporpoises.
8
AlldollarsinthisreporthavebeenconvertedtoUSdollars.
23
Region
Africaand
MiddleEast
Europe
Asia
Oceania,Pacific
Islandsand
Antarctica
NorthAmerica
Central
Americaand
Caribbean
SouthAmerica
GLOBALTOTAL:
Whalewatchers
1998
1,552,250
2008
1,361,330
Regional
AAGR
1.3%
Numberof
countries
1998
2008
13
22
2008Direct
Expenditure
millions
$31.7
2008Total
Expenditure
millions
$163.5
418,332
215,465
976,063
828,115
1,055,781
2,477,200
7.1%
17.2%
9.8%
18
13
12
22
20
17
$32.3
$21.6
$117.2
$97.6
$65.9
$327.9
5,500,654
90,720
6,256,277
301,616
1.3%
12.8%
4
19
4
23
$566.2
$19.5
$1,192.6
$53.8
266,712
9,020,196
696,900
12,977,218
10.1%
3.7%
8
87
11
119
$84.2
$872.7
$211.8
$2,113.1
Theregions:
NorthAmericaremainstheworldslargestwhalewatchingdestination,withover6.2millionwhalewatchersin
2008nearly50%oftheworldswhalewatchers.However,annualaveragegrowthhasslowedtojustunder
1.5%perannumandproportionoftheglobeswhalewatchershasdroppedfrom60%in1998.Unsurprisinglyin
anareawithsomeoftheearliestcommercialwhalewatchingintheworld,thisreportfindsaverymature
industryspreadacrossallNorthAmericancountries,accountingforatotalof$1.2billioninexpenditure.
Oceania,PacificIslandsandAntarcticahavecontinuedtoestablishthemselvesasglobalwhalewatching
locations,theregionhavinggrownatnearly10%peryearandaccountingfornearly2.5millionwhalewatchers
in2008(20%ofglobalwhalewatchers).17countriesandterritoriesnowofferwhalewatching(12in1998)
fromAntarcticatoGuam,andacrosstheSouthPacific,includingthelargestregionalindustriesinAustraliaand
NewZealand.Whalewatchingaccountedfornearly$330milliontotalexpenditureinthisregion.
AfricaandtheMiddleEastregionisalsonowasubstantialplayerintheglobalwhalewatchingindustry,
accountingforover1.3millionwhalewatchers(10%ofglobalwhalewatchers)and$164milliontotal
expenditure.Theindustryhasshowndramaticexpansioninextent,increasingfrom13to22countriesoffering
whalewatchingintheregion.However,thisisalsotheonlyregionthathasdecreasedinnumbersofwhale
watcherssince1998at1.3%peryear,mainlyduetoasizeablereductioninwhalewatchersintheCanary
Islands.Excludingthisoneoffchange,theindustrycontinuestogrowstronglyacrosstherestoftheregion.
Asiahasemergedastheworldsimportantnewwhalewatchingdestinationgrowingfivefoldfrom220,000
whalewatchersin1998toover1millionin2008(8%ofglobalwhalewatchers),andaccountingfor$66million
intotalexpenditure.From13countriesin1998,whalewatchingactivitiesarenowofferedin20countriesfrom
theBlackSeatoJapan,havinggrownatanastonishing17%perannumsince1998.
Europeswhalewatchershavedoubledinnumbersacrossthedecadeaveraging7%growthperannum,whichis
somewhatsurprisingforaregionwithamaturetourismindustry.Whalewatchinghasexpandedbyfournew
countriestoatotalof22,andgeneratesnearly$100millioninexpenditure,fromCyprustoGreenland.Europe
accountsfor6%ofglobalwhalewatchers.
24
SouthAmericatooisshowingstronggrowth,atanaverageofover10%perannum.In2008,nearly700,000
peopleundertookwhalewatchingacrossthecontinent,in11countries(5%ofglobalwhalewatchers).
Andfinally,CentralAmericaandtheCaribbean.Proportionallyasmallerregionbynumbers(300,000in2008;
2%ofglobalwhalewatchers),thisisneverthelessaregionthathasemergedwithsubstantialgrowthoverthe
lastdecadeof13%eachyearandexpandingto23countriesfrom19in1998.
Largestandfastest:
In1998,itwasreportedthatthreecountriescouldclaimtohavetakenoveronemillionpeoplewhalewatching
inoneyear.TheMillionWatchClubcomprisedtheUSA,CanadaandtheCanaryIslands.In2008weseethat
clubstillremainsatonlythreewithAustraliajoiningtheUSAandCanada,withtheUSthelargestofthesebyfar
takingnearly5millionwhalewatchersin2008.CanaryIslands,althoughmaintainingalargeindustry,falls
beneathonemillionwhalewatchersin2008.
Thelistofcountrieswithover500,000whalewatchersaddstheCanaryIslands,SouthAfricaandNewZealand
(tableoftop10whalewatchinglocationsbynumberofwhalewatchersbelow).
Country Whalewatchersin2008
USA
Australia
4,899,809
1,635,374
Percentageoftotalglobal
whalewatchers
38%
13%
Canada
CanaryIslands
SouthAfrica
NewZealand
1,165,684
611,000
567,367
546,445
9%
5%
4%
4%
China(Mainland)
Argentina
Brazil
Scotland
TOTAL
GLOBALTOTAL
307,000
244,432
228,946
223,941
10,506,620
12,977,218
2%
2%
2%
2%
81%
100%
Countrieswiththefastestgrowingwhalewatchingindustries(basedonaverageannualgrowthrate
calculations)areledbymainlandChina(107%growthperannumsince1998),Maldives(86%),Cambodiaand
Laostogether(79%),St.Lucia(74%),Madeira(73%),Venezuela(58%),CostaRicaandNicaragua(both56%)and
Panama(53%).
Longtermgrowth:
Theindustryssubstantialgrowthinthelasttenyearsisacontinuationofamuchlongergrowthpattern.Data
hasbeenestimatedforthewhalewatchindustrysince1981(Hoyt,2008)andwhenassessedtogether,the
numbersshowanimpressivecontinuingstrengthintheglobalwhalewatchingindustry,albeitwithgrowth
slowingintherecentdecadecomparedtoitsearlyexplosioninthe80sand90s.
25

Year
1981
1988
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberofwhale
watchers
400,000
1,500,000
4,046,957
5,425,506
9,020,196
12,977,218
Averageannual
growthrate
20.8%
39.2%
10.3%
13.6%
3.7%
DirectExpenditure
millions
$4.1
$1116
$77
$122.4
$299.5
$872.7
TotalExpenditure
millions
$14
$38.556
$317.9
504.3
$1,049
$2,113.1
RegionalEmployment:
Asdetailedinthetablebelow,theglobalwhalewatchingindustryiscurrentlyestimatedtosupportover13,000
jobsworldwide.Alargeproportionofthesejobsarelikelytobeseasonal,particularlyinthoselocationswhere
thewhalewatchingindustryisbasedonmigratorypatterns.Wherewhalesordolphinsareresident(whichis
thecaseinmanydolphinwatchinglocationsinparticular),thejobsaremorelikelytobepermanent.Thelackof
permanencyofemploymentisnotuncommonintourismreliantcoastalcommunitiesaroundtheworld,where
muchofthelocaleconomicactivitytendstobebasedonpeaktouristseasons.
Ofnoteisthecomplementaryrolethewhalewatchingindustryplaysinmanyglobalcoastalcommunities.In
manycases,whalewatchingemploymentsupplementsotherindustriessuchasfishingorgeneralnaturecruises,
withoperatorsundertakingotheroccupationsoutofwhaleseason.Insomelocations,theindustryhelpsto
balanceouttheseasonalfluctuationsofcoastaltourismindustries,wherewhalearrivalspeakintraditionallyoff
peakseasonssuchasmidwinter.
Numberofjobssupportedby
Numberofwhalewatchers
Region
AfricaandMiddleEast
Europe
Asia
OceaniaandthePacific
Islands
NorthAmerica
CentralAmericaand
Caribbean
SouthAmerica
GLOBAL
whalewatching
1,065
794
2,191
1,868
peremployee
1,060
867
1,078
543
6,278
393
750
2,051
615
13,205
1,272
1,183
Conclusion:
Thesetoplineresultsonlybegintorevealthestrengthoftheindustry.Itisthestoriesatthelocallevelwhere
weseethebestofwhatthisindustrycanachieve.Thepicturethatemergesisofanindustrythatprovidesa
newmodelforuseofnaturalresourcesanindustrythatreliesonwhalesinanonextractiveway.That,when
wellmanaged,canbetrulysustainableandprovideasharpcontrasttothedayswhenwhaleswereseensolely
asaresourcetobehuntedandconsumed.
Theresultsinthisreportmakethecasethattheprotectionofwhalesintheirnaturalenvironmenthasdrivena
secondarybenefitofsignificanteconomicactivityinthousandsofcommunitiesaroundtheworld.
26
Mapoftheglobaldistributionofwhalewatchingcountries:
Countriesmarkedinblackhadwhalewatchingactivitiesin2008
27
Acknowledgements
Undertakingastudyofthisscopetakesacollectiveeffortwellbeyondthedemandsofastandarddayjob.The
onlywaythiscouldhavebeenachievedwasbytheapplaudableeffortsofthecoreinternationalteamof
economistswhohaveablyassistedmeonthisprojectforthelastyearandahalfTristanKnowles,Roderick
CampbellandHernanCortezallexceptionallytalentedanddiligentresearchers.
Attimesoverthecourseofthisproject,thisteamwasassistedbynumerousothers,broughtinfortheir
researchanddataanalysisskills,theirforeignlanguagefluency,theireditorialorgraphicdesignabilitiesoreven
justtheirwillingnesstomakephonecallsinthemiddleofthenight.Theseresearcherswereacriticalelementto
compilingthisglobalreview,andassuchIwouldliketoacknowledgetheireffortsAnnaMalos,JeremyStJohn,
NickGedye,AndrewRiley,AndrewMasters,andManuelAravenaaswellasMatthiasLanzforhisgraphicdesign
assistance.
Importantly,thisreportbuildsonmanyyearsofverydedicatedwhalewatchsocioeconomicresearch,the
majorityofwhichhasbeenundertakenbyErichHoyt.Thisreportdependsonhisearlierdata,undertaken
predominantlyforIFAWandtheWhaleandDolphinConservationSociety,asthecriticalbaseline.Toundertake
thisproject,wewerefortunatetohaveErichsassistanceathand.IwouldliketoacknowledgeErichslong
historyofworkonthistopic,andthankhimforhisreviews,commentsandadvicethroughoutthisproject.
SpecificthanksmustgotobothErichandMiguelIguezforallowingustousetheirdatafromthe2008Latin
Americareport.
ItwouldberemissofmenottoacknowledgetheInternationalFundforAnimalWelfare.Thisisanorganisation
thatcontinuestoworktirelesslyfortheprotectionofthemainassetthatunderpinsthisindustrythewhales.
Someclevermodellingmaybeabletoattributeaproportionofthe$2.1billionintotalexpendituretoIFAW,but
thatwouldmissthepoint.IFAWcontinuestoputitsownfundingintoimportantpiecesofworksuchasthisto
supportitsadvocacyfortheprotectionofwhales.Inparticular,IwouldliketothankPatrickRamageforhis
manylatenightconsultationsandsupportindeliveringthisproject,aswellasJakeLevensonandEllieDickson.
TwoimportantformerIFAWstafftothankfortheirassistanceearlyoninthisprojectareMickMcIntyreand
DarrenKindleysides.
Butprobablymostimportantlyforthisresearcharethoseontheground(orthesea)in119countriesand
territories.Wehavespokentothousandsofpeopleandorganisationswhoworkwithwhalesoverthelastyear
andahalfresearchers,operators,scientists,conservationists,governmentofficials,tourismexpertsand
withouttheirwillingnesstoofferustheirinsightanddata,wecouldnothavecompletedthisreport.Manyof
thesepeoplehavebeenincrediblygenerousintheirtimeandassistancefromgatheringdata,verifyingdataand
asweringarangeofquestions.Inparticular,the3,300globalwhalewatchingoperators,manyofwhomhave
beenkindenoughtoassistusprovidingoftenconfidentialbusinessdata.
Throughoutthisreportweattempttoacknowledgethosewhohavebeenparticularlyhelpfulinspecific
countriesandregions,howeverthelistisfarfromcomplete.Wewouldliketoofferoursincerethankstoallof
thosepeoplewehavebeenincontactwithforthisreport.
SimonOConnor
June2009
28
Introduction
Culturesacrosstheglobehaveinteractedwith
whalesanddolphinsforcenturies.Cetaceanshave
beenbothfearedandreveredalongsidebeing
huntedandobserved.Acrosstheworld,cetaceans
(whales,dolphinsandporpoises)arerarelyreferred
towithoutpassion.
Throughoutmuchofthelastcentury,cetaceans
werelargelyseenasaresourcetobeharvestedfor
themanyproductsthatcouldbeextractedfrom
theselargestofmammals.Thislargescale
harvestingofmarinemammalscameclosetoan
endinthe1980sastheglobewitnessedthe
collapseofwhalepopulations.Thisledthe
InternationalWhalingCommissiontodeclarea
moratoriumoncommercialwhalingin1986,
designedtoprotectwhalesfromthethreatof
extinction.
Sincethismoratorium,thepredominantinteraction
betweencetaceansandhumanshaschanged
fundamentallyforthemajorityoftheglobe.Andso
hastheeconomicsofthisrelationship.Oncethese
animalswereusedasaneconomiccommodityofa
gargantuanscaleaphenomenonthatreachedits
peakonthefactoryshipsofthe1960s.Nowthere
isstrongsupportacrossmuchoftheglobefor
seeingwhalesasanintrinsicallyvaluableglobal
publicassetthatshouldbeprotectedfortheirown
benefitandthoseofthemarineecology.
Thisshifttowardsconservationneednotrequire
economicsacrifice.Asthisreport,andearlier
research,showsconservingwhalesforconservation
purposeshasalsoproventobesoundeconomic
policy,albeitunintentionally.
ThisWhaleWatchingWorldwidereport
demonstratesthatthereismassiveeconomic
activityoccurringpreciselybecauseofthe
conservationofwhales.Furthermore,thisactivity
occursacrosstheentireglobefromourmostbuilt
upmetropolisestothemostremotecornersofthe
world,fromthelargestoceanstothelongestrivers.
Thisisindicativeofawidermovement.Fortoo
long,ourconsiderationoftheenvironment
significantlyundervaluedthebenefitswederive
fromit,includinglifeitself.Thisistoourown
detrimentandforthatoftheglobe.Thisreport
formsapartofamovementtorebalancethose
scales.Amovementtoshowtheworldspeople
andpolicymakersinparticularthatitisnotonlya
moralandbiophysicalimperativetoensurea
healthyandbalancedenvironment,butitisalsoan
economicone.Conservationandenvironmental
protectionequatemorecloselywiththeprotection
ofoureconomiesthanhaspreviouslybeen
acknowledged.
Theeconomicsofanichetourismindustrysuchas
whalewatchingcanbereadpurelyasagoodnews
storyofcontinuedstronggrowthoveradecade
whentourismgloballywasthrownsomesignificant
challengessuchaswar,terrorismandpandemics.
Althoughsignificant,thatwouldunderplaythereal
valueofthestorytoldwithinthesepages:thisisa
storyofstrongandeffectiveconservationpolicy
deliveringeconomicanddevelopment
opportunitiesinallcornersoftheglobewhilstthe
populationofwildcetaceansrecovers.
EconomistsatLargearepleasedtopresentWhale
WatchingWorldwide,anassessmentofthe
economiccontributionofwhalewatchingacrossthe
globein2008,aspecialreportfromthe
InternationalFundforAnimalWelfare(IFAW).
WhaleWatchingWorldwidetracksthegrowthof
thisindustrysincetheearly1990s,justfiveyears
aftertheIWCvotedtoputinplaceamoratoriumon
commercialwhaling.
Thisreportisatenyearupdateofaseminalreport
releasedbyIFAWadecadeagothatmappedthe
globalwhalewatchingindustryin1998 9.That
report,byErichHoyt,showedaburgeoningindustry
reachingmaturityinsomeregions,butinitsinfancy
inmostpartsoftheglobe.Still,atthattime,only
9
Hoyt,E.2001.WhaleWatching2001:Worldwide
tourismnumbers,expenditures,andexpanding
socioeconomicbenefits.InternationalFundforAnimal
Welfare,YarmouthPort,MA,USA,pp.ivi;1158.
29
numbersoftouristsparticipating,andcalculatesthe
12yearsaftertheendofcommercialwhaling,the
industrywasresponsibleforabilliondollarsof
economicexpenditureassociatedwiththeindustry.
economicactivityandattractedmorethannine
millionparticipantsacross87countriesand
The following pages reveal the findings of this ten
territoriesaroundtheworld.Itislikelythatgiven
year update. This industry remains a fine example
thislevelofeconomicactivity,theindustryof
of the benefits that can be derived by treating our
watchingwhaleshadalreadysurpassedthe
environment with care and respect. Provided that
revenuesofharvestingwhalespremoratorium.
the postmoratorium recovery of cetacean
populations continues, and that the industry is

TheWhaleWatchingWorldwidepresentsthelatest
appropriately managed so as to not put at risk the
chapterrecountingthestoryoftheglobalwhale
animals upon which it depends, the industrys
watchingindustry.Itestimatesthebreadthof
futurelooksbrightindeed.
cetaceanwatchingacrosstheglobe,examinesthe
countriesandterritoriesinvolvedinthisactivity,the
WelcometotheIFAWandEconomistsatLargeWhaleWatchingWorldwidereport.
ResearchMethods
ExtensiveresearchwasundertakenbyEconomists
atLarge,andtheirglobalteamofeconomists,to
assessandevaluatetheglobalwhalewatching
industryinthe2008calendaryear.
Thecoremethodsemployedforthisresearch
involvedsurveyingtourismoperators,government
tourismoffices,academics,researchersand
organisations(includingnongovernment
organisations)involvedinwhaleanddolphin
research,tourismandconservationacrossall
countriesandterritoriescoveredinthisreport.
Secondaryresearchfromresourcesofrelevance
includingliteraturereviewsandinterviewswasalso
gathered.Usingthisdatatheeconomic
contributionoftheglobalwhalewatchingindustry
onacountrybycountrybasiswasmodelledand
evaluated.
Inthisreport,thetermcountriesalsorefersto
nonsovereignterritoriesanddependencies.Thisis
becauseitcanbemoreusefultoderivedetailed
informationonageographiclevel,ratherthanby
sovereignty.Forthisreason,territoriesand
dependencieshavebeenincludedintheregionin
whichtheyarelocated.Forinstance,whale
watchersinthe(Spanish)CanaryIslandshavebeen
attributedtoAfricaratherthantoEuropetoallow
moremeaningfulcomparisonsandgroupings.
Withinthisreport,theglobeissplitintoseven
regions,definedtoallowconsistencywithearlier
workandforsimplicityofreporting:Africaand
MiddleEast;Europe;Asia;Oceania,PacificIslands
andAntarctica;SouthAmerica;CentralAmericaand
theCaribbean;andNorthAmerica.
Inordertoresearcheffectivelyonaglobalscale,
theprimaryresearchtoolasurveyofwhale
watchingoperators(seeAppendix1)was
translatedintosevenlanguages:English,French,
Spanish,Russian,Chinesetraditionaland
simplifiedandJapanese.Ourteamofresearchers
wasqualifiedin11languages.Over200countries
andterritorieswereresearchedintotalthose
withoutawhalewatchingindustryareobviously
notfeaturedinthisreport,buttheywere
neverthelessexaminedtoconfirmthatnosuch
industryexisted.
Surveyingofwhalewatchtourismoperatorsaround
theglobewasessentialtotheresearchprocess.In
everycountry,researchersaimedforaminimum
operatorresponserateof25%.Foreachofthe
sevenregionscovered,thistargetresponserate
30
wasachieved.Responsesinmanycountrieswere
wellabovethisrate,oftencloseto100%.
Intotal,manyhundredsofoperatorsand
stakeholdersaroundtheglobewerecontactedand
contributedvaluableinformationforthisreport.
Forallcountriesreportedoninthisreport,localin
countryorinregionsourceswereusedtoverify
finaldata.
Byapplyingthismethodology,thefiguresreported
inthisreportarebynatureestimatesandshouldbe
treatedassuch.Theyshouldbeapplicableasan
indicatorofmagnitudeandcomparisononly.
Definitionsofwhalewatching
Forthepurposesofthisreport,whalewatching
includestheviewingofallcetaceanspecies,
includingwhales,dolphinsandporpoises(butnot
whalesharksnorbaskingsharks).Itdoesnot
includecaptiveanimalsorswimmingwithtrained
animals,onlywatchingofwildanimalsintheir
naturalenvironment.
Whalewatchingusuallyinvolveboatbasedtours,
butotherwhalewatchingoccursfromlandorbyair
(helicopterorplane).Boatbasedresearchtripsare
includedwhetherinvolvingvoluntaryorpaid
participation.Therearesomelocationsaroundthe
worldwherewhalesareveryclosetotheshore,
allowingforobservationfromwellplacedvantage
points,oftenpromotedbylocaltourismoffices.
Landbasedwhalewatchingcanbepartofaformal
tour,butthelocationsoftenhavenoentryticket
price.Inthelattersituationthereisnodirect
expenditurefromparticipants,butindirect
expenditurecanbeaccountedfor(seebelowfora
discussionofdirectandindirectexpenditure).
Theselocationsarestipulatedinthereportwhere
theyoccur.
Aparticipantonawhalewatchingtripistermeda
whalewatcher.Thatis,thepersonwhodecidesto
participateinawhalewatchingtrip/episode
usuallybuyingatickettodoso.
Inthisreport,adistinctionismadebetween
dedicatedandopportunisticwhalewatchtrips
andoperators.
Dedicated
Thisreferstotripsthatareadvertisedexplicitlyas
whalewatchingexperiences,wherebywhaleor
dolphinviewingistheprimaryintentionofthe
experienceandthemotivationforparticipantsto
undertakethetrip.
Opportunistic
Thoseactivitieswherebytheviewingofwhalesis
nottheprimaryintentionormotivationfortaking
thetrip,yetprovidesapartoftheattractionfor
touriststoparticipate.Forexample,an
opportunisticwhalewatchingtripmaybeanature
cruisethatvisitssealcoloniesaswellasporpoises,
orwherewhalewatchingisundertakenononeday
ofamultidaytrip.
Operatornumbers
Whalewatchingoperatorsareextremelydiverse
acrossthemanycountries.Somearebigbusinesses
heavilycapitalisedwithmanyorlargeboats,while
inotherareasanoperatorcanbealocalboat
ownerorfishermanwhotakespeopleontripswhen
demandfromtouristsexists.Asaresult,the
numberofoperatorsreportedcanbemisleading.
Somecountriescanhavefewoperators(i.e.whale
watchbusinesses)butthesearelargebusinesses
(withmanyvessels),whileotherscanhavemore
operatorsbutonlysmallnumbersofwhale
watchers.Numbersofwhalewatchoperatorsare
thereforeonlypartofthescaleofwhalewatch
businessesinacountry.
ECONOMICS
Thisreportsetsoutthefollowingkeydatapointsto
evaluatetheglobalwhalewatchingindustry:
Growthofthewhalewatchingindustry;
Economiccontributionoftheindustry;and
Totalwhalewatchersparticipatingintheindustry.
Foreachofthesepointsadetailedexplanation
follows.
31

Growth
Thisreportaimstoprovideestimatesofgrowth
patternsofthewhalewatchingindustryoverthe
pastdecade.Growthisbasedonnumbersofwhale
watchers.Patternsareassessedbasedonnumbers
ofwhalewatchingparticipantsundertakingtripsin
the2008calendaryear,where2008datawas
available.Thisreportwasundertakenoveroneand
ahalfyears(late2007toearly2009),butdatafor
2008whalewatchseasonswasnotavailableforall
locations,andsoinaminorityofcases,datarelates
to2007.
Growthismeasuredagainsttheequivalent
numbersofwhalewatchparticipantsreportedin
the2001IFAWreport(Hoyt,2001)andispresented
asanannualaveragegrowthrate(AAGR)see
belowonhowthiswascalculated.
ForJapan,Australia,NewZealand,Oceaniaand
LatinAmerica,interimdatabetweentheyearsof
1998and2008wasavailableinsomeinstancesand
isreportedifso.
InbothOceaniaandLatinAmerica,recentreports
wererelieduponasthesourcedatausedinthis
report(EconomistsatLarge,2008;Hoyt&Iguez
2008).Datahasbeenupdatedto2008figures,
eitherbynewresearchorbyprojectinggrowth
trendsbasedonpriorgrowthcombinedwith
tourismarrivalsgrowth.Wheregrowthisprojected
inthisway,thereisanoteinthecountrytext.
Theresearchestimateswhalewatchingvisitsor
activitiesandsocountsawhalewatcherrepeatedly
ifhe/sheundertakesmorethanonetrip.This
methodologyfollowsthe2001IFAWReport
distinctionbetweenwhalewatchvisitsand
visitorsandcapturestheadditionalexpenditure
foreachwhalewatchepisode.However,the
distinctionwouldrarelyinvolvecountingone
personmultipletimes,asmostoccurrencesof
whalewatchingtendtobeaoneoffactivity.
Averageannualgrowthrate(AAGR)
TheAAGRiscalculatedassumingageometricrate
ofgrowthfrom1998resultstothosefor2008.This
isinterpolatedacrosstheinterveningperiodonthe
assumptionthattherateofgrowthinparticipant
numbersfollowsaconstantpattern.Thistherefore
assumesalinearrateofgrowth.
OneparticularityoftheAAGRcalculationsisworth
noting.WhereinafigureofMinimalorNone
wasreportedforthenumberofwhalewatchersina
country,afigureof250wassubstitutedinorderto
enableustocalculatetheAAGR.Thereasonfor
doingthiswastoreflectarateofgrowthinthe
interpolatedperiod,asgrowthratescannotbe
calculatedusingzero.Alowrateof250isassumed
reasonableasanaveragelowandinsignificant
figure,underwhichitisonlyafewcountriesthat
specificnumbersofwhalewatchersarecounted(as
opposedtoMinimalbeingreported).Wherethis
isusedinthereport(regionalsummaries),itis
noted,howeverwereflectthisincountry
summariesbyusingthesimple~beforetheAAGR
figuretosignifyanestimatedgrowthrate.
EconomicContribution
Thisreportprovidesanestimateoftheeconomic
activitygeneratedbytheworldwidewhalewatching
industryin2008.Thisestimateisbasedona
calculationofthedirecteconomicexpenditureon
whalewatchingactivitiesPLUSanestimateof
indirectexpenditurebytheparticipant(whale
watcher)thatcanbeattributedtothewhale
watchingactivity.
Incalculatingtheeconomicbenefitsofwhale
watching,therefore,expenditureattributabletothe
activityisbeingcalculated.Forthisdiscussion,a
rangeofissuesneedstobeclarified:
Economicliteratureingeneraldrawsadistinction
betweendirectandindirectexpenditure.Direct
expenditureisthatmadebyaparticipantinrelation
toanactivity.Forinstance,thesaleofticketsto
travelonawhalewatchingvesselprovidesagross
financialbenefitresultingfromwhalewatching,and
constitutesdirectexpenditure.Normally,thecost
offood,accommodation,traveletctoparticipatein
awhalewatchingeventwouldalso(subjectto
conditions)beattributedtothewhalewatching
activityevenwhennotincludedintheprice.
32

Generallyineconomics,indirectexpenditureis
generatedwhenthebusinessthatearnsthedirect
expenditurethenspendsthatrevenueongoods
andservicesasinputstotheiractivities.
The2001IFAWreport,however,usesadefinitionof
expendituredifferenttothatusedinthegeneral
economicliterature.The2001report,drawingon
conventionsfrompreviousassessments,defines
indirectexpenditureasexpenditurebythe
participantwhichsupportsthewhalewatchtrip.In
otherwords,costssuchasaccommodation,
transportandfoodnotincludedintheticketprice.
Directexpenditureisexpenditureonticketsand
itemsdirectlyrelatedtothetripitself.
Thisreportadoptsthemethodologyofthe2001
Report,bothforthesakeofconsistencyand
becausethismethodreflectsmorecloselyagross
expenditurebenefitderivedfromwhalewatching
activity.
Thefactthatthecostsincurredbythebusinesses
involvedarenotcalculatedhasbeenacriticismof
thismethodologyinthepast.However,thisismore
acriticismofusingthetermeconomicvaluestobe
somethingthatitisnot.Inthiscase,thegross
expenditurecalculatedusingthecurrent
methodologyandthatofpreviousreportsreflects
animportantgrossfigureforeconomicactivitydue
totheexistenceofawhalewatchingindustry.Like
thecalculationofgrossdomesticproduct,thefigure
isunashamedlygross,notnet.Itisthereforenotan
inaccuratemethodfordemonstratingthelevelof
economiccontributiontoaregionorcountry.
Asecondcriticismthathasbeenofferedofthis
methodologyistheissueofdetermininghowmuch
additionalexpenditure(inthisreporttermed
indirectexpenditure)canbeattributedtothewhale
watchingactivity.Forthisreport,avery
conservativepercentageofaveragedailyinbound
touristexpenditurewasattributedtothewhale
watchingactivity.Thisestimateislikelyto
undervaluethetotalcontributionofthewhale
watchertothelocaleconomyratherthanovervalue
it,asthepercentageusedisusuallywellbelow
acceptedtourismmultipliers.EconomistsatLarge
believethisisastronglydefensiblemethodologyto
employ.
Asnotedabove,thisreportadoptsthesame
approachasthe2001IFAWreporttoallowdirect
comparisonwiththatreport.Therefore,directand
indirectexpenditurearedefinedasfollows:
Directexpenditure
Thedirectwhalewatchticketpurchasepricepaid
byparticipants.Wheredirectexpenditureis
reportedinthecountrysummaries,ithasbeen
determinedbydetailedmodellingofoperator
surveyresults,ratherthanbysimplytakingan
averageticketpriceandmultiplyingbythenumber
ofwhalewatchers.Thedirectexpenditurefigure
calculatedisdeterminedbyreferencetowhether
thewhalewatchingactivityisdedicatedor
opportunisticasbelow:
Fordedicatedwhalewatchingparticipants,100%of
theticketspriceismultipliedbythetotalnumber
ofdedicatedwhalewatcherspurchasingsaid
tickets.Ticketpriceinformationistakenfrom
operatorresponsestosurveyswherethisis
unavailable,thedatausedisthatavailablethrough
secondarysources,oranaveragepriceofaticket
forthecountryasawhole.Theticketpriceis
separatedintoadultandchildrenstickets,andthe
appropriatepriceapplied.
Foropportunisticwhalewatchingparticipants,in
general50%oftheticketpriceismultipliedbythe
numberofopportunisticwhalewatchers,
accountingforthefactthatwhalewatchingisnot
theprimaryreasonforpurchasingtheticket.In
somecasewheremoredetailwasknown,amore
preciseproportionisattributed.
Indirectexpenditure
Theexpenditureintothelocaleconomythatcanbe
attributedtothepersonparticipatinginthewhale
watchactivity.Inadditiontodirectexpenditureon
theticket,theotherexpenditurethewhalewatcher
makesonthedaytheyundertakethewhale
watchingactivitycaninpartbeattributedtothat
activity.Forexample,atouristmayundertakea
33
whalewatchingtripandanotheractivityonthe
samedayoftheirholiday(dependingonthelength
oftour).Theexpenditurethetouristmakesforthe
restofthatdaycaninpart(~50%)beattributedto
thewhalewatchactivity.
Inordertoattributeanappropriateportionofthis
indirectexpendituretothewhalewatching
industry,aportionoftheaveragedailyexpenditure
forinternationalinboundtouristsintherelevant
countrywasattributedtothewhalewatchactivity.
Wherethecountrydidnotpublishitsaveragedaily
inboundtouristexpenditurefigures,datawastaken
fromeitheroperatorresponses,theWorldTourism
Organisationstatistics,oranaveragefortheregion.
Incertaincountries,muchmoredetailedlocal
visitordailyexpenditurefigureswereusedwhen
available.
Thetouristexpenditurefigurewasusedasfollows:
Fordedicatedwhalewatchingparticipants,50%of
thedailyaveragetouristexpenditurewasattributed
tothoseparticipantsonwhalewatchtripsupto
twohourslong,and100%fortripsfrom2.5hours
toafullday.
Foropportunisticwhalewatchingparticipants,25%
oftheaveragetouristdailyexpenditurewas
attributed.
Theuseoftheinboundtouristexpenditurefigureis
seentobeaconservativeestimateoflevelof
expenditurebywhalewatchtouristsfortwomain
reasons:
Whalewatchtouriststendonaveragetobehigher
endtouristswithhigherlevelsofexpenditurethan
averageinboundtourists.Thishasbeen
demonstratedbydatacollectedforthisreportand
previousreports(Hoyt,2001andEconomistsat
Large,2004,2005,2008a,c),aswellasbythefact
thatawhalewatchingticketisitselfoftenpriced
abovetheaveragedailyexpenditurefigure,
demonstratingthatwhalewatchtouristshavea
higherthanaverageexpenditurelevel.
Furthermore,theaverageinboundtouristfigure
groupstogetherdifferentclassesoftouriststhose
visitingonbusiness,thoseseekingleisureandthose
visitingfriendsandrelatives(VFR).Thelattergroup
hasveryalowaverageexpenditurelevel,asthey
tendnoteatoutatrestaurantsorrenthotel
accommodationasreadilyasleisuretravelers.
Includingthesevisitorsinoverallaveragefigures
leadstoaloweringofthatfigureoverall.
Thecombinationofthesetwofactsindicatesthat
thelevelofeconomicexpenditureattributedto
whalewatchinginthisreportremainsatavery
conservativelevel.
Thismethodologyforcalculatingindirect
expenditurehasbeenappliedacrossthisglobal
studyinordertoallowustosteamlinetheresearch
tomeetthelargetaskofcoveringthebroadscope
ofthereport.However,becausewehavenot
gainedmorepreciseindirectexpendituredatafrom
operatorsandtourismofficesineachcountry,there
aresomeinstanceswheretheratioofindirectto
directexpenditurein2008ismuchlowertothat
reportedintheprevioustimeperiods.Thisis
usuallyduemoretoadifferentcalculation
methodologyusedinthisreportratherthana
substantialdropoffinexpenditurelevelsofwhale
watchtourists.
Importantly,asstatedabove,growthoftheindustry
ismeasuredbasedontouristnumbersratherthan
dollarvaluesforthisreason.Directexpenditure,as
itisacloseproxyforoperatorrevenues,isabetter
measureofgrowthoftheindustrythanindirect,as
itismodelledprecisely,ratherthanextrapolated.
Totalexpenditure
Totalexpenditureisthesumofdirectandindirect
expenditurebywhalewatchers.Byaggregating
thesefigures,theadditionalbenefitgainedbythe
industrytothehostcountrycanbereflectedrather
thanmerelytheticketprice.
Currency
DollarsinthisreportareallproducedinUSdollars
(unlessotherwisestipulated).Theyhavebeen
convertedfromlocalcurrencytoUSdollarsin
34
February2009forconsistency.Despitecarebeing
taken,fluctuationsinglobalcurrenciesagainstthe
USdollarwillleadtosomedistortionofthevalueof
whalewatchingincertaincountriesandtherefore
makecomparisonfromyeartoyeardifficult.Thisis
furtherjustificationforgrowthcalculationsbased
onwhalewatchnumbersratherthandollarvalues.
Additionally,duetothesecurrencyfluctuations,
dollarvaluesfortheindustryshouldbeseenas
indicativeratherthanprecise.
EmploymentLevels
Tocalculateregionalandglobalemployment
estimatesfortheglobalwhalewatchingindustry,
regionalrevenueperemployeefigureswere
calculatedwheredatawasavailable(i.e.from
operatorsurveyresults).Fromtheseregional
revenueperemployeefigures,wethenestimated
theemploymentlevelsforcountrieswhereactual
employeeestimateswereunavailable.Estimates
werecalculatedbydividingdirectexpenditure
(revenue)bytheregionalrevenueperemployee
calculations.Fromthis,countrylevelemployment,
regionalandthenglobalemploymentestimates
werecalculated.
Forthesepurposes,employmentdoesnot
distinguishbetweenpermanentandseasonal
employment;itisbasedonfulltimeequivalent
employmentlevels.
Limitations
Thedatainthisreportprovideanestimationofthe
economiccontributionofthewhalewatching
industrytocountriesaroundtheglobefroman
expenditurebasisandisprovidedasbestavailable
datawithinthelimitsofscope,timeandbudget.In
lightofthis,thedatareportedwithinisprovidedas
anestimateofthesizeofthewhalewatching
industryacrosstheworld,andisbestusedto
identifytrendsratherthanprecisenumbers.
Dataforthisreportwerecollectedthroughasurvey
processanddesktopreviewofavailable
information,andassuchdependsonthoseprimary
andsecondarysourcesforitsreliability.Therewas
noonthegrounddatacollectionorverification
undertakenbyEconomistsatLarge.Insteadlocal
incountrysourceswereusedtoverifydatainall
countries.Foralldatausedinthisreport,avariety
ofsourceswereconsultedinordertocalculate
averagevalues.Wherepossible,dataareaveraged
acrossoperatorsurveyresponses,tourismdataand
otherstakeholderdiscussions.
Asmentionedabove,currencyconversionsacross
thesignificantnumberofcountriescoveredinthis
reportcanleadtosomedistortionsinthedollar
valuesreported.Thisisparticularlythecaseatthe
timeofwritingduetothehighvolatilityof
currenciesduringtheglobalfinancialcrisis.To
mitigateforthis,growthisbasedontourist
numbers,notexpenditurevalues.
Thisreportreflectstheviewsoftheauthors
EconomistsatLarge.
35
GLOBALWHALEWATCHING2008
Region
Whalewatchers
Regional
AAGR
1.3%
Numberof
countries
1998
2008
13
22
2008Direct
Expenditure
millions
$31.7
2008Total
Expenditure
millions
$163.5
1998
2008
Africaand 1,552,250
1,361,330
MiddleEast
Europe
418,332
828,115
7.1%
18
22
$32.3
$97.6
Asia
215,465
1,055,781
17.2%
13
20
$21.6
$65.9
Oceania,Pacific
976,063
2,477,200
9.8%
12
17
$117.2
$327.9
Islandsand
Antarctica
NorthAmerica 5,500,654
6,256,277
1.3%
4
4
$566.2
$1,192.6
Central
90,720
301,616
12.8%
19
23
$19.5
$53.8
Americaand
Caribbean
SouthAmerica
266,712
696,900
10.1%
8
11
$84.2
$211.8
GLOBALTOTAL: 9,020,196
12,977,218
3.7%
87
119
$872.7
$2,113.1
NOTE:Figuresfor1998maydifferslightlywhencomparedtoHoyt2001duetoslightrealignmentofregionsthisis
thecaseforAsiaandAfrica.
36
37
Regions
Thefollowingsectionofthereportoutlinesfindingsofthisglobalwhalewatchingstudybyregionand
country/territory.Theregionsaresetoutintheorderasbelow,withcountriesorganisedalphabetically.
Whalewatchingcountrieswithlargenumbershavebeendividedintostatesorlocalregionsforamore
detailedoverview.
AfricaandMiddleEast
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
46,150
282,550
1,552,250
1,361,330
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
Indirect Totalexpenditure
expenditure
N/A
82.9%
53%
1.3%
3
8
13
22
$1,150,000
$7,379,000
$19,022,000
$31,681,343
$2,996,000
$19,268,000
$115,882,000
$133,736,516
AAGR
Numberof
countries
8
16
18
22
Direct
expenditure
$2,161,000
$4,123,000
$11,048,000
$32,346,906
expenditure
$3,429,000
$5,690,000
$17,862,000
$21,985,000
$34,981,000
$46,029,000
$65,290,135
$97,637,041
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
expenditure
N/A
88.1%
31.7%
17.2%
2
12
13
20
$371,000
$3,887,000
$7,735,000
$21,573,315
$4,377,000
$20,714,000
$36,969,000
$44,365,015
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
expenditure
N/A
12.8%
15.9%
9.7%
3
6
12
17
$10,051,000
$18,622,000
$35,494,000
$117,180,363
$4,146,000
$26,647,000
$134,904,000
$163,475,695
Europe
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whalewatchers
158,763
204,627
418,332
828,115
N/A
8.8%
19.6%
7.1%
Asia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
10,992
73,192
220,465
1,055,781
$4,748,000
$24,601,000
$44,704,000
$65,938,330
Oceania,PacificIslandsandAntarctica
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
376,375
540,200
976,833
2,477,200
$36,518,000
$49,088,00
$87,766,000
$210,688,889
$46,569,000
$67,710,000
$123,260,000
$327,869,252
38

NorthAmerica
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
3,430,225
4,074,195
5,500,654
6,256,277
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
expenditure
N/A
7.9%
7.8%
1.3%
3
4
4
4
$46,230,000
$65,791,000
$194,575,000
$566,200,198
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
expenditure
N/A
111.4%
47.4%
12.8%
6
12
19
23
$1,524,000
$3,526,000
$5,968,000
$19,500,388
$210,000
$3,831,000
$5,117,000
$34,267,141
$179,045,000
$227,606,000
$399,692,000
$626,352,749
$225,275,000
$293,397,000
$594,267,000
$1,192,552,947
CentralAmericaandCaribbean
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
2,034
19,212
90,720
301,616
$1,734,000
$7,357,000
$11,085,000
$53,767,529
SouthAmerica
Year:
1991
1994
1998
2006
2008
Projection
Numberof
whale
watchers
22,418
231,530
266,712
582,547
696,900
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
117.8%
3.6%
10.3%
9.2% 10
5
8
8
10
10
$15,447,000
$19,117,000
$25,667,000
$63,614,528
$84,210,754
$11,245,000
$43,464,000
$69,141,000
$102,367,103
$127,576,320
$29,692,000
$62,581,000
$94,808,000
$165,981,631
$211,787,074
10
AAGRfortenyears1998to2008is10%;for20062008itis9.2%
39
AFRICAANDMIDDLEEAST
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
46,150
282,550
1,552,250
1,361,330
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
N/A
82.9%
53%
1.3%
3
8
13
22
$1,150,000
$7,379,000
$19,022,000
$31,681,343
expenditure
$2,996,000
$19,268,000
$115,882,000
$133,736,516
$4,146,000
$26,647,000
$134,904,000
$163,475,695
AfricaandtheMiddleEasthavealargewhalewatchingindustrythathasexpandedintomorecountriesin
theregionsince1998thenumberofcountrieswithwhalewatchingactivitieshasrisenfrom13to22.In
termsoftouristnumbers,overall,whalewatchingtouristnumbershavedecreasedslightlybetween1998
and2008atanaveragerateof1.3%.
ThedecreaseinaggregatenumbersforAfricaandtheMiddleEastlargelyobscurestherealstoryofwhale
watchinginthisregionwhichisofanindustrythatcontinuestoexpandacrossmorecountries.Thekey
reasonfortheslightdropinwhalewatchersoverthisdecadeisduetoareductioninnumbersintheCanary
Islands(seeCanaryIslandssectionbelowformoredetail).
Tohighlightthis,whenlookingonlyatboatbasedwhalewatching(excludinglandbasedestimatesforSouth
Africa),andexcludingtheCanaryIslands,theregionhasexperiencedarapidexpansionoverthedecade,
growingat16%peryearfromapproximately50,000touristsin1998toover220,000in2008.
40
AlthoughSouthAfricantouristsaccountforalargeproportionofoverallwhalewatchersinsouthernAfrica
(bothinSouthAfricaandneighbouringNamibiaandMozambique),whalewatchinginAfricaisforthemost
partreliantoninternationalvisitors.WithincreasinginternationalarrivalstoAfricainthelastdecade,the
industryhasclearlybenefited.Between1995and2005,internationalarrivalsinAfricahaveincreasedfrom
20millionto37million,agrowthrateofover6%peryear(WorldTourismOrganization,2006).
Since1998,Bahrain,Benin,TheGabon,Mauritius,MayotteandRunionhaveemergedasnewwhale
watchingcountries,withacombinedannualpassengercountofover40,000andresultingdirect
expenditureofapproximately$1.5million.TheGambia,Egypt,Namibia,Mozambique,SouthAfricaand
Madagascar,whichalreadyhademergingwhalewatchingindustriesin1998,havealsoshownhighgrowth
rates,accountingforover160,000whalewatchersand$6.1millionindirectexpenditurein2008.
Wherecetaceansarepresentandastabletourismindustryexists,cetaceanwatchinghasdevelopedinthis
regionassuccessfullyasanyother.Egyptprovidesanexcitingexampleofayoung,wellmanageddolphin
watchingindustry.Omanhasagrowingnumberofoperators,awidevarietyofcetaceansandactive
conservation,governmentandindustryorganisations.
However,issuesaffectingfurtherdevelopmentofwhalewatchingtourisminAfricaandtheMiddleEastare
thesameissuesaffectingdevelopmentmorebroadlyintheregion.Regionalpoliticalinstabilityoften
hindersthedevelopmentofaclimatethatwouldencouragefurthercapitalinvestmenttodevelopand
promoteindustries.Insufficientfundsarethenavailabletoproperlymanagemarineresourcesandoften
contributetoagenerallackofinformationregardingspeciespresentincoastalwaters.Industriesthathave
developedandmayimpactoncetaceanpopulationstourismorotherwiseareoftenundermanageddue
tothislackofresources,whichpastexperiencewouldindicatecanquicklyleadtounsustainablepractices
thatcanimpactadverselyoncetaceanpopulations.
Kenyapresentsanexampleofacountrythat,duetopoliticalinstabilityearlyin2008,sawitsoverseas
tourismindustryrapidlyshrinkin2008.Withitwentasmanyas10,000potentialwhalewatchingtourists
(anecdotallyreportedfor2007),alongwiththeassociatedrevenuesthatwouldhaveaccruedtoan
estimated23localboatownersandfourdedicatedoperators.In2009,whalewatchingtourismin
Madagascarmayalsosufferfrompoliticalinstability,whichhassofarimpactedadverselyontourism.With
nearly16,000whalewatchersinMadagascar,contributingjustover$1.8milliontotheeconomy,such
politicalinstabilityimpactsadverselyonbothinvestorandtouristconfidenceinacountry.
Inthelongrun,ifsustainablymanaged,whalewatchingholdsgreatpotentialinAfricaandtheMiddleEast,
withmanyspeciesandavarietyofwhalewatchingexperiencesavailablealongthevastcoastlinesofthe
region.Ifappropriatelymanaged,whalewatchingcouldpresentanimportantecotourismindustryto
furtherdevelopAfricaneconomieswhilecontributingtopreservingthemarineenvironmentand
biodiversity.
RegionalAcknowledgements:
Thefollowingpeopleofferedparticularassistanceacrossmanyofthecountriesintheregionandwewouldliketo
acknowledgetheirimportantcontributionKoenVanWaerebeek(CentroPeruanodeEstudiosCetolgicos),TimCollins
(WildlifeConservationSociety)andYvetteRazafindrakoto(WildlifeConservationSociety).
References(usedinallcountries):
WorldTourismOrganization,2006,TourismMarketTrends,InternationalTouristArrivalsbyCountryofDestination
Africa,WorldTourismOrganizational(UNWTO)
41
Summaryofcountryresults
Country
Growthbetween
1998and2008
1998
2008
AAGR
Bahrain
None
7,200
39.9%
Benin
None
218
N/A
CanaryIslands
1,000,000
611,000
4.8%
Egypt
10,000
35,396
13.5%
Eritrea
Minimal
None
N/A
Gabon
None
300
1.8%
TheGambia
1,000
10,000
25.9%
Kenya
Minimal
Minimal
N/A
Madagascar
4,000
15,928
14.8%
Mauritania
50
Minimal
0%
Mauritius
None
21,400
56%
Mayotte
None
10,000
44.6%
Morocco
None
Minimal
Mozambique
500
8,280
32.4%
Namibia
7,000
43,675
20.1%
Oman
4,700
7,500
4.8%
Runion
None
3,248
29.2%
SoTomandPrncipe
None
Minimal
N/A
Senegal
Minimal
Minimal
N/A
Seychelles
None
Minimal
N/A
SouthAfrica
510,000
567,367
1.1%
Tanzania
15,000
19,818
2.8%
REGIONALTOTAL
1,552,250
1,361,330
1.3%
NB:WhereanindustryhadNoneorMinimalforwhalewatchersin1998,afigureof250hasbeenusedtocalculate
AAGR.
42
43
Bahrain
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
7,200
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
39.9%
None
None
None
1
None
None
None
$175,680
None
None
None
$270,000
None
None
None
$445,680
CapitalCity:Manama
WhaleWatchLocations:
01:AlDarIslands
Bahrainhasasmalldolphinwatchingindustrywithoneoperator.
Theoperatorisamarinabusiness,withdolphinwatchingbeingonly
oneoftheactivitiesthatthebusinessoffers.Thetripsrunallyear
roundandcanbeorganisedanydaywhentherearecustomers,
exceptSundayweekendsareparticularlypopular(theweekend
beingFridayandSaturdayinBahrain).
TripswereformerlyofferedbytheBahrainYachtClubtoseethree
podsofIndoPacifichumpbackdolphinswithuptotendolphinsineachgroup.Thedolphinsfeedinthe
shallowwatersoftheAlbaTerminalnearAlDarIslandfromaround10:30eachmorningandheadbackout
toseaaround3pm.
Atpresent,dolphinwatchingtripsaremainlyforlongtermresidentsofBahrain.Althoughdolphinwatching
isnotanactivitythatattractstouriststotheregion,thetripsseempopularandtheindustrymaygrowinthe
future.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Averageadultticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Mainwhalewatchseason:
Smallcetaceans:
IndoPacifichumpbackdolphin
Whilemostcustomersarenotbornin
Bahrain,manyarelongtermresidents
Boatbasedcruisestoseepodsofdolphins
$27
2
Yearround
Acknowledgements:
ThankstotheoperatorandPeterWatt,formerlyofBahrainYachtClub.
44

Benin
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
218 11
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
1
None
None
None
$6,377
None
None
None
$16,350
None
None
None
$22,727
CapitalCity:PortoNovo
01:Cotonou
02:Oudah
03:GrandPopo
Beninhasoneoperatorthatrunswhalewatchingtrips,mostlyfor
expatriateworkersfromFrance,theUnitedStates,TheNetherlands
andBelgium 12.Thetripsarestillexploratoryinnatureandalocal
nongovernmentorganisation(NGO)hasstruggledtofindaboatto
runconsistenttrips.Theaverageticketpriceforadultsis$35and
uptoeightfulltimejobsaredirectlysupportedduringthepeak
season.MostwhalewatchingoccursfromthetownsofCotonou,
OudahorGrandPopo,intheBightofBenin.
Theindustryisfocusedmainlyonhumpbackwhalesduetotouristdemand,althoughbottlenosedolphins
arealsocommonlysighted.
Whiletheindustryiscurrentlysmall,cetaceansurveysconductedfrom2000onwardsindicatedthatasmany
as15differentcetaceanspeciesarepresentinthewatersoffBenin.Studiesofcetaceansinthesewaters
alsorevealedthatthepopulationofhumpbackwhalesintheareaisperhapsoneofonlytwohumpback
populationsintheworldthatmigrateacrosstheequatorannuallytobreed 13.Resultsfromthese
exploratorysurveysalsoindicatedthatwhilesightingsoccurredoneachtrip,thesightingrateisonlyone
whalepertwohours(approximately).Surveyresultsfromoperatorsindicatedasightingrateof70%,which
islowerthanmostregionsgloballywherewhalewatchingindustrieshavedeveloped.
WhileincreasedwhalewatchingtourisminBeninispossible,alackofcapitaltoinvestinboats,lowlevelsof
awarenessofthetourismpotentialofwhalewatchingandlowlevelsoftourismtoBeninmoregenerally
presentsignificantbarriers.WhileBeninexperiencednegativetourismgrowthbetween1990and2000,
tourismbetween1995and2004grewatanaverageannualrateof2.6%.Increasingshippingactivityinthe
BightofBenin,planstoconstructasecondcontainerportandthedeploymentofregionwideunderwater
gaspipelinesmaypresentarisktopopulationsofcetaceansandcouldhinderthefurtherdevelopmentofa
whalewatchingindustry.
11
Notincludinglandbasedfigures,whichonlyoccurinfrequentlywhenthereisanexceptionalwhalewatching
opportunityandhenceareveryinconsistentinnatureandnotincludedinthisreport.
12
Exploratorysurveysconductedbetween2000and2002includedlocalBeninisetourists.Thesetourswerefreebut
participantswererequestedtoprovideinformationontheirenjoymentofthetripandwillingnesstopayforwhale
watching.
13
TheotherhumpbacksthatmigrateacrosstheequatortobreedaretheSoutheastPacificpopulation.
45
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin
100% 14
Boatbased,dedicated,exploratorytoursto
assessinterestinwhalewatchingtourism
$31
8
JulytoNovember
Acknowledgements:
JosaS.DossouBodjrnou(NaturalTropicalONG)andSvrinTchibozo(CERGET)
References:
VanWaerebeek,K.,Tchibozo,S.,Montcho,J.,Nobime,G.,Sohou,Z.,Sehouhoue,PandDossou,C.2001,TheBightof
Benin,aNorthAtlanticbreedinggroundofaSouthernHemispherehumpbackwhalepopulation,likelyrelatedtoGabon
andAngolasubstocks,documentsubmittedforconsiderationbythescientificcommitteemeetingoftheInternational
WhalingCommission,SC/53/IA21,July,2001
VanWaerebeek,K.,2003,AnewlydiscoveredpopulationofhumpbackwhalesintheNorthernGulfofGuinea,
ConventionontheConservationofMigratorySpeciesandWildAnimals(CMS)Bulletin,No.18,UnitedNations
EnvironmentalProgramme.
VanWaerebeek,K.,2001,ReportonMission:ProjectNCIUCN/CBDDBaleinesJubartesBenin2001.
14
MostlyexpatriateworkersfromEuropeandtheUSA.Testtoursconductedin2001indicatedthatlocalswouldalso
bewillingtogowhalewatchingiftheticketpricewerearoundUS$10.
46
CanaryIslands
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
40,000
425,000
1,000,000
611,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
120%
24%
4.8%
N/A
N/A
24
29
1,144,000
7,150,000
17,770,000
$21,542,800
2,860,000
17,875,000
44,425,000
$34,984,700
4,004,000
25,025,000
62,195,000
$56,527,500
CapitalCity:LasPalmas,GranCanaria
01:LosGigantes(SWTenerifeIsland)
02:LosCristianos(SWTenerifeIsland)
03:PuertoColon(SWTenerifeIsland)
04:ValleGranRey(LaGomeraIsland)
05:PuertoRico&PuertoMogan(GranCanariaIsland)
The Canary Islands, administrated as part of Spain, attract the

highest number of cetacean watchers within the African region.
Conservative estimations for 2008 result in 611,000 whale
watchers, representing a negative AAGR of 4.8% against an
estimated1,000,000whalewatchersin1998.However,ithastobetakenintoaccountthat,accordingto
localorganisationsandauthoritiessurveyedforthisreport,estimationsmadeatthattimewereinfluenced
by an exceptionally good season in terms of poor weather impacting on days available to take whale
watchingtoursestimatedat300315clearwhalewatchingdaysin1998,aparticularlylongseasonrarely
foundinanywhalewatchlocationsaroundtheworld(Urquiolaetal,1999).Itisconsideredthatthe2008
seasonwasmuchshorterduetoweatherimpacts.Inaddition,1998sawaboomingnumberofvesselson
thewaterwithdedicatedandopportunisticwhalewatchers,butalsotherewerereportsofillegalboattrips
occurringatthetime.Thesefactorscombinedledtothelargenumbersreportedin1998.
Thereductioninnumbersofwhalewatchtouristsin2008canbeexplainedinpartalsobycurrentregulatory
issues, specifically the number of boat licenses having been reduced from 52 in 1998 to around 3537 in
2008. Whale watching tours have over the last decade also improved in quality, with higher standards
enforced through regulations. It is reported that the earlier illegal operators have now ceased their
operations.
WhalewatchingintheCanariesisstronglyfocusedonTenerifeIsland,whichaccountsforanestimated85%
of total whale watchers. Twentyone of the 29 tour operators identified for this report are located in
Tenerife,andatleast10oftheseofferdedicatedwhalewatchingwithmanyothersofferingtripswithasplit
focusofsnorkellingandwhalewatching.CetaceansarespottedoffAdejecoastinthesouthwest,wherea
highnumberofoperatorsarebased,departingfromthelocalitiesofLosCristianos,LosGigantesandPlaya
deLasAmericas.Ingeneral,thetype oftripsseemtoshare thelargescale tourismcharacteristicsof the
island, they are short (some of them even for only one hour on board large catamarans or fast rubber
inflatableboats),cheap(startingform$31peradult)andrunoften(uptofivetripsperday).
InGranCanaria,tripsareofferedfromPuertoRicoandPuertoMogan,whileinLanzarotetoursdepartfrom
PuertodelCarmenyPuertoCalero.Eachislandcontributesapproximately7%oftheCanariestotalwhale
watchers.ToursfromGranCanariaandLanzarotegenerallylastlonger(halfaday),arecarriedoutbylarger
vessels and are complemented with general nature watching and sailing. These services are therefore
47
classified as opportunistic cetacean watching tours. These trips are considerably more expensive, at an
averagecostof$70peradult.
La Gomera Island presents a different scenario, with lower levels of tourism and less developed port
infrastructureinfluencingthetypeofwhalewatchingtripsavailable.Tripsarecarriedoutbymidsizedand
small boats (carrying 50 and ten passengers respectively), last up to four hours, and are exclusively
dedicatedtowhalewatching.Operatorschargeanaverageof$54peradult.LaGomeraisalsohometothe
cetaceanresearchconductedbyalocalGermanNGO.
According to information collected from this NGO, the enlargement of the harbour of Vueltas, Valle Gran
Rey,isalreadyplanned.Alargerportinfrastructureislikelytostimulatethetrafficoffastferriesandcruise
ships,andthereforemaywellattractmoreoperatorstoestablishwhalewatchingfacilities.ThewatersinLa
Gomeraareatpresentstillrelativelypristine,withonlytwotouroperatorsrunningwhalewatchingwithup
to five to six boats. As such, as well as the possibility of stimulating more whale watching, the expanded
portinfrastructurealsocarriestheriskofincreasedpressureonthelocalmarineenvironment.
The main species sighted in the Canaries include bottlenose dolphins (resident to the waters off the
southwestcoastofTenerife),shortfinnedpilotwhalesandroughtootheddolphins.Residentspermwhales
alsooccurbetweenTenerifeandGranCanaria.
Figures for total whale watchers reported for 2008 are consistent with data collected in 2004, where the
number of whale watchers counted for Tenerife reached 475,000 (Elejabeitia et al 2004). With this
accountingatthetimeforanestimated75%oftotalCanaryIslandswhalewatching,itcanbeestimatedthat
atthetime,atotalmaximumofaround620630,000wouldhavebeenpossibleacrossthecountry.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,roughtootheddolphin,
shortfinnedpilotwhale
80%
20%
Boatbased,shorttrips(12hours),halfday
trips,dedicated,opportunistic,research.
$55
157
JanuarytoMarch,JulytoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
CarlosElejabeitia,FabianRitter,DomingoCastro,JoseAntonioHernndez,SusanneBraack.
References:
Urquiola,E.,Martin,V.andIani,V.1999.Whalewatching,pilotwhalesandbottlenosedolphinsintheCanaryIslands:
asustainableactivity?pp.138144.InEuropeanResearchonCetaceans13(Ed.P.G.H.Evans,J.CruzandJ.A.Raga).
Proceedings13thAnn.Conf.oftheEuropeanCetaceanSociety,58Apr.1999,Valencia,Spain.
Elejabeitia,C.yServidio,A.SociedadEspaoladeCetceos.2004.EstudiodeSeguimientodelasActividadesde
ObservacindeCetceosenTenerifeDireccinGeneraldelMedioNaturaldelaConsejeriadeMedioAmbientey
OrdenacinTerritorialdelGobiernodeCanarias.INTERREGOGAMPproject(notpublished).
48
Egypt
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
10,000
35,396
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
165.9%
13.5%
None
Minimal
N/A
52
None
Minimal
$100,000
$2,052,968
None
Minimal
$325,000
$1,415,840
None
Minimal
$425,000
$3,468,808
CapitalCity:Cairo
01:MarsaAlam/SamadaiReef
Egypthasastrongdolphinwatchingindustry,whichhaschanged
considerablysincethe1998survey.Atthattime,theindustrywas
established,butlargelybasedonasinglecharismaticdolphin.Since
thenamajordolphinwatching,swimminganddivingsitehasbeen
establishedatSamadaiReef,orDolphinHouse,atMarsaAlamon
theRedSea.
Samadaiisahorseshoeshapedreefinwhichspinnerdolphins
shelterduringtheday.Thecombinationofplentifuldolphins,warmwatersandeasyaccessmeantthearea
soonbecamepopularafterdolphinwatchingwasestablishedin2001.During2002,arrangementswere
madewithlocalstakeholderstomanagethearea,withmooringsbeinginstalledandasimplemanagement
schemeimplemented.ThefameofSamadaisdolphinssoonspreadandbegantoattracthundredsof
peopledailytoSamadai.Touristactivitiesresultedinpressureonthedolphins,leadingtotheirdispersion
andreducedsightingsastheanimalsdaytimerestingbehaviourwasdisturbed.
In2003,localauthoritiessuspendedallvisitstoSamadaiuntilamanagementschemewasputinplace.A
planwaspreparedinconsultationwithdifferentstakeholders,approvedbyauthoritiesandimplementedin
January2004.Thesitemanagementplanincludedazoningplanforthearea,withareasexclusivelyfor
dolphins,alongwithareasforsnorkelling,boatmooringanddiving.Monitoringprogrammesand
enforcementstrategieswerealsoimplemented,alongsideapublicawarenesscampaign.Aservicefee
systemhasalsobeenimplemented,whichraisesover$500,000peryearforthelocalgovernment.These
feesgototheongoingmanagementofSamadai,maintenanceandconservationprogrammes.Beyondthese
fees,however,dolphinwatchinghashadadeepimpactonthelocaleconomy,creatingover200directjobs
inthefieldofconservation,upto600indirectjobsandraisingtheprofileofconservationissuesinthearea
(Sarhanetal.2004,Hanafyperscom,2009).Furthermore,theindustryisestimatedtosupport106jobs
directlythroughemploymentbytheoperatorssurveyedforthisreport.
Mostimportantly,themanagementplanhasbeensuccessfulinallowingdolphinstoreturntothearea,
whilemaintaininganimportantasset(withsignificanteconomicbenefit)forthecommunity.Beforethe
managementplanwasimplementedonlyaround32dolphinswereusingthereefdaily.Ayearlaterthat
numberhadgrownto78.
SomedolphinwatchingalsooccursfarthersouthontheEgyptianRedSeacoast,suchasatSattaya.Thisis
mainlyopportunisticwatchingbyscubadiversandhasnotbeenincludedinthisanalysis.Theareamaybe
developedfordolphinwatchinginthefuture.
49
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin
99%
1%
Boatbaseddolphinwatchingaswellas
swim/snorkel/divewithdolphinexperiences.
$40(plus$18managementfee)
106
Yearround
Acknowledgements:
ManythankstoMahmoudH.HanafyandYasserSaeidatRedSeaProtectorates,GiuseppeNotarbartolodiSciaraat
TethysResearchInstitute.ThanksalsotoDaphnaFeingoldandDaniKeremattheIsraelMarineMammalAssistance
andResearchCentre,andseveraloperators.
References:
NotarbartolodiSciara,G,HanafyMH,Fouda,MM,Afifi,A&Costa,M2008,Spinnerdolphin(Stenellalongrostris)
restinghabitatinSaadaiReef(Egypt,RedSea)protectedthroughtourismmanagement.JournaloftheMarine
BiologicalAssociationoftheUnitedKingdom.
Sarhan,M,Hanafy,MH&Fouda,MM2004,EconomicsandsustainableuseofSamadaiReefDolphinHouse,Marsa
Alam,RedSea,Egypt.SixthInternationalBioeconConferenceonEconomicsandtheAnalysisofBiologyand
Biodiversity.KingsCollege,Cambridge,23September2004,p.13.
50
LocalCaseStudy:SamadaiReef,Egypt
ThesuccessfulestablishmentoftheSamadaiReefdolphinprotectedareaisagreatstorycombiningthe
conservationofmarinebiodiversitywithlocaleconomicbenefit.Duringitsestablishment,thepeople
involvedwillhaveencounteredgreatpersonalandorganisationaldifficulties,butwhencomparedto
establishingmarineprotectedareas(MPAs)elsewhere,theimplementationofthemanagementschemeat
Samadaiseemstohavebeenremarkablyeasy.WhyhasSamadaibeensuccessfulwheresomanyMPAsfail?
LookingatSamadaiisagoodopportunitytolookmoredeeplyintothewidereconomiccostsandbenefitsof
protectedareas.
ThedirectbenefitsofanMPAatSamadaiareobviousaboomingdolphinwatchanddivingindustry.These
values,aswehaveshowninthisreport,areeasilyconvertedtodollarvaluesand,importantly,tofinancial
valuesthataccruetolocalpeopleandorganisations.Other,indirectbenefitsofMPAsareoftenmore
difficulttoassess,includingbiodiversityorenvironmentalservices,suchasthevalueofstormprotection
thatreefsprovide.Otherbenefitsincludeoptionvaluesandnonusevaluesforexample,theintrinsic
valueofnaturearestillmoredifficulttoevaluate.MPAsthatareestablishedtoprotecttheselattervalues
maybenolessvalidinecologicalandeconomicterms,butthesebenefitswillbehardertomeasure,
monetiseanddistributeappropriately.
Similarly,thecostsofestablishinganMPAareoftenpoorlyunderstood.Whilethemanagementcostsand
wagesoftheSamadaiareaseemconsiderable,thesecostsareonlypartofthecostsofprotectedareas.If
peoplearegoingtobedeniedaccesstothenaturalresourcesofanarea,thereisanopportunitycostfor
example,localpeoplemaynolongerbeallowedtocatchfishforsubsistenceandcommercialpurposes.This
opportunitycostcanbemanytimestheoperatingcostoftheMPA,butisoftennotconsideredbythe
proponentsofprotectedareas.Importantly,thisopportunitycostwillalmostcertainlybebornebylocal
people,whilebenefitsmayaccruetosmallnumbersoftouroperatorsandinternationaltourists.
LookingatthecostsandbenefitsofSamadaiprotection,weseethatithasbeenrelativelyeasytoweighthe
costsandbenefitsofconservation,andensurethatsufficientbenefitsareretainedlocally.Thebenefits
describedaccruelargelytolocalpeoplethroughtourism,butalsothroughincreasedcapacityoflocal
administrationtoimplementenvironmentalprogrammes.Physicalinfrastructure,suchasmooring
installationandmaintenancealsobringlocalbenefitsandjobs.Somebenefitsofconservationwillaccrueto
butwillbelargelyunfeltbythewiderEgyptianandglobalcommunity.
Asidefromtheoperatingcosts,thecostsofconservationatSamadaiseemtobesmall.Theareawasnot
usedforfishing,althoughsmallfishingboatsshelteredthereduringtheroughseaconditions.Theonly
opportunitycostsareincurredbyoperatorswhoformerlyhadfreeaccesstothesite.Aswehave
mentioned,theindustryisnotlongestablishedandthecoststotheseoperatorsoffindingotheractivitiesor
buyingpermitsisthereforenotgreat.Someoperatorshavelefttheindustry,andlocalobserversnotethat
thefeessystematSamadaiservestoensurebusinesseswithaninterestinthesustainabilityofthearea
remainandsufferlesscompetitionfromcheap,opportunisticoperatorsseekingshorttermgains.Therewas
considerablestakeholderconsultationleadinguptoimplementationofthesystem,furthergivingoperators
timetomakedecisionsabouttheirbusinesses.
FurtherReading:
Emerton,L,Bishop,J&Thomas,L2006,'SustainableFinancingofProtectedAreas:Aglobalreviewofchallengesand
options',Gland,SwitzerlandandCambridge,UK:IUCN.
Emerton,L2003,'CoveringtheeconomiccostsofMarineProtectedAreas:extendingtheconceptoffinancialdiversity
andsustainability',inSustainableFinanceStream,Durban,SouthAfrica.Availableat:
http://www.conservationfinance.org/Workshops_Conferences/WPC/WPC_documents/Apps_01_Emerton_v1.pdf.
51
Salm,R,Clark,J&Siirila,E2000,'MarineandCoastalProtectedAreas:AGuideforPlannersandManagers',Washington
DC:IUCN.
Eritrea
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
None
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
None
None
None
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
None
CapitalCity:Asmara
Inthelastglobalreport,itwasfoundthatalthoughminimal,some
dolphinwatchingdidoccuropportunisticallyondivetripsoperating
alongtheRedSeaCoast.ConflictwithEthiopiaandunresolved
tensionoverbordershasnowresultedinasignificantreductionin
tourismtoEritrea.
Researchundertakenforthisreportindicatesthatnowhale
watchingtourismtookplacein2008.
Acknowledgements:
GiuseppeNotarbartolodiSciara
52

Gabon
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
300
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
~1.8%
None
None
None
2
None
None
None
$16,000
None
None
None
$7,500
None
None
None
$23,500
CapitalCity:Libreville
01:LoangoNationalPark
02:MayumbaNationalPark
Gabonhastwooperatorsthatrunsmallscaleseasonalwhale
watchingtripsfromMayumbaandLoangoNationalPark.The
MayumbaNationalParkwasdeclaredin2002andistheonly
dedicatedmarineparkamongGabons13nationalparks.Thepark
issituatedinthefarsouthofGabon,betweenthetownof
MayumbaandtheCongoleseborder.TheLoangoNationalParkis
locatedfarthernorthofMayumba,butstillsouthoftheCapital,
Libreville.
TheoperatorinMayumbaNationalPark,aconservationNGO,hasbeenrunningexploratorytoursto
demonstratethefeasibilityofwhalewatchingtourisminthehopeofestablishingamorepermanent
attractionfortouristsinthePark.Anecdotalevidencesuggeststhatwithpropermarketing,adedicated
operatorcouldpotentiallyberunningdailytripsduringthewhalewatchingseason,astherehasbeenahigh
levelofinterestinwhalewatchingbytouriststotheNationalPark(R.Parnell,pers.comm.,2009).The
operatorinLoangoNationalParkrunsecotoursincludingboatbasedwhalewatchingfrommidJulytomid
September.
Humpbackwhalesarethemainfocusofthetoursalthoughothermarinewildlifeincludingdolphinscanbe
sighted.
Whiletheindustryiscurrentlysmall,theconsistencyofsightings(95%to100%sightingrates)andgrowing
inboundtouristarrivalstoGabonindicatethereispotentialforincreasedwhalewatchingtourism.
InternationaltourismarrivalstoGabongrewatanaverageannualrateof7.4%between1995and2003
(WorldTourismOrganisation,2006).ThegenerallackofawarenessofwhalewatchinginGabonand
difficultiesfindingsuitableboatsandcaptainscontinuetohinderfurthergrowthinwhalewatching.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
20%
80%
Boatbased,dedicated,exploratorytoursto
assessinterestinwhalewatchingtourism
N/A 15
15
Noticketpriceisavailablesincetoursaremostlyinformalorexploratory
53
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
2
JulytoOctober
Acknowledgements:
RichardParnell(WildlifeConservationSociety)attheMayumbaNationalPark.
References:
MayumbaNationalPark,http://mayumbanationalpark.com/
Gambia,The
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
1,000+
10,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
~49.5%
25.9%
None
None
3
4
None
None
$30,000
$650,000
None
None
$75,000
$1,500,000
None
None
$105,000
$2,150,000
CapitalCity:Banjul
01:GambiaRivermouth
TheGambiahasfouroperatorsthatruntripsprimarilyaroundthe
mouthoftheGambiaRiver.Thetripsaregenerallyopportunisticin
natureandfocusonsmallcetaceans,primarilybottlenoseand
Atlantichumpbackdolphins.Nolargecetaceanwatchingtripsare
offered,althoughminkewhalesareoccasionallyseeninthe
harbourarea.
Since1998,theindustryhasgrownatanaverageannualrateof
25.9%,withanestimated10,000whalewatchingtouristsin2008.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,Atlantichumpback
dolphin
90%
10%
Boatbased,opportunistic
$85
30
NovembertoApril
Acknowledgements:
54
MervynBaldwin(PleasuresportsGambiaLtd.),andRuthLeeney(NamibianDolphinProject)
Kenya
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
27
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Nairobi
01:KisiteMpungutiMarinePark
Politicalunrestin2008severelydamagedtourismtoKenya,
resultinginminimalwhalewatchingfortheyear.Inrecentyears
however,whalewatchingtouristnumbershavereportedlybeenas
highas10,000 16amassivegrowthsince1998whenminimal
opportunisticwhalewatchingwasfoundonlyaspartofdivetours.
TwentysevenoperatorsareknowntoruntripsinKenya,fourof
whicharededicatedoperatorsand23ofwhicharelocalboat
ownerswhoruntripsdependingontouristdemand.Theprincipallocationfordolphinwatchingtourismis
theKisiteMpungutiMarinePark(KisiteMarineParkandadjacentMpungutiMarineReserve)inthesouthof
Kenya,closetotheborderwithTanzania.DolphinwatchingtoursusuallydepartfromnearbyShimoni
villageonthemainland.
TheprincipalspeciesencounteredistheIndoPacificbottlenosedolphinwhichispresentyearroundandis
regularlyencounteredbothwithintheKisiteMpunguti(KM)MPAandintheWasinichannel,aroundthe
easternendofWasiniIslandwhichconstitutesthemaintourroute.AsmallresidentpopulationofIndo
PacifichumpbackdolphinsarealsopresentyearroundbutthedolphinsrarelyfrequenttheKMMPAandare
mostoftensightedonthemainlandsideoftheWasinichannelaroundintoFunzibayandsoarenotoften
encounteredbytourboats.SpinnerdolphinsareseasonalvisitorsinFebruaryandMarchbutarenotoften
encounteredwithintheKMMPAitself.HumpbackwhalesarealsoseasonalvisitorsbetweenJulyand
SeptemberandmothercalfpairsmaybeencounteredwithinboththeKMMPAandWasinichannelduring
thisperiodthoughnotonadailybasis.
Since2006,GlobalVisionInternational,aUKbasedNGOwithoperationsinKenyahasbeenundertaking
researchondolphinpopulationsinandaroundKMMPA,onbehalfofthegovernmentalagency,Kenya
WildlifeService.Theresearchprogrammeaddressespopulationsizeanddistributionofdolphinspecieswith
longertermobjectivesofmonitoringpopulationtrendsandtheimpactoftourismasthebasisforreviewing
anationalcodeofconductfordolphinwatchingintroducedbyKenyaWildlifeServicein2007underthe
UNEP/CMSYearoftheDolphininitiative.Thecodeofconductprohibitsexplicitswimmingwithdolphin
activities,feedingofdolphinsandregulatesthenumber,proximityandapproachoftourboatsaround
dolphins,howevercompliancehasdeclinedsinceitsintroduction.
16
Priortothepoliticalunrest,inrecentyearsasmanyas10,000whalewatchingtouristsperannummayhave
undertakentripsinKenya,withoneoperatoraloneaccountingforasmanyas6,000ofthese.
55
AsthepoliticalsituationinKenyaimprovesandinternationaltourismrecovers,thewhalewatchingindustry
islikelytorecovertoo,withoperatorsexpressingenthusiasmfortheindustry,despiteobvious
disappointmentattheeventsof2008.
Acknowledgments:
NinaWambiji(KenyaMarineandFisheriesResearchInstitute),GrahamCorti(GlobalVisionInternational)andthree
operators.
Madagascar
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
150
7,500
4,000
15,928
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
268.4%
14.5%
14.8%
N/A
N/A
12
41
$6,000
$200,000
$120,000
$814,495
$15,000
$910,000
$554,000
$1,011,133
$21,000
$1,110,000
$774,000
$1,825,628
CapitalCity:Antananarivo
01:leSainteMarie
02:Maroantsetra,AntongilBay
03:Toliara
ThemajorityofwhalewatchingtoursinMadagascarinvolvehotels
runningorganisedtripsforguests.Localboatownersalsoconduct
lessformalwhalewatchingtripswhendemandexists.Theindustry
isfocusedonthehumpbackmigrationbetweenJuneandOctober,
butdolphinsarealsoseenopportunisticallyduringwhalewatching
trips.
TherehasbeensignificantgrowthinthewhalewatchingindustryinMadagascarsince1998,whenonly12
operatorstook4,000touristswhalewatching.In2008,therewereanestimated15,928boatbasedwhale
watchers.Thisrepresentsanannualgrowthof14.8%.Thisgrowthcorrelatescloselywithgrowthin
inboundtourismtotheislandcountry,whichgrewat13.2%perannum(WorldTourismOrganization,2006),
puttingitinthetopfivefastestgrowingcountriesfortourisminAfricabetween1995and2004.
ThemainareaforwhalewatchinginMadagascaristheleSainteMarie,offtheislandsnortheastcoast.
Approximately13operatorstookanestimated14,200touristsonwhalewatchingtoursinthewaters
betweenleSainteMarieandmainlandMadagascarin2008.Whalesmigratethroughthesewatersfor
calving.Theaveragevesselcapacityforthesetoursis10passengers,althoughcapacitiesrangebetween3
and35passengers.Thelargemajorityofvesselsaresmallmotorisedboatsandpirogues 17,butsome
operatorsalsohavelargerboatsandcatamarans.
Tripsgenerallylasthalfaday,withanaverageticketpriceforadultsof$56.Whalewatchingactivitiesalso
existinmanyotherlocationsacrossMadagascar,butusuallyonasmallerscale.Atleast13operatorsare
basedinMaroantsetraand7inToliara,buttheindustriesinthesetwolocationsarerelativelysmall,with
fewerthan1,000whalewatchingtouristsin2008.
17
Aflatbottomedfishingboattraditionallypropelledbypaddlesorsmallsails.Someoperatorsstilloffersailpropelled
piroguesalthoughmostarenowmotorised.
56

InFebruary2009,politicalprotestsinAntananarivo,thecountryscapital,turnedviolent,whichhasresulted
inongoinguncertaintyaroundthepoliticalandsecuritysituationinMadagascar.Thismightmeanthat2009
willbeadifficultyearforthetourismindustry.However,thelongtermoutlookfortourismandwhale
watchinginMadagascarremainsstrong,providedthepoliticalsituationstabilises.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,longbeakedcommon
dolphin
94%
6%
Boatbased,dedicated,opportunistic,general
naturecruises
$56
197
JunetoOctober
Acknowledgements:
YvetteRazafindrakoto(WildlifeConservationSociety)andalltheoperatorswhoparticipated.
References:
Ausseill,F2009,Madagascarstourismindustryfacesruin,Mail&GuardianOnline,accessedMarch2009,available
onlineat:http://www.mg.co.za/article/20090218madagascarstourismindustryfacesruin
57
LocalCaseStudy:AntongilBay,Madagascar
AnalanjirofoRegion,ToamasinaProvince,Madagascar
LocatedinthenortheastofMadagascar,AntongilBayisthelargestprotectedbayinthecountryandhome
tofourcetaceanspecies.Asmanyas13whalewatchoperatorsruntripsinAntongilBay,operatingoutof
MasoalaNationalParkorthetownofMaroantsetra.
In2008,whalewatchnumbersinAntongilBaywererelativelylowbyglobalstandards,withanestimated
450boatbasedwhalewatchersvisitingthearea.Revenuesaccruingfromthese450whalewatchers
amountedtoanestimated$24,000,withpricesvaryingfromlocalboatownerschargingaround$10to
resortschargingasmuchas$65.Despiteitsrelativelysmallsize,thisactivityisnottobedisregarded.
ConsideringthatpercapitagrossdomesticproductforMadagascarisestimatedat$1,000,thewhale
watchingindustryisresponsibleforasignificantamountofrevenueforlocalresortsandindividuals.
Althoughhumpbackwhales,southernrightwhales,bottlenosedolphinsandspinnerdolphinscanallbe
foundinAntongilBay,themigrationofhumpbackwhalesistheprimaryfocusoftripsoffered.These
humpbacksareknowntomigrateupalongtheeastcoastofMadagascar,andthesemiprotectedwatersof
AntongilBayareanimportantlocationforthemanalystsbelieveitisacalvingareaforthewhales.
PopulationestimatesforthewhalesvisitingAntongilBayhavebeenestimatedatbetween4600and7700
(Cerchioetal,2008).ThewhalesvisitthesewatersbetweenJuneandOctobereachyear,withpeak
concentrationsoccurringbetweenJulyandearlySeptember.
TheTampoloMarineParkhasbeendesignatedwithinAntongilBayandislocatedoffthecoastofthe
MasoalaNationalPark,whichlooksoutoverthebay.MasoalaNationalParkisthelargestnationalparkin
Madagascarandishometoseveralendemicspecies,andthecombinedprotectedareascreateasignificant
andimportantlandandseaprotectedareanetwork.
LandbasedwhalewatchingaroundAntongilBayholdspotential,butalighthousethatpreviouslyoffereda
goodvantagepointisinneedofrepairsandwithoutotheradequateinfrastructure,landbasedwhale
watchingwillremainincidentalandinformal.
Regardless,effortsarebeingmadetoincreasetheamountofwhalewatchingtourismintheregion.Since
2004,anannualwhalewatchingfestivalhasbeenorganisedbylocaloperators,theWildlifeConservation
Society(WCS)andMadagascarNationalParks(formerlyANGAP).Thefestivalinvolvescultural
performances,environmentaleducationonwhalesandbiodiversityandwhalewatchingtoursforthelocal
community.
AlthoughithasalongwaytogotogettothesizeoftheindustryinleSainteMarie,furthereffortsto
developtourismintheregionwouldcontributetothegrowthofwhalewatchinginAntongilBay.Withthe
countrystourismarrivalsgrowingrapidlyinrecentyears(13.2%between1995and2004)accordingtothe
WorldTourismOrganisation),thereappearsastrongcaseforcontinuinggrowthinthispocketof
Madagascar.Residentbottlenoseandspinnerdolphinpopulationsalsoprovidepotentialforcetacean
watchingoutsideofhumpbackwhaleseason.
Localeconomicbenefits:
AsforotherareasinAfrica,lackofcapitaltoinvestininfrastructureandvesselshasthepotentialtoinhibit
growthinwhalewatching.Lackoflocalcapital,inparticular,canoftenmeanthatforeignownedoperators
tendtoplayabiggerpartinputtinganindustryinplace.Ourresearchindicatesthatevenwhenthisisthe
case,thereareneverthelessmanypotentiallocalbenefits:
58
Localpeoplemakeupasignificantportionoftotalemployeesandtherebydevelopadditionalskills
andtraining.
Localcommunitiesalsobenefitthroughinvestmentinpublicinfrastructure,whilehighertourist
numbersleadtobenefitsthatflowintosurroundingbusinesses,suchasprocurementforhotelsand
spendingatlocalshopsandmarkets.
Localboatowners(suchasfishermen)oftensupplementtheirincomeswithoccasionalwhalewatch
tours,andimportantly,
thetourismmarketingnetworksthatforeigninvestorsbringtotheseregionsisoftenacritical
contributiontothegrowthandpromotionoftourismandwhalewatchinginsomeoftheworlds
mostremotelocations.
Manyadditionalbenefitsaccruetolocalcommunitiesduetotheforeigninvestment,ratherthaninspiteof
it.Andso,wherethereisagreedcommunityacceptanceofwhalewatching,aneffectivelymanagedindustry
hasthepotentialtobringwideeconomic,socialandenvironmentalbenefits.
Acknowledgements:
WildlifeConservationSociety,andinparticular,YvetteRazafindrakoto
References:
Travels,L2009,Voilesbaleines,accessedApril2009,availableonlineat:
http://www.maroantsetra.com/pages/baleine.html
MTTC2009,MaroantsetraMadagascarsCity,accessedApril2009,availableonlineat:
http://www.travel2mada.com/cities/maroantsetra~.xhtml
MasoalaNationalPark2009,MasoalaNationalPark(Madagascar):Masoalaguide:nature,faune,flore,mer,tourisme,
decouverteMadagascar,accessedApril2009,availableonlineat:http://www.masoala.org/eng/index.htm
CetaceanConservationandResearchProgramMadagascar2009,ccrpmadagascar,accessedApril2009,available
onlineat:http://www.wcs.org/globalconservation/marine/ccrp/ccrpmadagascar
Cerchio,S,Ersts,P,Pomilla,C,Loo,J,Razafindrakoto,Y,Leslie,M,Andrianrivelo,N,MindonG,Dushane,S,Murray,A,
Collins,T,andRosenbaum,H2008,RevisedestimationofabundanceforbreedingstockC3ofhumpbackwhales,
assessedthroughphotographicandgenotypicmarkrecapaturedatafromAntongilBay,Madagascar,20002006,IWC
scientificpaper,SC/60/SH32.
59
Mauritania
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
50
50
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
0
0
0
None
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
None
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
None
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Nouakchott
Thepotentialfordevelopingawhalewatchingindustrystillexistsin
Mauritania,althoughthereisnoformalindustryatpresent.A
feasibilitystudyintosmallscale,communitybasedcetacean
watchingmaybeundertakenforthewiderregion(WestAfrica)but
hasnotbeencommissionedyet(Diallo,pers.comm.,2008).
However,therehavebeensomesmallscaleecotourismventures
operatingalongthecoastlineofMauritainathatattimesinclude
someopportunisticdolphinwatchingfromland.Certainlocal
villagesusedolphinstoassistintheirfishing,drummingonwoodto
attractthedolphinstoherdschoolsoffishintonetsinshallowwaters.
Mauritaniaattracted30,000inboundvisitorsin2000,(WorldTourismOrganization,2006);nodataare
availablefromtheWorldTourismOrganizationformorerecentyears.
References:
MamadouDiallo(WWFWestAfricanMarineEcoRegion)
60

Mauritius
Year
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
1991
1994
1998
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
Minimal
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
Minimal
Minimal
2008
21,400
56%
25
$597,976
$2,064,650
$2,662,626
CapitalCity:PortLouis
01:TamarinBay
Mauritiushasapproximately25whalewatchingoperators,mostof
whomofferdolphinwatchingandswimwithtrips.Theindustryis
primarilyfocusedondolphinwatchingandswimwithtoursandthe
majorityofactivitiesoccurinTamarinBay,offthesouthwestcoast
ofMauritius.Potentialforwatchinglargecetaceansalsoexistswith
humpbacksandoccasionalspermwhalesrecordedinthewatersoff
Mauritius;however,onlyoneoperatoriscurrentlyofferingthese
trips.Theaveragecostforadolphinwatchingtripisaround$35for
adultsand$23forchildren.Whalewatchingorcombinedwhaleanddolphinwatchingtripswillusuallycost
more.
Since1998,whalewatchinghasgrownfromasmallinformalindustrytoonethatisnowestimatedtotake
over21,000touristsannuallyondolphinwatchingtrips,withveryminimallargecetaceanwatching
occurring.Between1995and2005,internationalarrivalstoMauritiusgrewatanaverageof6.1%annually,
increasingfrom422,000touristsin1995to761,000touristsin2005(WorldTourismOrganization,2006).
Since1998,thewhalewatchingindustryhasoutpacedthegrowthofinboundtourismbyastaggeringfigure,
growingatanaverageannualrateof56%.
Unfortunately,thereareongoingconcernsaboutthesustainabilityofdolphinwatchinginTamarinBay,due
tothenumberofoperatorsandthebehaviourofsomeoperatorsaroundthedolphins.In2006,the
MauritianGovernmentpublisheddolphinwatchingguidelinestobeadheredtobyalloperators,butis
unclearhowsuccessfultheguidelineshavebeentodate.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,spinnerdolphin
90%
10%
Boatbased,swimwith,dedicated,
opportunistic
$35
35
61
JulytoOctober
Acknowledgements:
Twooperators
References:
DolphinWatchingGuidelines,GovernmentofMauritius,accessedMarch2009,availableonlineat:
http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/tourist/menuitem.e2330d7a351ad42dadbea610a0208a0c/
Mayotte
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
10,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
~44.6%
None
None
None
5
None
None
None
$670,919
None
None
None
$882,000
None
None
None
$1,552,919
CapitalCity:Mamoudzou
Mayottehasfivewhalewatchingoperatorsthatrunstripsmostly
forexpatriateworkersfromFrance,theUnitedStates,The
NetherlandsandBelgium.Tripsareboatbasedwithvessels
generallyaccommodatingaroundtenpassengers.Tripsareoffered
dailyduringthehumpbackmigrationseason(JulyandNovember),
whileoutsideofthisseason,operatorsrunseveraltripsperweek,
whichincludeopportunisticdolphinwatchingaspartofthecruises.
OthercetaceanssightedinthewatersaroundMayotteincluding
bluewhales,spermwhales,IndoPacifichumpbackdolphins,
pantropicalspotteddolphins,Frasersdolphins,shortfinnedpilotwhalesandorcas.
Theindustryhasgrownfromnothingin1998intheWhaleWatching2001reporttoanestimated10,000
boatbasedwhalewatchersin2008,representinganannualgrowthofnearly45%,thesecondhighest
growthrateinAfricaafterMauritius.Theindustryispromotedbythenationaltourismbody,withthe
officialtourismguidehighlightingwhalewatchingasanactivityinMayotte.
CurrentlyanoverseascollectivityofFrance,inMarch2009Mayottevotedinareferendumtobecomean
overseasdepartment,beginningin2011.ThiswillresultinadeeperlevelofintegrationintoFranceandthe
EuropeanUnion.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin
60%
40%
62
Landbasedwhalewatching:
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
None
Boatbased,dedicated,opportunistic
$31
7
JulytoNovember
Acknowledgements:
NilsBertrand(SeaBlueSafari)
Morocco
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
Minimal
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
CapitalCity:Rabat
ThereisnoformalwhaleordolphinwatchinginMoroccoatthetimeof
research,butlocalresearcherssuggestthattourismoperatorsand
promotershavebeeninvestigatingpossibilitiesfordolphinwatching.
SomegeneralcruisesaroundtheStraitsofGibraltarfromMorocco
encountercetaceans.WhalewatchingfromSpanishportsisalreadywell
establishedintheStrait.
SwissbasedFoundationforInformationandResearchonMarine
Mammals(firmm),whichfocusesonmarinemammalsintheStraitsof
GibraltarwithtripsfromTarifa,Spain,isplanningtoestablishoperationsin
Moroccofrom2010thatwillincludesomecetaceanwatching.
Acknowledgements:
KatharinaHeyeratfirmmandNajihMohamedatInstitutNationaldeRechercheHalieutique
References:
http://www.firmm.org
63
Mozambique
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
500+
8,280
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
~25.7%
32.4% 18
None
None
1
21
None
None
$100,000
$481,080
None
None
$50,000
$700,088
None
None
$150,000
$1,181,618
CapitalCity:Maputo
01:PontadoOuro
02:BazarutoArchipelago
03:QuirimbasArchipelago
04:InhambaneCity
TherehasbeensignificantgrowthinMozambiqueswhalewatching
industrysince1998,whenaround500touristsgenerated
approximately$150,000inexpenditure.In2008,8,280tourists
generatednearly$1.2millionintotalexpenditure,anaverage
annualgrowthrateintouristnumbersof32.4%.Inboundtourism
receiptstoMozambiquegrewat11.9%annuallybetween2000and2005,whichsuggeststhatwhale
watchingtourismisgrowingatafasterratethanthebroadertourismindustry.Thisisdespitethefactthat
cetaceanwatchingactivitiesarenotheavilymarketed,withmosttouristsonlyfindingoutaboutwhale
watchingactivitiesafterarrivinginMozambique.
Mozambiquehasasmanyas21whalewatchingoperators.Thevastmajorityaredivecentresorboutique
hotelsthatofferopportunisticanddedicateddolphinandwhalewatching.Someoperatorsalsoengagein
swimwithdolphinactivities.Theaverageticketpriceis$35foradultsand$28forchildren.Anestimated
30fulltimejobsaresupportedbywhalewatchoperators.
Vesselsrangefromseakayaks,tomotorisedboats,recreationalfishingboatsanddiveboats.Althoughthe
majorityoftheoperatorsarelocal,becauseofthecloseproximitytoSouthAfricadiveoperatorsfromacross
theborderalsoruntripsintoMozambique,oftenconductingswimwithtrips.
Theindustryisfocusedmainlyonbottlenosedolphins,althoughhumpbackwhalesarealsoseenontheir
migrationbetweenthemonthsofJuneandOctober.ThemainareaforwhalewatchingisPontadoOuroon
thesoutherntipofMozambique.ResortsandboutiquehotelsintheBazarutoArchipelago,Quirimbas
ArchipelagoandatInhambanealsoofferdedicatedseasonalwhalewatchingtripsandopportunisticdolphin
watching. 19
Twooperatorsareinvolvedinresearchprojects.Oneoperatoriscollectingdataonhumpbackwhalesfor
researchbeingcarriedoutatCapeTownUniversity.Anotherhasbeencarryingoutresearchforover10
yearsasthenonprofitorganisationDolphinCareAfrica.Thisresearchorganisationcollaborateswiththe
NaturalHistoryMuseumofMaputoandtheEduardoMondlaneUniversityandisfundedthrough
commercialtoursandvolunteeringprogrammes.DolphinCareAfricahasactivelycampaignedforincreased
18
Forthepurposeofcalculatingthisrate,weassume500whalewatchersin1998.
19
OtherlocationswherewhaleanddolphinwatchingmaybepossibleincludePraiadoTofoandJangamo,althoughno
datawasavailablefromtheseareas.
64
regulationoftheindustryandhascontributedtothedevelopmentofamarinemammalcodeofconductfor
operators.Asyet,thecodeofconductremainsvoluntaryandisnotadheredtobythelargemajorityof
otheroperatorsinthearea.Furthercampaigningforadditionalregulationshasincludedeffortsto
encouragelicensingandlimitationsonhoursofoperationsforoperators,toallowresttimeforcetacean
populations.
Ongoingconcernshavebeenraisedbysomeoperatorsaboutthesustainabilityoftheindustryin
Mozambique,particularlyinthesouth,inpartduetolargenumbersofjetskisbeingoperatedinanyoneday
(upto30)inregionswherethecetaceanpopulationsarepresent.ThereisclearlypotentialinMozambique
forcontinualgrowthinwhalewatchingtourism,butalsotheneedforregulationofthenumberandtypeof
vesselsoperating,alongwithstricterguidelinesforencounterswithcetaceans.Thereishopethatinthe
nearfutureamarineprotectedareawillbedeclaredinthesouthernwaters,whichmaycontributetothe
continuedsustainabilityofwhalewatchingtourismintheregion.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin
20
70%
30%
None
Boatbased,dedicated,opportunistic,general
ecocruises
$35
30
Yearroundfordolphinwatching
JunetoOctoberforwhalewatching
Acknowledgements:
AlmeidaGuissamulo(NaturalHistoryMuseum),AngieGullan(DolphinEncountours,DolphinCareAfrica),Isabel
MarquesdaSilvaandalloperatorswhoparticipatedinourresearch.
20
ComprisingalargepercentageofSouthAfricantourists
65

Namibia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
7,000
43,675
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
~143.2%
20%
None
None
3
10
None
None
$216,000
$983,806
None
None
$540,000
$2,104,875
None
None
$756,000
$3,088,681
CapitalCity:Windhoek
01:WalvisBay
02:Swakopmund
03:Lderitz
Namibiahastenwhalewatchingoperators,allofwhomrungeneral
naturetripsthatincludesightingsofcetaceans(predominantly
dolphins)andotherwildlife,includingfurseals,turtlesandsunfish.
Humpbackandsouthernrightwhalesareseenopportunistically
betweenJuneandOctoberontheirannualmigration.Themain
areaforwhalewatchingisWalvisBaywithtourcompaniesbased
bothinWalvisBayandinthenearbycoastaltownofSwakopmund.Therearealsotwoboatsbasedin
Lderitz,400kmsouthofSwakopmund.
Therehasbeensignificantgrowthintheindustrysince1998,whenNamibiahadanestimated7,000whale
watchers.Sincethen,whalewatchingtouristnumbershaveincreaseddramaticallyatanaverageannual
growthrateof20%.Thisisalmostdoubletherateatwhichthenumberofinboundtouristsincreased
between1995and2006(11%) 21.Asin1998,thetripsaregeneralnature/ecotripswithcetaceansnotbeing
thesolefocusofthetrips.Differentoperatorsputvaryinglevelsofemphasisonthedolphinandwhale
componentoftheirtrips.
Tripsaregenerallythreetofourhoursindurationand,fortripsinWalvisBay,followasimilarroutethat
includesfishingorminingvesselsmooredinthebay,oneoftheoysterfarms,PelicanPoint(forHeavisides
dolphins),thefursealcolonyatPelicanPoint,andBirdIsland(amanmadeguanoplatform),withother
wildlifesightedopportunisticallyalongtheway.Heavisidesdolphinsareauniqueattractiontothisareaas
theyareendemictotheregion,beingfoundonlyoffthecoastofNamibiaandthewesterncoastofSouth
Africa.
Vesselcapacityrangesfromtwopersonkayakstocatamaransthatcanaccommodateupto40passengers.
Theaveragevesselcapacityis18passengers.Theaverageticketpriceis$51foradultsand$30for
children.
TheNamibianDolphinProject,initiatedin2008,aimstoassesstheconservationstatusofNamibiandolphin
populations,withparticularfocusonthetwomostcommonlyencountereddolphinspecies,Heaviside's
dolphinsandbottlenosedolphins.Theprojectisinvestigatingthesizeofthepopulations,documenting
habitatuseandcriticalhabitatareasfortheseandotherdolphinandwhalespecies,usingvisualsurveysand
21
OperatorsinNamibiaarewellmarketedandpromotedwhichmaybepartofthereasontheyexperienceahigher
thanaveragegrowthrate.
66
novelStaticAcousticMonitoringtechniques.Theorganisationworksincollaborationwithlocalgovernment
agencies,conservationgroupsandoperatorsinWalvisBay.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,southernrightwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,duskydolphin,Heavisides
dolphin
N/A
88%
12%
None
Boatbased,dedicated,opportunistic,eco
tours,kayaking
$51
60
JulytoNovemberforwhalewatching,
yearroundfordolphinwatching.
Peakseasonforinternational(nonSouth
African)touristsisJulyandAugust;December
andJanuaryarethepeakmonthsforSouth
Africantourists.
Acknowledgements:
SimonElwenandRuthLeeney(NamibianDolphinProject),RodBraby(NACOMA),HeidiSkrypzeck(MinistryofFisheries
andMarineResources)andalltheoperators,agentsandtourismbureauswhoassistedwithourresearch.
67
Oman
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
4,700
7,500
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
~120.2%
4.8%
None
None
6
15
None
None
$320,000
$376,875
None
None
$180,000
$862,500
None
None
$500,000
$1,239,375
CapitalCity:Muscat
01:Muscat
Omanhasanexcitingandexpandingcetaceanwatchingindustry
thatisexperiencingstronggrowthandallowsviewingofarangeof
species.Whaleanddolphinwatchinghappensonadailybasis
(touristsandweatherpermitting)withaconcentrationoftrips
aroundthetouristseasonwhentheweatheriscoolerfromOctober
toApril.
Approximately15operatorsofferwhaleanddolphinwatching,eachwithdifferentdegreesofdedication.
Someoperatorsofferdolphinwatchingonadailybasiswhileothersfocusonotheractivitiesandofferwhale
anddolphinwatchingonrequest.NooperatorsinOmanfocussolelyoncetaceanwatchingbuttendtooffer
touristsavarietyofmarineactivitiessuchasscubadiving,snorkelling,gamefishing,coastaltoursandyacht
charters.Opportunisticwhaleanddolphinwatchingalsooccurswhentouristsareintransittoothermarine
activities.Someoperatorsworkcloselywithmajorhotelswherebyguestsarereferredtocertainoperators.
Whaleanddolphinwatchingoperatorsareconcentratedaroundthecapital,Muscat,withafewoperators
alsofoundinMusandam(inthenorth)andSalalah(inthesouth).Casualtripsarealsoofferedbylocal
fishermenfromthepublicbeachofBandaralJissahandwilltakepassengersouttowatchdolphinsina
fibreglassskiffwhenapproached.Thesafetyofthesetripshasbeenquestionedbylocalconservation
groups.
AnimpressivevarietyofspeciesareencounteredbytripsoffOman.Commonlyencounteredspeciesinclude
spinnerdolphins,longbeakedcommondolphins,bottlenosedolphins,Brydeswhales,spermwhales.
AccordingtotheEnvironmentalSocietyofOman(ESO)WhaleandDolphinResearchGroup,manyother
specieshavebeensighted,suchashumpbackwhales,Rissosdolphins,falsekillerwhales,bluewhalesand
IndoPacifichumpbackdolphins,amongothers.
Omanstourismindustryhasbeengrowingstronglyandwhalewatchingtripsattractaround80%
internationaltourists.WhalewatchingisnotamainreasontouristsvisitOman;however,thosethat
discovertheopportunityonceinOmanarenormallypleasantlysurprisedbytheirwhale/dolphinwatching
experience.
68

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Brydeswhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,spinnerdolphin
80%
20%
None
Boatbasedtripswitharangeofdedicated
andopportunisticoperators.
$50
75
OctobertoApril
Acknowledgements:
RobertBaldwin,NidaHelouandHowardGray(EnvironmentSocietyofOman)andfouroperators.
Runion
Year
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
1991
1994
1998
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
2008
3,248
29.2%
12
$94,127
$366,077
$460,204
CapitalCity:SaintDenis
NumbersofwhalewatchingtouristsinRunionarecurrentlyat
approximately3,000,butindicationsarethattheindustryis
beginningtogrowinpopularity,withincreasingawarenessofthe
activityandthetourismopportunitiespresentedbywhales.
GLOBICE(GroupeLocaldObservationetdIdentificationdes
Ctacs)isanNGOcurrentlyundertakingresearchintocetaceansin
thewatersofRuniontoassesscetaceandiversityaroundthe
island,includingspecificstudiesonhumpbackwhalesandIndo
Pacificbottlenosedolphins.Since2004,yearroundsurveysto
assesscetaceandiversityhavebeenconductedbyGLOBICEoffthe
coastofRunion,andatotaloftencetaceanspecieshasbeenobserved.Photoidentificationdatashoweda
smallresidentpopulationofIndoPacificbottlenosedolphins,whilethehumpbackwhaleappears
seasonally,betweenJuneandNovember.FrequentsightingsofmothercalfpairsindicatethatRunionisa
breedingareaforhumpbackwhales.BothhumpbackwhalesandIndoPacificbottlenosedolphinsinthe
areatypicallyinhabitcoastalwaters,makingthemparticularlyexposedtohumanactivities.
69
ThewhalewatchingthatdoesoccurinRunionisundertakenoffthecountryswestcoast,withdedicated
andopportunistictoursrunningoutofSaintGillesandopportunistictripsbeingrunoutofSaintLeu.Trips
aregenerallyavailablethroughcharteroperatorsordivingoperators.Vesselcapacitiesrangefromtento30
passengersandincludecatamarans,motorboatsandyachts.BetweenJuneandOctober,dedicated
humpbackwhalewatchingtripsareoffered.IndoPacificbottlenosedolphinsandspinnerdolphinsareseen
opportunisticallythroughouttheyear.WhalewatchingactivitiesinRunionarecurrentlyunregulated.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
IndoPacificbottlenosedolphin,spinner
dolphin
90%
10%
N/A
N/A
17
JunetoOctober
Acknowledgements:
ViolaineDulau,LaurentMouysset(GLOBICE)
References:
Mazier,Laurne,ReunionIslandInternetTourismPortaloftheIsland,accessedMarch2009,availableonlineat:
http://reunion.runweb.com/langENpage9292Vpage,Whalewatching.html
DulauDrouot,VBoucaud,V&Rota,B2008,CetaceandiversityoffLaRunionIsland(France),JournaloftheMarine
BiologicalAssociationoftheUnitedKingdom,vol88,pp.12631272.
70
SoTomandPrncipe
Year
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
1991
1994
1998
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
2008
Minimal
N/A
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:SoTom
01:SoTom
02:RolasIsland
03:BomBomIsland
WhalewatchingoccursfromtheislandsofbothSoTomIsland
andPrncipeIslandbutonlyatminimallevels.InSoTom,whale
watchingtakesplacefromSoTomcityalongtheeastcoastor
fromRolasIslandinthesouth.InPrncipe,whalewatchingoccurs
fromaresortonBomBomIsland.
Tripsaregenerallyrunororganisedbyhotels,fishingordivingoperators,andgenerallyinvolvesmall
capacityvesselssuchasmotorizedpiroguesandspeedboats.BetweenJuneandOctober,dedicated
humpbackwhalewatchingtripsareofferedandbottlenoseandpantropicalspotteddolphinsareseen
opportunisticallythroughouttheyear.NumbersofwhalewatchingtouristsinSoTomandPrncipeare
likelytoincreasealongsidegrowthininternationalarrivalsandimprovedawarenessoftourismandwhale
watchinginSoTomandPrncipe.
Since2002,ProjectoDelfim(aPortuguesecetaceanresearchorganisation)hasbeencarryingoutaproject
studyingtheoccurrenceanddistributionofcetaceans(dolphinsandwhales)inthewatersaroundSoTom
andPrncipe,withaspecialfocusonhumpbackwhales.Between2002and2006,researchbyProjecto
Delfimhasidentifiedsixdifferentspeciesofcetaceansinthearea,althoughhumpbackwhales,bottlenose
dolphinsandpantropicalspotteddolphinsremainthefocusoftourismactivities.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,pantropicalspotted
dolphin
90%
10%
None
N/A
7
JulytoOctober
71

Acknowledgements:
InesCarvalho(ProjectoDelfim)andtwooperators
Senegal
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
N/A
N/A
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
AsinMauritania,thepotentialfordevelopingawhalewatching
industrymayexistinSenegal,althoughnoformalindustryhas
developedyet.Afeasibilitystudyintosmallscale,community
basedcetaceanwatchingmaybeundertakenforthewiderregion
(WestAfrica)buthasnotbeencommissionedyet(Diallo,pers.
comm.,2008).
Between1995and2005,inboundtouristarrivalstoSenegal
increasedfrom280,000to769,000,anannualaveragegrowthrate
of10.6%.Asof2008,itdoesntappearthatthislargeincreasein
inboundtourismhasledtothegrowthin,ordevelopmentof,amoreformalwhalewatchingindustry.
Acknowledgements:
MamadouDiallo(WWFWestAfricanMarineEcoRegion)
72
Seychelles
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
4
None
None
None
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
WhalewatchinginSeychellesismostlyopportunisticorincidental
aspartofdivingtripsarrangedbyresortsoroperatorsrunninglive
aboardtripsintheregion.Themainspeciespresentinlocalwaters
includespinnerdolphins,humpbackwhalesandspermwhales,
althoughotherspeciesareknowntoinhabitthewatersof
Seychelles.Dolphinwatchingoccursofftheouterislandgroupsof
AmiranteandAlphonse,whilewhalewatchingoccursoffthe
northernandsouthernshelfedge.Althoughafigureoffour
operatorsisgiveninthisreport,littleotherdatawasavailableon
theindustryinSeychellestoestimatenumberofwhalewatchersor
expenditure.
InboundinternationalarrivalstotheSeychelleshaveremainedrelativelyflatinrecentyears,increasingfrom
121,000arrivalsin1995to129,000arrivalsin2005.
Acknowledgments:
DavidRowat(MarineConservationSocietySeychelles)
73
SouthAfrica
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
6,000
25,000
510,000
567,367
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
61%
113%
1.1%
N/A
N/A
15
12
None
None
$311,000
$2,762,427
None
None
$68,875,000
$58,780,707
None
None
$69,186,000
$61,543,133
CapitalCity:Pretoria
01:Hermanus
02:PlettenbergBay
03:CapeTown
04:Gansbaai
05:LambertsBay
06:Knysa
07:St.Lucia
08:SimonsTown
09:Kleinmond
SouthAfricaisapopulardestinationforbothboatandlandbasedwhalewatchingwithfantasticwhale
viewingopportunitiesalongthecoastline.In2008,weseeaslightincreaseinoverallnumbersofwhale
watchtouristscomparedto1998,atarateof1.1%perannumoverthedecade.However,boatbasedwhale
watchershavedramaticallyincreasedoverthelastdecadeinSouthAfrica,atarateof14%perannum,as
wasprojectedinthelastglobalreportandfollowingthelicensingofboatbasedwhalewatchingin1998.
In1998,fifteenboatbasedoperatorstook6,176whalewatchersandgenerated$174,500indirect
expenditureand$1,000,800inindirectexpenditure.In2008,twelveboatbasedwhaleoperatorstookan
estimated48,000whalewatcherswhogenerated$2,762,427indirectexpenditureand$8,192,104in
indirectexpenditure.ThisrepresentsanAAGRinboatbasedwhalewatchernumbersbetween1998and
2008of14%.
BoatbasedwhalewatchingpredominantlyoccursfromHermanus,PlettenbergBay,CapeTown,Gansbaai,
LambertsBay,Mosselbay,andKnysnaintheWesternCapeProvince.Thetoursaremainlyfocusedonthe
southernrightwhale,althoughotherspeciessuchashumpbacks,Brydeswhale,orcasanddolphinsareseen
opportunistically.Heavisidesdolphin,aspeciesendemictothewesterncoastofSouthAfricaandNambiais
seeninLambertsBay.ToursarealsorunfromSt.LuciaintheKwaZuluNatalProvince,andfocusmainlyon
migratinghumpbackwhales.
Mosttoursalsoofferopportunisticsightingsofotherwildlifeincludingseals,pelagicbirdsandoceanic
sharks.Boatbasedtripsaregenerallyhalfdaytripswithvesselcapacitiesrangingbetweentenandsixty
passengers.Theaverageticketpriceis$68foradultsand$35forchildren.
AlloftheboatbasedoperatorsinSouthAfricaarerequiredtoholdpermitsissuedbytheDepartmentof
EnvironmentalAffairsandTourism(DEAT).AccordingtoDEAT,threeexperimentaldolphinwatching
permitswillalsobeissuedwithinthenextfiveyearsinthePlettenbergBayareaandfurtherexpansionof
theindustryisplannedforPortElizabeth,DurbanandthesouthcoastofKwaZuluNatal.
74
Landbasedwhalewatchingalsocontinuestobeahugetouristdrawingcard,particularlytotheWestern
Cape.LandbasedwhalewatchinginSouthAfricaisalmostexclusivelyfocusedonsouthernrightwhales.
AcrosstheWesternCape,itisestimatedthattherewere519,150landbasedwhalewatchersin2008.
Hermanusisestimatedtoreceiveapproximately70%ofthese,or369,232touristsin2008,downfrom
500,000in1998.
ThereasonforthedropinnumbersinHermanusispossiblyduetoincreasedlandbasedwhalewatching
fromotherlocationsalongthecoast,aspopulationsofwhalesarecontinuingtoincreasealongtheSouth
Africancoastlineandotherlocationsbecomeincreasinglypopularforlandbasedwhalewatching.Theuse
ofdifferentdatasourcesforestimationoflandbasedwhalewatchersforthisreportmayhavealsoledtoa
differenceinestimates.Inpreviousstudies,datafromtouristcountswasavailableforuse,however,no
updatedstudiesofasimilarnaturewereavailable,andso,themethodologybelowwasusedtocalculate
landbasednumbersinHermanus.
LandbasedestimatesforHermanusarebasedonthetownsestimatedovernightcapacitybetweenJune
andNovember,114,616,combinedwithanestimated70,000touriststothewhalefestival,atotalof
184,616whalewatchers.Toestimatedaytriptourists,weassumedthatthesamenumberagainofdaytrip
touristswouldvisitHermanusoverthewhalewatchingseason.Thisisbasedonpreviousdatathatindicated
thatatleast50%ofvisitorstoHermanusweredomestic,andthatthemajorityofovernighttouristswere
international.OursurveyresultsfromhotelsinHermanusandotherlocationsaroundWalkerBayindicate
veryhighproportionsofinternationalvisitorsmakeupovernightvisitors.Basedonthisrepresentingbest
availabledataweestimateafurther184,616daytripwhalewatchingtouriststoHermanusin2008.This
resultsinatotalestimatednumberofwhalewatchingtouristsinHermanusof369,232.
Inanycase,HermanusstillremainscentraltowhalewatchingtourisminSouthAfricaandcontinuestohold
anannualwhalefestival,whichcanattractasmanyas100,000peopleinaweekend.
WithpopulationincreasesandsightingsoccurringmorefrequentlyfrommanylocationsalongtheWestern
Capecoast,landbasedwhalewatchingisnowalsopopularfromCapeTown,PlettenbergBay,DeKelders,
Gansbaai,FishHoek,HangklipKleinmond,SimonsTown,aswellasTableMountainNationalPark 22.Other
NationalParkswherewhalewatchingispossible,butforwhichnodatahasbeenincluded,areAddo
Elephant,Agulhas,Tsitsikamma,WestCoastandWilderness.
Withwhalepopulationsandsightingsincreasing,thelongtermoutlookforwhalewatchingispositive,with
whalewatchingtourismlikelytoparallelgeneraltourismgrowth.
22
FromBouldersBeachandCapePoint
75

Mainspecies:
Tourists: 23
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Brydeswhale,humpbackwhale,southern
rightwhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,Heavisidesdolphin
77%
22%
519,150
Boatbased,dedicated,landbased,package
toursalongwhaleroutes,landbasedeco
tourswhichincludewhalewatching,
incidentallandbasedwhalewatching.
$68
139
JulytoOctoberforwhalewatching,
August,September,December,Januaryfor
dolphinwatching. 24
Acknowledgements:
HermanOosthuizen(DepartmentofEnvironmentalAffairsandTourism),PaulWarmeant(EconNomics,Integrated
DevelopmentSolutions),ChristinaPretorius(IFAW),WilfredChivell(SABBWWA),IanStewart(FourBallPlusAdventure
Safaris),VicCockcroft(CentreforDolphinStudies),StormKreusch(HermanusTourismBureau)andallthemembersof
theSABBWWAandallotherboatandlandbasedoperators,tourcompaniesandtourismbureausthatassistedwith
ourresearch.
23
Thesefiguresareforboatbasedwhalewatchers;resultsfromlandbasedwhalewatchersarelikelytoincludea
higherpercentageofdomesticcomparedtointernationaltourists.
24
Dolphinsareusuallyresidentpopulationsandcanbeseenallyearround;thesearethepeakmonthsfortourism.
76
LocalCaseStudy:Hermanus,SouthAfrica
TheWesternCapeofSouthAfricaisoneofthepremierspotsforlandbasedwhalewatchingintheworld,
andthetownofHermanus,overlookingWalkerBay,isperhapsSouthAfricasbestknownwhalewatching
location.Likemanywhalewatchingregionsaroundtheworld,indaysgonebyHermanuswasbetterknown
forwhalingthanwhalewatching.Thesedays,nearly400,000touristsvisitthetownannuallyforlandand
boatbasedsouthernrightwhalewatching.Othercetaceanssuchashumpbackwhales,andsomedolphin
species,includingtheendemicHeavisidesdolphin,arealsooccasionallyseen.
Asitdidin1998,thetowncontinuestoholdanannualwhalefestivalthatattractsupto100,000peopleina
weekend.Inthepast,thefestivalranforuptotwoweeks,butnowtakesplacesoverafourdayweekend,
usuallyinlateSeptember.
HermanusistheonlyknownwhalewatchingtownintheworldtohaveanofficialWhaleCrier.ZolileBaleni
isthetownscurrentWhaleCrierhisjobistosoundakelphornwhenwhalesaresightedinWalkerBay.
Differentseriesofhornblowsindicatethelocationandnumberofwhalessighted.Zolileisthethirdperson
toworkasaWhaleCrierinHermanusthefirst,PieterClaasens,wasappointedin1992.Aswellas
soundingthekelphornwhenwhalesaresighted,ZoliletheWhaleCrierisalsoapopularandiconiccharacter
duringthewhalewatchingseasonandagreatsourceofinformationonHermanusandthewhales.
In 2008, the towns whale watching industry generated approximately $60m in total expenditure. A
significant proportion of this expenditure is indirect expenditure, given the large numbers of landbased
whale watching tourists visiting Hermanus. Our calculation of this expenditure is based on the estimated
overnightcapacityinHermanusbetweenJuneandNovember,combinedwithanestimated70,000tourists
tothewhalefestival.
Withhighcliffsoverlookingseveralfavouritematingandcalvingspotsforsouthernrightwhalesalongthe
SouthAfricancoastline,inthepeakmonthsofSeptemberandOctober,dailysightingsarepractically
guaranteed.Andwithvalueaddedeventssuchasthewhalefestival,Hermanuswillcontinuetobenefit
fromwhalewatching,havingfirmlyestablisheditselfasapremierdestinationfortouristsinterestedin
seeingthesemajesticanimalsintheirnaturalenvironment.
Furtherreading:
http://www.whalefestival.co.za
77
Tanzania
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
15,000
19,818
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
194%
2.8%
None
Minimal
Unknown
44
None
Minimal
$375,000
$201,011
None
Minimal
$938,000
$1,486,350
None
Minimal
$1,313,000
$1,888,372
CapitalCity:DarEsSalaam
01:Kizimkazi
WhalewatchinginTanzaniaoccurswithintheMenaiBay
ConservationArea,southwestofUngujaisland,thelargerofthe
twoislandsofZanzibar.Fortyfourboats,withanaveragecapacity
ofeightpassengers,operateoutofthevillagesofMkunguniand
Dimbani,Kizimkazi.Theyprimarilyofferdolphinwatchingand
swimwithtours,togetherwithshortsnorkellingoncoralreefson
thereturntrip.Seasonalopportunisticwhalewatchingisalso
offered.
Theboatsareoperatedmainlybylocalvillagers,althoughinMkunguni,asmanyas50%oftheboatsare
ownedbyindividualsortourcompaniesoperatingoutofZanzibartown,about40kmnorthwestofKizimkazi.
Thesetourcompaniesorindividualsrenttheboatstothelocalvillagerstotaketouristsout.Theaverage
ticketpriceisapproximately$20fortripsarrangedinZanzibartown.However,tripsarrangedlocallyin
Kizimkazicostapproximately$40perboat,withboatsaccommodatingupto8people.
TheMenaiBayConservationAreacoversanareaof467km2andwasestablishedwithassistancefromthe
WWF.Theareaisamarineparkandisprotectedbythelocalcommunities,whodependonMenaiBayfor
theirlivelihoods.Theneedfortheconservationareaaroseinthe1990sasdestructivefishingpractices
startedtohaveadverseimpactsonlocalfishingindustries.Atthesametime,thetourismpotentialofthe
localdolphinpopulationswasalsorealised,withthevalueoftourismquicklybecominggreaterthanthatof
fishing(dolphinmeatwastraditionallyusedasabaitforsharkfishing).TheMenaiBayConservationAreais
stillactivelymanagedandisnowfinancedthroughtheTanzaniaMarineandCoastalEnvironmental
ManagementProject,supportedbytheWorldBank.
Becauseofongoingconcernsregardingthesustainabilityoftheindustryandthehealthofthecetaceansand
themarineenvironment,theKizimkaziDolphinTourismOperatorsAssociation(KIDOTOA)wasestablishedin
2005.Theorganisationfocusesonresearch,educationandconservationregardingcetaceansanddolphin
watchingtourism.Variousstakeholders,includinggovernment,localinstitutionsandcommunitygroups,as
wellasoperatorsandlocalbusinesseswereinvolvedintheestablishmentofKIDOTOA.
Theindustryhascontinuedtogrowsince1998from15,000touristsand$1.3millioninexpenditureto
almost20,000touristsand$1.9millioninexpenditurein2008.Thisrepresentsanannualaveragegrowth
rateintouristnumbersof2.8%.Thenumberofboatsintheareahasalsoincreasedby2.3%between1999
and2008.ThegrowthrateisalmosthalfofinboundtourismarrivalstoTanzaniabetween2000and2004,or
5.4%.
78
AlthoughtheindustryisclearlyimportanttoZanzibar,supportingapproximately150jobs,concernsremain
regardingthesustainablenumberofboatsandtouristsviewingthedolphins.Therearealsoconcerns
regardinghowmuchthebenefitsactuallyflowbacktothelocalcommunities.Womeninthecommunity
apparentlyfeelthattheyarentbenefitting;theirincomeshaveactuallybeenreducedduetodolphin
watchingtourismdisplacingthemfromtheirtraditionalfishinglocations(AmirandJiddawi,1999).InJune
2004,anentrancefeeof$3cameintoeffectfortourismactivitiesinMenaiBay(Berggrenetal.,2007).The
feeispaidpertouristand30%oftherevenueisprovidedto19villagesaroundMenaiBay,including
KizimkaziMkunguniandKizimkaziDimbani.Theother70%goestotheMenaiBayConservationAreahead
officeinZanzibartown.AlthoughtherearesomecomplaintsfromboatoperatorsinKizimkaziovertheuse
ofthecollectionfee(Amir,pers.comm.),initiativessuchasthismayimprovetheequitabledistributionof
benefitstolocalcommunitiesandmayprovideagoodmodelforwhalewatchingindustriesindeveloping
countries.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
IndoPacificbottlenosedolphin,IndoPacific
humpbackdolphin
N/A 25
N/A
None
$20ifarrangedfromZanzibartown,
$7ifarrangedinKizimkazi
150
Yearroundfordolphins,
JunetoOctoberforwhales.
PeaktourismseasonisbetweenJulyand
October.
Acknowledgements:
OmarAmirandtheInstituteofMarineSciencesoftheUniversityofDaresSalaam.
References:
Curran,S,MenaiBayConservationAreaGuideBook,WWFMenaiBayConservationAreaProject,Zanzibar.
Amir,OA,&Jiddawi,NS1999,DolphintourismandcommunityparticipationinKizimkazivillage,Zanzibar,Instituteof
MarineSciences,UniversityofDaresSalaam,Zanzibar.
Berggren,P,Amir,Amir,OA,Guissamulo,A,Jiddawi,NS,Ngazy,Z,Stensland,E,Sarnbland,A&Cockcroft.VG2007,
SustainableDolphinTourisminEastAfrica.MASMATechnicalReport.WIOMSABookSeriesNo.7,ix.+72pp.
25
Nodataavailablefromoperatorsbutthemajorityoftouristsarelikelytobeinternational.
79

EUROPE
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
158,763
204,627
418,332
828,115
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Totalexpenditure
N/A
8.8%
19.6%
7.1%
8
16
18
22
$2,161,000
$4,123,000
$11,048,000
$32,346,906
$3,429,000
$17,862,000
$34,981,000
$65,290,135
$5,690,000
$21,985,000
$46,029,000
$97,637,041
TheEuropeanregionhasshownconsiderablegrowthinwhalewatchingtourisminthelasttenyears;the
numberofwhalewatchtouristshasalmostdoubled.From418,000whalewatchersin1998,itisestimated
thatalmost830,000whalewatchersundertooktoursin2008,representinganannualgrowthof7.1%.
OnlyIrelandexperiencedasignificantreductioninparticipantsoverthatperiod.However,thisappearsdue
tobadweatherconditionsinthe2008seasonimpactingonwhalewatchingopportunities.Greeceand
Croatiaremainapproximatelyatthesamelevelsasin1998.
Importantly,Scotland,Iceland,Spain,Portugal,theAzoresIslandsandtheMadeiraArchipelagohaveall
witnessedanotablegrowthinwhalewatchactivityinthelastdecade.Insomecases,currentestimates
havemorethandoubledthenumberofwhalewatchersreportedin1998.
80
Thetypeofcetaceanwatchingshowscleardifferencesdependingonthelocation,fromdedicatedwhale
watchvisitorsfollowinglargecetaceansalmostexclusively(Iceland,Norway,theAzores)todolphinspotting
amongstmassiveseasonaltourism(Spain,Portugal).
TwopreviouslyunreportedlocationsareaddedforEurope:theMadeiraArchipelago(whichalready
accountsfor7%ofEuropeswhalewatchers)andSlovenia.ItsimportanttonotethatunliketheIFAWs
2001report,whichpresentedtheUKasasingleentity,thisreportexaminesWales,EnglandandScotland
separately.
Intotal,wehavereviewed22countriesandterritoriesinEurope;thesecountriesindustrieshaveatotal
valueofapproximately$93million.ScotlandhasthelargestproportionofEuropeswhalewatchers
approximately27%.IcelandandIrelandaccountfor14%each,followedbySpainat9%andMadeiraand
Portugalwith7%each.Inmonetaryterms,ScotlandandIcelandsharethemajorproportionofEuropes
whalewatchingrevenueswith19%and17%respectively,followedbyNorway,Ireland,Spain,theAzores,
MadeiraandmainlandPortugalwithapproximately89%each.Theremainingcountriesdonotsurpass2
3%.Notably,Portugalasawhole(bothmainlandandMadeiraandAzoresislands)claimsatotalof
approximately23%oftotalrevenuesthelargestportionforEurope.
81
Country
Numberofwhalewatchers Growthbetween
1998and2008
1998
2008
AAGR
Croatia
21
24
1.3%
Cyprus
Minimal
100
N/A
Denmark
N/A
100
N/A
England
5,125
9,160
6.0%
FaroeIslands
Minimal
Minimal
N/A
France
750
5,535
22.1%
Germany
Minimal
Minimal
N/A
Gibraltar
18,750
35,371
6.6%
Greece
3,678
3,283
1.1%
Greenland
2,500
3,250
2.4%
Iceland
30,330
114,500
14.2%
Ireland
177,600
116,759
4.1%
Italy
5,300
14,415
10.5%
Monaco
Minimal
Minimal
N/A
Norway
22,398
35,360
4.8%
PortugalAzoresIslands
9,500
40,180
15.5%
PortugalMadeiraArchipegalo
None
59,731
72.9%
PortugalMainland
1,380
58,407
45.4%
Scotland
99,000
223,941
8.5%
Slovenia
None
21
N/A
Spain
25,000
74,629
11.6%
Wales
17,000
33,349
7.0%
REGIONALTOTAL
418,332
828,115
7.1%
AAGR.
82
83
Croatia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
60
21
24
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
23%
1.3%
None
1
1
1
None
$24,000
$15,000
$29,090
None
$0
$3,000
$8,093
None
$24,000
$18,000
$37,178
CapitalCity:Zagreb
01:VeliLoinj
Numbersofwhalewatchersremainlowandarederivedentirely
fromonecetaceanresearchNGOlocatedinVeliLoinj,onLoinj
IslandintheCresLoinjarchipelagoofwesternCroatia.This
organisation,BlueWorldInstituteofMarineResearchand
Conservation,carriesoutscientificresearchandconservation
projectsfocusedonthebottlenosedolphin,andaspartofthis
researchitoffersresearchtripstovolunteers.Theorganisation
aimstopromoteenvironmentalawarenessintheCresLoinj
archipelago,CroatiaandtheAdriaticregionasawhole.
Journeyscostanaverageof$1,210fora12daytrip,withamaximumoffiveparticipantsperprogramme.In
2008,sevenmultipledaytripswereofferedwith70%occupancyrates.20%oftheparticipantsinthesetrips
wereCroatianand80%internationalmainlyfromItaly,Austria,SpainandSlovenia.Theseasonrunsfrom
JunetoSeptember.
Tripsaredesignedtoallowviewingofresidentpopulationofbottlenosedolphins.Sightingsandresearch
aredevelopedinthedeclaredLoinjDolphinReserve(inplacesince2006),inthewatersoftheeasternpart
oftheCresLoinjarchipelago.
AccordingtotheStateInstituteforNatureProtection,occasionallyboatsinCresLoinjarchipelago
undertakedolphinwatchingasasideactivitytotheirregularboatbasedtours.Thesenumbersarelikelyto
beverylow,andaslittledataareavailableduetothehighlyopportunisticmanneroftheseoperators,
numbersarenotquantifiedinthisreport.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin
80%
20%
Boatbased,multipledayresearchtrips,
dedicated.
$1,210/adult(12daystrip)
1
JunetoSeptember
84

Acknowledgements:
PeterMackelworthofBlueWorldInstituteofMarineResearchandConservationandAnaMaricevicoftheState
InstituteforNatureProtection.
Cyprus
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
<100
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
Minimal
1
None
None
Minimal
$2,906
None
None
Minimal
$2,522
None
None
Minimal
$5,428
CapitalCity:Nicosia
01:AyiaNapa
AccordingtotheUnitedNationsWorldTourismOrganisation,
Cyprusattracts2.4milliontouristsayearapproximatelythree
timesitspopulation.Tourismisresponsibleforaround20%ofthe
countrysGDP(Clerides&Pashourtidou,2007),andisclearlya
majorpartoftheCyprioteconomy.57%ofthesetouristsareBritish
and6%German,followedbyGreeks,RussiansandSwedeswith
approx5%each.
Withinthiscontext,whalewatchingisoccasionallyundertakenasanopportunistictouristattraction.In
1998,onlyoneNGOoperatorbasedinGreecewasidentified,offeringtripsoncetaceansurveysthrough
thewatersofCyprus.Currently,thisprogrammeisnolongerinplace.However,oneoperatorbasedinAyia
NapaHarbour(FamagustaDistrict,EastCyprus)promotesboatbasednaturecruises,wheredolphin
watchingisoneoftheattractions.Thetourisathreehourcruiseonavesselofaround25passengers.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,shortbeakedcommon
dolphin,stripeddolphin
90%
10%
Boatbased,opportunistic,shorttrips
$63
1
N/A
Acknowledgements:
MyroulaHadjichristophorou,CyprusDepartmentofFisheriesandMarineResearch.
References:
CleridesS.andPashourtidouN.2007.TourisminCyprus:RecentTrendsandLessonsfromtheTouristSatisfaction
Survey.DepartmentofEconomicsandEconomicsResearchCentre,UniversityofCyprus.CyprusEconomicPolicy
Review,Vol.1,No.2,pp.5172.
85
Denmark
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
Minimal
100
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
N/A
N/A
2
None
Minimal
Minimal
$1,962
None
Minimal
Minimal
$1,778
None
Minimal
Minimal
$3,740
CapitalCity:Copenhagen
01:Kerteminde
Denmarkdoesnothaveanysignificantestablishedwhalewatching
industryinplace,despitetheoccasionalsightingsofcetaceans
alongthecoastline,includingharbourporpoises,whitebeaked
dolphinsandthelessfrequentlysightedminkewhale.
AmarinecentreatKertemindeontheIslandofFunenincentral
DenmarkorganisesguidedtripstotheKertemindeFiordwhere
threeresidentporpoisesarevisited.Athreehourtourcosts$44
peradult/$22perchild.SomeporpoisewatchingalsooccursinStrib,onthesameisland.
DuetotheexistenceofotherspeciesofcetaceansinthewatersaroundDenmark,othermoreopportunistic
whalewatchingdoesoccasionallyoccurduringlongcruisesinthewesternregionofthecountry.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
minkewhales
Smallcetaceans:
harbourporpoise,whitebeakeddolphin
10%
90%
Boatbased,shorttrips(1hour),
opportunistic,educationandresearch
$44
3
JulytomidAugust
Acknowledgements:
MagnusWahlbergofFjordandBaelt
86
FaroeIslands
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Trshavn
Accordingtothelocaltourismboard,nodedicatedwhalewatching
activitiesareofferedintheFaroeIslands.
Occasionalsightingsarepossiblewhenboatcruisesstopinthe
FaroeIslandsduringtheirjourneyfromDenmarktoIcelandaswell
asoccasionalsightingsaspartofothernaturecruises.Themain
speciesthatthoseonthecruisesmayseearelongfinnedpilot
whales,Atlanticwhitesideddolphinsandorcas.
Althoughwhalewatchingcouldhavepotentialasanindustryinthe
Faroesduetothepresenceofcetaceansinlocalwaters,thelocalcetaceanhunt,theGrind,contradictsthe
conservationmotivationsofmanynaturetouristsandthereforetheFaroesisnotadestinationofchoicefor
thosewishingtoseewhalesintheirnaturalenvironment.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
Atlanticwhitesideddolphin,longfinnedpilot
whale,orca
N/A
opportunistic/incidental
N/A
None
N/A
87
France
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
1,000
800
750
5,535
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
7.2%
1.6%
22%
N/A
N/A
13
23
$100,000
$80,000
$411,000
$778,494
$103,000
$200,000
$101,000
$854,279
$203,000
$280,000
$512,000
$1,632,773
CapitalCity:Paris
01:SanaryandHyres
02:CarryleRouet
03:Ajaccio
04:Frjus
05:NordPasdeCalais
Francecontinuestoofferasmallwhalewatchingindustrybased
mainlyontheMediterraneanSea.Previousstudiessince1991have
foundasmall,nichewhalewatchingindustrythathassupporteda
steadynumberofaround1,000whalewatchers.Inthelastdecade,
theindustryhasrecordedanaveragegrowthrateof22%per
annum,reaching5,535whalewatchtouristsin2008.Thisestimateisbasedprimarilyona2007reportthat
found4,840whalewatchersfor2005(Mayoletal.),fromwhichaconstanttrendprojectionwasmadeto
ascertaina2008figure(combinedwithaveragetouristarrivalgrowthstatisticstoFranceinthisperiod).
TherearethreemainFrenchcoastalzoneswherecetaceansareregularlysighted:theMediterraneanSea,
theEnglishChannelandtheAtlanticOcean.SomelessregularsightingsalsooccurinNordPasdeCalaisin
theNorthSea.95%ofthe5,535whalewatchersrecordedin2008wereconcentratedonthe
Mediterranean,focusedaroundtheProvenceAlpesCted'Azurregion.Boatbasedwhalewatchingtrips
departmainlyfromCarryleRouet,SanaryandHyres,FrjusandBeaulieu(Cted'Azur),andAjaccioon
Corsica.
CetaceansarespottedonastretchofcoastlinefromMarseilletoSaintTropez,predominantlybetween
SanaryandLeLevant,outsidetheboundariesofthePelagosSanctuaryforMediterraneanMarineMammals,
aswellaswatersclosetoshorearoundthelesdHyresandthewestcoastofCorsica(GulfofAjaccioand
Scandolanaturereservation).TheactivityextendstothewesttotheGulfofLion(Mayoletal,2007).
Theremaining5%ofwhalewatchersarefoundinNordPasdeCalaisregion(NorthSea),CherbourgOcteville
(Normandy,theEnglishChannel),LaRochelleandCapbreton(Aquitaineregion)offtheBayofBiscay.Whale
watchingintheseregionsisorganisedexclusivelybylocalmarineresearchandconservationNGOswithout
commercialpurposes.Theseregionsalsoattractsomelandbasedwhalewatchers.
OntheFrenchMediterraneancoast,23touroperatorswereidentified(Mayoletal,2007),undertakingboth
commercialandresearchbasedwhalewatchingtrips.Avarietyoftoursareoffered,fromhalfdaytripsto
threeorfourdayjourneys.Allofthesetripsarecombinedwithsightseeingandnaturewatching.Prices
rangefrom$52to$520.
88
Inadditiontothesecommercialventures,researchorganisationsoffersixtosevendaydedicatedwhale
watchingtrips,withpricesrangingfrom$800to$1,000.AccordingtoMayoletal,whileacodeofconduct
forwhalewatchingisinplace,therearereportsoffrequentnoncompliancewiththiscodebymanyofthe
commercialoperators.Morerecently,therehasbeenanattempttoputinplaceacertificationlabelfor
responsiblewhalewatching.
RecreationalwhaleanddolphinwatchingisahighlyseasonalactivityinFrance,beginninginAprilMayand
peakingfromJunetoSeptember.However,asignificantnumberofoperatorskeepworkinguntiltheendof
November.
Speciessighteddependonthecoastalzone.ShortbeakedcommondolphinsarecommonintheEnglish
ChannelandAtlanticcoast.SpermandfinwhalesaresightedintheAtlanticandintheMediterraneanSea.
StripedandRissosdolphinsaremorefrequentofftheMediterraneancoast.Bottlenosedolphinsare
commontoalloftheselocations.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
finwhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,longfinnedpilotwhale,Rissos
25%
75%
Boatbased,landbased,halfdaytrips,full
daytrips,multipledaytrips,dedicated&
research,opportunistic.
$52to$520,dependingontrip.
32
MaytoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
PascalMayolofSouffleursdEcume,FranoisGally&PhilipeRobertofGrouped'EtudedesCtacsduCotentin,Olivier
VanCanneytofCentredeRecherchesurlesMammifresMarins,UniversitdelaRochelle.
References:
MayolP,BeaubrunP,DhermainF,RichezG2007,CommercialwhalewatchingofftheFrenchMediterraneancoast,
59thInternationalMeetingCommission(IWC/59/10),Anchorage,USA,p.14.
89
Germany
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Berlin
01:Sylt
Despitehavingregularandpopularsightingsofharbourporpoises
ontheGermanislandofSyltintheNorthSea,thereremainsnoreal
formalwhaleordolphinwatchingindustryinGermany.
OnlyveryminimalcetaceanwatchingoccursofftheGermancoast.
Noestablishedformaltoursarepresentbutporpoisesareapopular
attractionduringthemonthsofApriltoOctoberonSyltandare
occasionallyseenalsofromboats.Inparticular,accordingtoHoyt
(2003),harbourporpoisescanbeseenregularlyfromtheferrythat
travelsbetweentheDanishIslandofRmandthenorthernendofSylt.
References:
Hoyt,E2003,TheBestWhaleWatchinginEuropeaguidetoseeingwhales,dolphinsandporpoisesinallEuropean
waters,WDCS,Unterhaching,Germany,60pp.
90
Gibraltar
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
2,500
10,000
18,750
35,371
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
58%
17%
6.6%
N/A
N/A
5
8
$52,000
$243,000
$450,000
$834,077
$128,000
$607,000
$2,250,000
$1,664,551
$180,000
$850,000
$2,700,000
$2,498,628
CapitalCity:Gibraltar
TheBritishoverseasterritoryofGibraltarhasawhaleanddolphin
watchingindustrybasedaroundthewatersoftheStraitofGibraltar
andAlgecirasBay.In2008,theterritoryattractedanestimated
35,370whalewatchers,anincreaseof6.5%peryearsincethelast
estimatemadein1998.
AtotalofeightcompaniesrunwhalewatchoperationsinGibraltar,
sevenofwhichcanbeclassifiedasdedicatedwhaleanddolphin
watchingoperators.Theindustryfocusesmainlyondolphin
sightings,thoughtwocompaniesofferwhalewatchtripswhen
whalesarepresentintheStraitofGibraltar.Toursrunforapprox6090minutes,costingonaverage$28per
adultand$16perchild.TheactivityisconcentratedbetweenAprilandNovember,withitspeakinJulyand
August.Someoperatorsrunbusinessallyeararound,andaremostlypatronisedbyWesternEuropeans.
ThemaindeparturepointsfortheseactivitiesareMarinaBayandQueenswayQuay.
TheBayofGibraltar(orAlgecirasBay)isabreedingandnurseryareaforshortbeakedcommondolphins,
andstripedandbottlenosedolphinsarealsosighted.Otherwhalesseenincludehumpbackwhales,with
occasionalsightingsofsperm,killer,falsekiller,minkeandlongfinnedpilotwhales.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
finwhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,stripeddolphin,longfinnedpilot
whale
10%
90%(mostareBritishhoweverconsidered
domesticinthiscase)
Boatbased,halfdaytrips,fulldaytrips,
dedicated,opportunistic.
$28
42
FebruarytoAugust
91

Greece
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
80
3,678
3,283
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
160%
1.1%
N/A
N/A
3
7
Minimal
$36,000
$140,000
$297,546
Minimal
$0
$121,000
$407,897
Minimal
$36,000
$261,000
$705,443
CapitalCity:Athens
01:IslandofKalamos
02:GulfofCorinth
03:Crete
CommercialwhaleanddolphinwatchinginGreecedoesnotforma
significanttourismattractionrather,itisundertakenasa
complementtonatureandsightseeingcruises.
Theslightdecreaseinwhalewatchingnumbersbetween1998and
2008canbeexplainedbysomeunsuccessfulattemptstodevelopa
whalewatchingindustryinsouthwestCrete.Accordingtoinformationcollectedfromonelocalcetacean
researchorganisation,someoftheearlywhalewatchtripsresultedinsomedisturbanceofspecieshabitats
andhadnegativeimpactsonresearcheffortsduetotheirpoormanagement.Theindustrynowremains
moregearedtowardsthemultipledayecotourismandresearchprogrammeswithfewerparticipantsand
highercosts.
DedicatedNGOresearchprogrammesofferlongmultipledaytrips(generallyaroundsixdays)totourists
whowanttoparticipateinresearch.ThesetripsarefocusedontheGulfofCorinth,easternIonianSeaand
southwestCrete.Costsrangefrom$800to$1,000dependingontheseason,andtripsgenerallycaterfor
groupsofuptosixpeople(althoughoneoftheresearchorganisationspotentiallycarriesupto50
participants).
Commercialmultipledayboattoursthatallowforopportunisticviewingofcetaceansareofferedinthe
AegeanSeaandIonianSea.Thesetourscostapproximately$940perpersonforasevendaycruise,and
haveacapacityofuptosixpassengers.ShorttoursofthreehoursdurationareofferedinPaleochorain
southwestCrete,costingaround$23peradult.
Avarietyofdolphinsincludingbottlenose,shortbeakedcommon,Risso'sandstripeddolphinsisthe
mainfocusofthesetrips.Cuvier'sbeakedwhalesarefoundinthewatersoftheAegean,IonianandLibyan
Sea,andsouthwestCreteisofspecialbiologicalsignificanceforanimportantspermwhalepopulationinthe
MediterraneanSea(PelagosCetaceanResearchInstitute).
92

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
spermwhale(northwestofCrete)
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,Cuvier'sbeakedwhale,Risso's
70%
30%
Boatbased,multipledaytrip,opportunistic,
dedicated,shortexcursiontrips,researchtrip
$22.50(3hourtrip)
$900(6daytrip)
10
ApriltoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
AlexandrosFrantzisofPelagosCetaceanResearchInstitute
Greenland
Year
1991
1994
1998
2007
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
100
2,500
3,250
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
124%
2.9%
N/A
N/A
8
10
Minimal
$16,000
$832,000
$313,500
Minimal
$41,000
$1,918,000
$646,700
Minimal
$57,000
$2,750,000
$960,200
CapitalCity:Nuuk
01:Ilulissat
02:Qeqertarsuaq
03:Sisimiut
04:Nanortalik
05:Tasiilaq
LiketourisminGreenlandoverall,thenumberofwhalewatch
touristshasincreasedsteadilysince1998.Overallinboundtourism
hasgrownatarateof3.8%perannumtoatotalof33,100in2005,
mirroringthegrowthinwhalewatchers,thenumberofwhichhas
risento3,250at2.9%perannum.
InGreenland,whalewatchingtoursarepromotedby,andcanbearrangedthrough,localtourismoffices.
Theyareusuallycombinedwithothernaturecruises.MostoftheactivityisconcentratedintheDisko
regiononthecountryscentralwestcoast,withtripsdepartingfromIlulissat,Qeqertarsuaq,Qasigiannguit,
Aasiaat,UummannaqandKangaatsiaq.
93
ThereisalsoawhalewatchingindustryinwesternGreenland;inthelocalityofSisimiut,severaloperators
andoneagencyarepresentlyofferingwhalewatchingtripsfromthecapital,Nuuk,andfromManiitsoq.
TripsarealsoofferedatQaqortoqandNanortalikinthesouthandKuummiutandTasiilaqintheeast.
Althoughthenumbersofwhalewatchparticipantshaveincreasedoverthepasttenyears,findingsin2008
hadaverageticketpriceslowerthanin1998,andcalculatedindirectexpenditurefigureslowerduetoa
slightchangeinmethodologyapplied(forexample,noadditionaltravelexpenseswereattributedtowhale
watchingin2008,relyingpurelyonaveragedailytouristexpenditure,despitetheacknowledgedlong
distancespeoplemusttraveltoreachwhalewatchdestinations).Despiteaveragedailyexpenditurein
Greenlandpotentiallybeingveryhighfortourists,ourresearchindicatesanaveragedailyrateof$200tobe
mostappropriateandsupportedbylocaldata.
Dataonthenationalityofwhalewatchingtouristswasunavailable,butgeneraltourismstatisticsindicate
that60%oftheGreenlandstouristsareDanish,withGerman,NorthAmericanandBritishtourists
accountingfor5%each(MarketAnalysisofTourism,20062007.StatisticGreenland,July2008).
Noexclusivelydedicatedwhalewatchingoperatorwasidentified.MostofthetouriststoGreenlandare
seekingabroadarrayofnatureexperiences,ratherthanjustonespecificattraction.Somecompanieswho
undertakearangeoftripsdopromotededicatedcetaceanwatchingtripsonceortwiceaweekduringpeak
season(JulyAugust).However,thisiswithintherangeofdifferenttoursavailable(icecaptrekking,dog
sledge,fishing,natureculturalcruises,andwhalewatching).Mostcompaniesundertakehalforfullday
excursions,combiningwhalewatchingwithnaturesightingandculturalvisits.Thedurationofthesetrips
tendstobebetweenthreeandsixhoursonaverage,costingaround$140.
TheseasonforwhalewatchingpeaksfromlateJulytoendofSeptember.Humpbackwhales,minkewhales
andfinwhales,inparticular,canbeseenclosetothetownsandinthefjordsinthewestofGreenland,
whilstbelugawhalesandnarwhalsaremorecommoninnorthandeastGreenland.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
finwhale,humpbackwhale,minkewhale
othersoccasionallysighted
Smallcetaceans:
belugawhale,narwhal,orca
100%
Boatbased,halfdaytrips(fourhours),
excursiontrips,opportunistic.
$138
12
LateJulytotheendofSeptember
Acknowledgements:
Twolocaltouroperators:BrigittaDahlbergofGreenlandTours,andKaiDrastrupofManiitsoqAdventuresIncoming.
94
Iceland
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
100
200
30,330
114,500
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
26%
251%
14%
1
4
12
10
$17,000
$32,000
$2,958,000
$6,618,087
$43,000
$114,000
$3,512,000
$10,090,900
$60,000
$146,000
$6,470,000
$16,708,987
CapitalCity:Reykjavk
01:Reykjavk
02:Hsavk
03:VestmannIslands
In1998,Icelandhadalreadyshownanexplosivegrowthinthe
whaleanddolphinwatchingindustrycomparedto1994(251%per
year).Sincethen,thenumberofwhalewatchershascontinuedto
grow,from30,330in1998to114,500in2008(anannualaverage
increaseof14%),althoughthenumberoftouroperatorsremains
relativelystable.Whalewatchingactivityisconcentratedin
Reykjavk(whichaccountsfor51%ofwhalewatchvisitors)and
Hsavkinthenorth(36%).OtherlocationsareDalvkandHauganes,alsointhecountrysnorth,which
accountfor6%ofwhalewatchers;OlafsvikandDrangsnesinthenorthwest,with5%;andtheVestmann
Islandsinthesouth,witharound2%.
WhalewatchingiswellestablishedinIceland,withninetouroperatorsofferingdedicatedcetaceanwatching
tripsfromApriltoOctober(oneofthemoperatesduringJuneandJulyonly,focusingonthenorthern
bottlenosewhalesfromAkureyriinthenorth),alongwithoneopportunisticoperator.Recently,one
operatorhasalsoreportedlystartedtooffertripsonweekendsinwinterfromReykjavk,targetingwhite
beakeddolphinsandhumpbacks.Tripslastapproximatelythreehoursandcostanaverageof$60peradult.
Mostoperatorsutiliselargevessels,someofthemwithacapacityofupto145passengers,buttheaverage
vesselcapacityis59passengers.
ThebesttimetogowhalewatchingisfromJuneAugust.Icelandishometodiversepopulationsofwhales,
althoughmanyofthemonlyspendthesummermonthsinIcelandicwatersaccordingtotheWhaleMuseum
inHsavk.Upto11speciescanfrequentlybespotted,includingminke,blueandhumpbackwhales,white
beakeddolphins,orcas,spermwhales,northernbottlenosewhales,longfinnedpilotwhales,harbour
porpoisesand,accordingtooneoftheoperators,lessfrequentlyseiandfinwhales.
95

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
bluewhale,humpbackwhale,minkewhale,
northernbottlenosewhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
harbourporpoise,orca,whitebeakeddolphin
94%
6%
Boatbased,halfdaytrips(threehours),
charters,dedicated,opportunistic,photo
identificationandeducationalresearch.
$60
104
JunetoAugust
Acknowledgements:
RannveigGrtarsdttirofReykjavkWhaleWatching,ElkeWaldofHsavkWhaleMuseum,KristrunKonradsdottirof
Seatours,andTorunnHardardottirofNorthSailing.
96
LocalCaseStudy:Hsavk,Iceland
The village of Hsavk is a traditional subArctic fishing community of only 2,500 inhabitants located in
northeastIceland.In2008,thissmallcommunitywashosttoapproximately41,500whalewatchers.
Fromitsearliestbeginnings,thevillagehasbaseditslocaleconomyonfishing,fishprocessingandthetrade
offishproducts(suchasherring,cod,haddockandshrimp),developingclosesocialandculturallinkstothe
activityanditsnaturalenvironment.Thehuntingofwhales,dolphinsandsealsasasourceoffoodforthe
village has been also a local tradition. Thus, when foreign travel companies looking to develop whale
watchingaswellasforeignorganisationspromotingtheconservationofcetaceansdirectedtheirattentions
towardsIceland,itwasinthesekindsofcommunitieswheretheyoftenfocused.
FishingconditionshavebeenchanginginIcelandsincetheearly1960s,whenthissectorrepresented90%of
allexports.Nowadays,itreachesonly51%.Thedecreaseincodfishquotas(themostvaluablespecies)has
hadsignificanteffectsonbusinesses,communitiesandindividualfishermenandfishworkers,withalossof
income and employment opportunities (Einarsson, 2009). Likewise, in 1984, the individual transferable
quota (ITQ) system introduced in Iceland aimed at developing an efficient fisheries management model
resultedintheconcentrationoffishinglicensesinfewhands,mostlyawayfromthefishingvillages,reducing
fishery related employment even more. These factors required local families to adapt and look for new
reliableeconomicalternatives.
In 1995, after an intensive 3day whale watch training workshop held near Reykjavk for prospective
operators from all over Iceland, given by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, whale watching
started to emerge as one of these economic alternatives for Hsavk (Hoyt, 2001). Some 2,200 tourists
participatedthatsummer,althoughtherewerestilldoubtsaboutitsviability.Fromthere,whalewatching
took off, doubling in numbers almost every year through the 1990s when Iceland had one of the highest
growth rates for whale watching in the world. In 1998 the stateoftheart Hsavk Whale Centre opened,
attracting nearly 6,000 tourists the first year. New restaurants, B&Bs and whale watch ticket offices
followed. Soon after, a big road sign on the remote road leading to the turnoff to Hsavk proudly
proclaimedHusavik:WhaleWatchingCapitalofEurope.
Despitetherebeinglittledataavailabletoestimatethetotalbenefitsthattheactivitybringstovillagessuch
as Hsavk, the 40,000 cetacean watchers present in 2007 (from a total of 104,000), buying tickets, using
local services and visiting local attractions such as the whale museum make a significant contribution to
strengthenthelocaleconomy.Duringthe2007season,thetwowhalewatchingcompanieshadsome3540
employeesand7boatsinoperationbetweenthem.Inaddition,therewerebetween1214peopleworking
intheHsavkWhaleMuseum(Einarsson,2009).Recentdatacollectedin2008,showsthat41,500tourists
embarkedonwhalewatchingtoursfromtheportofHsavk,outof114,500countrywide.
Certainly, whale watching has been growing, but not without local conflicts. Due to the reduction in fish
catchandquotas,someseewhalesmoreascompetitorsforfishingresourcesthanasanaturalresourcefor
tourism.Mostlocalsseemtobeinfavorofhuntingwhalesandwereinitiallyquiteskepticalofanywhale
watchingsuccess.Duringthefirstyearsofwhalewatching,severalincidentsoccurredinwhichfishermen
had been disturbed during hunting, and tourists were upset when seals were hunted close to their boats
(Einarsson,2009).Morerecently,duringtheindustrysconsolidationphase,increasingmovementsofwhale
watching boats, tourists, private cars, buses and general traffic have overcrowded the foreshore and the
limitedportinstallations.Fishermencomplainwithsomereasonthattheirworkisbeingaffectedbywhale
watchersoperatingclosetotheharbour.
An adaptation has already started to emerge to meet the needs of both the fishermen and the whale
watchers. In particular, the territorial conflicts where whale watching and hunting crossed paths were
97
solvedthroughdialoguewithfishermendecidingtotaketheirhuntingfartherawayfromthevillage.
Accordingtotheregionaleconomicdevelopmentoffice,whalewatchinghasconsiderablerelevanceforthe
socioeconomicviabilityofthecommunity.Inparticular,theindustryhasledtonewjobsbeingcreatedinan
internationallyorientedenterprisewherefewsuchjobspreviouslyexisted.Thesehavebeenfilledlargelyby
theyoungermembersofthepopulation.Thedecreaseinfisheriesrevenuesinthevillagehasbeen,tosome
extent,compensatedviathenewtourismactivity.
Newofficeandservicefacilitiesbuiltbyoneofthetourcompaniesreflectstheideologyofwhalewatching
asanaturalandembeddedextensionoflocalmarineculture.TheuseoftraditionalIcelandictimberhouses
(Siberiandriftwoodgatheredonthenearbycoastline)revealsanawarenessoftraditionsandenvironmental
consciousnessasEinarsson(2009)describes.
A remarkable aspect during this adaptation has been the boat infrastructure incorporated in the whale
watchingbusiness.AftertheITQsystemcausedtheunderutilizationofasizablenumberoffishingboats,
many of them were available at considerably low costs, facilitating an economic adaptation and the
establishment of the new activity. Some of these vessels had been previously used for whaling, carrying
reminders of a genuine coastal culture. In spite of high restoration costs, the new owners have often
decided to restore them for their whale watching trips. The use of wood, crafted by skilled artisans, is
integral to the image, authenticity and identity of the local whale watching industry, a business in which
someformerwhalehuntersareparticipatingtoday.
Hsavksprocessofadaptingtoneweconomicconditionshasresultedinthetownbecominganimportant
whale watching destination not only in Iceland, but also in Europe largely thanks to the communitys
resilienceinthefaceofexternalchallenges.
Basedon:
ConversationswiththeHsavkWhaleMuseum,aswellas:
Einarsson,N2009,Fromgoodtoeat,togoodtowatch:whalewatching,adaptationandchangeinIcelandicfishing
communities,PolarResearch,vol.28,2009,pp.129138.
Hoyt,E2001.Whalewatching2001.Worldwidetourismnumbers,expenditures,andexpandingsocioeconomic
benefits.
98
Ireland
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
150,000
165,000
177,000
116,759
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
3.2%
1.8%
4.1%
N/A
N/A
N/A
21
$1,290,000
$1,337,000
$1,322,000
$2,938,965
$1,720,000
$3,342,000
$5,797,000
$8,559,920
$3,010,000
$4,679,000
$7,119,000
$11,498,885
CapitalCity:Dublin
01:Kilrush
02:Carrigaholt
03:Youghal
04:Dingle
05:Kenmare
IrelandisapopulardestinationfordolphinwatchinginEuropewith
approximately116,760participantsin2008.Thisnumber
representsadeclineincomparisonto1998.However,thisislikely
tobeduetobadweatherconditionsexperiencedduringthe2008
seasonratherthanasignofanylongtermdecline.Accordingto
informationprovidedbyalocalNGO,itwouldbemorelikelythattheoveralltrendinwhalewatcher
numbershasbeensteadyoverthelastdecade,accordingtoourdiscussionswithoperators.
Anotherreasonforthenumbersin2008beinglowerthan1998isanadjustmentinthenumberofdolphin
watchersinthelocalityofDingle,CountyKerry,exclusivelyvisitingthecharismaticlocaldolphinnamed
Fungi.In1998,over150,000Fungiwatcherswerecounted.In2008,thesurveyedLocalBoatAssociation
reported70,000dolphinwatchers.IfFungiwatchersdataareexcludedfrom1998and2008,thenthe
industryincreasedfrom27,000to46,760whaleanddolphinwatchersatanannualaveragerateof5.5%.
Despitethisdecrease,thisremainsasignificantnumberofwhalewatchersforasoleanimalthathashad
ongoinginteractionswithhumansforwellover25years.
LandbasedwhalewatchingisquiteactivealongtheIrishcoast.Basedondatagatheredforthisreport,itis
estimatedthatapproximately1,890dolphinwatchersundertooklandbasedviewingaspartofsummer
eventspromotedbyalocalwhaleanddolphinconservationorganisation.Oneoftheseeventsinparticular
istheAllIrelandWhaleWatchDay(calledWhaleWatchIreland).Thisisanannualeventonthe24th
August,whichcelebratestheIrishdeclarationofawhaleanddolphinsanctuary.In2008,thiseventwas
attendedbyaround1,500participantson15headlandsaroundtheIrishCoast,includingHookHeadand
GalleyHead.
ThecountrysboatbasedwhalewatchingactivityisbasedaroundtheShannonEstuary,CountyClare,with
KilrushandCarrigaholtasdepartingports.Thisareaaccountsfor40%ofIrelandsseabasedwhale
watchers.CountyKerry(Durquin,Dingle,DoonandCahirciveenlocalities)contributes30%,whileWest
CountyCork(Baltimore,Youghal,CorkHarbour,Castlehaven,Castletownshend)hasapproximately20%.
Manytouroperatorsofferopportunistictoursalongwithothercruises,andonlyseven
companies/associationsareidentifiedasdedicatedcetaceanwatchingoperators.
99
Dolphinwatchtourslasttwohoursonaverage;whalewatchtripsextendfromtwoandfourhours.Several
chartersareofferedforhalfandfulldaytrips.Mostboatshaveanaveragecapacityof12passengers
thoughatleastthreeoperatorsownlargevesselswithacapacityofupto80seats.Tripscostapproximately
$57peradultand$32perchild.
Harbourporpoises,shortbeakedcommondolphins,minkewhalesandfinwhalesareregularlyspottedat
differenttimesoftheyear,dependingonthelocation.Shortbeakedcommonandbottlenosedolphinsand
porpoisesareresidentoffthecoastofCountyCorkallyearround.Thewhales(suchashumpbacks)are
moreseasonal,withoccasionalsightingsfromJunetoJanuary.TheShannonestuaryishometoIrelands
bestknownresidentpopulationofbottlenosedolphins.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
finwhale,minkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,harbourporpoise
57%
43%
Boatbased,landbased,shorttrips(twoor
threehours),halfdaytrips,charteredfullday
trips,dedicated,opportunistic.
$57
42
JunetoDecember(southwestcoast),Aprilto
October(ShannonEstuary),Mayto
September(allothercoasts)
Acknowledgements:
PdraigWhooleyandSimonBerrowofIrishWhale&DolphinGroup,DingleBoatmen'sAssociation,SusanneMageeof
DolphinwatchCarrigaholtandFrancisMayeofSpiritAdventure.
100
Italy
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
200
160
5,300
14,415
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
7.2%
140%
10.5%
N/A
N/A
3
6
$300,000
$81,000
$241,000
$839,426
$0
$0
$302,000
$1,836,437
$300,000
$81,000
$543,000
$2,675,863
CapitalCity:Rome
01:Genova
02:SanRemo
03:Viareggio
04:Forio
05:Imperia
ConsideringItalyisoneofthetopworldwidetouristdestinations,
whalewatchinghasntgainedasignificantpresenceintermsof
numberofwhalewatchers.Nevertheless,itdoesappeartobe
activeinconservation,sharingwithFranceandMonacomarine
protectedareassuchasthePelagosSanctuaryforMediterranean
MarineMammals(originallycalledtheLigurianSeaCetaceanSanctuary).Datacollectedforthisreport
indicatesatotalof14,415whalewatchersinItaly.Comparedto1998,thisequatestoanaveragegrowthof
10.5%peryear.
CommercialwhalewatchingisfocusedonSanRemo,ImperiaandGenovaofftheLigurianSea,whichis
hometo90%ofItalyswhalewatchingactivity.ResearchprogrammesareorganisedfromViareggiointhe
TuscanyregionandfromSanRemointheLigurianCoast,visitingthePelagosSanctuary.Watersoffthe
TuscanArchipelagoParkarereachedbytripsdepartingfromViareggio.FromForio,IschiaIsland,research
tripsareorientedtotheTyrrhenianSeaofftheGulfofNaplesandArchipelagoCampano.
Threenonprofitoperators(researchNGOs)offerdedicatedtrips,eitherweekendorsixdayprogrammes.
Costvariesfrom$290fortheweekendtripsto$750$1,200forthesixdayresearchprojects.Theseare
offeredfromMaytoOctober.Shorterdedicatedtoursaremainlyofferedbycommercialoperators,lasting
betweenfivehourstoafulldaycruise,andcostingonaverage$40peradultor$26perchild(departing
fromLigurianSeacoastwheremostoperatorsarelocated).TheseasonrunsfromJulytomiddleSeptember.
Themainspeciesspottedarethestripeddolphin,bottlenosedolphin,spermwhale,finwhale,Rissos
dolphinandCuviersbeakedwhale(TethysInstitute).
Mainspecies:
Largecetaceans:
finwhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,stripeddolphin,Cuviersbeaked
whale
101
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
25%
75%
Boatbased,halfdaytrips(5hrs),fullday
trips,multipledaytrip,dedicated.
$40(halfdaytrip)
$975(6daytrip)
8
JulytomidSeptember
Monaco
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Monaco
CetaceanwatchingoffthecoastofMonacoshowsonlyminimal
participationlevels.Theactivityisofanoccasionalcharacterdueto
mosttoursinthisregionoperatingmainlyfromtheFrenchcoast.
Noestablishedtoursarereportedhoweveroccasionaldolphinand
whalewatchingisundertaken.Themainspeciesthatcanbeseen
aretheshortbeakedcommondolphin,stripeddolphin,bottlenose
dolphin,Rissosdolphin,finwhale,spermwhale,andlongfinned
pilotwhale,mainlyduringthemonthsofMaytoSeptember.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
finwhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
N/A
N/A
None
MaytoSeptember
102
Norway
Year
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
1991
Numberof
whale
watchers
4,563
N/A
$459,000
$1,148,000
$1,607,000
1994
1998
2008
11,227
22,380
35,360
35.0%
18.8%
4.7%
3
8
20
$834,000
$1,632,000
$3,915,300
$3,733,000
$10,411,000
$6,101,000
$4,567,000
$12,043,000
$10,016,300
CapitalCity:Oslo
01:Andenes
02:Troms
03:St
04:Narvik
05:Svolvr
Norwaycontinuestobeasignificantwhalewatchingindustryin
Europe,withanannualaveragegrowthofapproximately5%over
thelast10years,withover35,000whalewatchersrecordedin
2008.
TheindustryisbasedinthelocationsofAndenes(AndyaIsland,Nordlandcountyaccountingfor
approximately4550%ofthecountrystotalwhalewatchers),aroundtheLofotenIslands(beingapproached
fromNarvikontheshoresoftheNarvikFjordonthemainland),andSvolvr(onthesouthcoastof
AustvgyIsland).Also,distantlocalitiessuchasStinLangyaIsland(Vesterlendistrict,Nordlandcounty)
andTroms(ontheeastsideofTromsyaIsland)offersomewhalewatchingtrips.Whaletourismisa
particularlyimportantactivityforthelocalityofAndenes.Theareahasapopulationofonly2,900
inhabitants,butapproximately16,300whalewatchersuseditasdepartingportin2008,providingsignificant
economicbenefittothearea.
Mosttripsareroundtripsofapproximatelyfourtofivehoursoutfromthecoastalports.Theaveragecost
pertripis$130,accordingtopublishedtariffsonline.Severaloperatorsofferdedicatedmultipledaywhale
watchtrips(forthree,sixortendays),butthesearealsocomplementedwithfishing,natureandcultural
cruisesaroundtheLofotenIslands.
Targetspeciesaremainlyspermwhalesfollowedbyminkewhales,orcas,andsometimeslongfinnedpilot
andhumpbackwhales.Whitebeakeddolphinsandharbourporpoisesarealsoseen.
ApartfromthepeakseasonsofJunetoAugust,orcawatchingrepresentsanimportantattractionduringthe
monthsoflateOctobertoJanuary.Duringthistime,orcasenterthenorthernfjords,particularlyaround
Tysfjord(locatednearNarvikonthemapabove),tofeedonherringschools.
Unfortunately,accordingtorecentnewspublications(AvisaNordland,Jan2009)andoperatorinformation,
thelevelsofherringhavedecreasedinrecentyears,makingitmoredifficulttoseeorcas.Thishasresulted
inareductioninthenumberoftripsofferingorcasightingsandasubsequentdecreaseintotalorca
watcherstoapproximatelyhalfthenumberofpreviousyears(from5,500to2,500).
103
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,minkewhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
orca,longfinnedpilotwhale,whitebeaked
85%
15%
Boatbased,dedicated,opportunistic,short
trips,multipledaytrips
$130
93
JunetoAugust;lateOctobertoJanuary
Acknowledgements:
ArcticWhaleTours,HeikeIrisVesterofOceanSoundsAS,AudunAanesofGamleLofotferga(OrcaLofoten),Jann
EngstadofLofotenKajakk,AnnelieUtterNaturResorAB,MarioAcquaroneofNorthAtlanticMarineMammal
Commission(NAMMCO)andAnnbjrgGjerdrumofWhaleSafariLtd.
104
PortugalAzoresIslands
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
1,000
9,500
40,180
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
58.7%
75%
15.5%
N/A
N/A
6
19
Minimal
$31,000
$582,000
$2,691,580
Minimal
$633,000
$2,788,000
$4,979,203
Minimal
$664,000
$3,370,000
$7,670,783
CapitalCity:Horta
01:Horta,FaialIsland
02:PontaDelgada,SoMiguelIsland
03:VilaFrancadoCampo,SoMiguelIsland
04:LajesdePico,PicoIsland
TheAzoreshavebecomeawellknowndestinationforwhale
watchingactivitiesinrecentyears.From9,500whalewatchersin
1998,itisestimatedatotalof40,180touristsundertookwhale
watchingin2008,anaverageannualgrowthrateof15.5%overthe
tenyearssincetheHoytreport.
Todaywhaleanddolphinwatchingisrecognizedasaveryimportantlocaltourismactivitythatsofferedas
oneoftheislandsmaintouristattractions,accordingtotheDirecoRegionaldeTurismodosAores
(AzoresTourismBoard).TheindustryismainlyfocusedonthreeIslands:SoMiguel(whichattracts
approximately40%oftheAzoreswhalewatchers),FaialandPico(between2025%each).Tripsdepart
fromthelocalitiesofPontaDelgada,HortaandLajesdePico,respectively.TripsfromtheislandsofTerceira
andSoJorgehavealsobeeninitiatedinrecentyears.
Mosttripsrunforacoupleofhoursoutfromthecoastalportsandreturn,usinghighspeedRIBs(rubber
inflatableboats)forupto12passengers.Onaverage,thetripscostaround$70foradultsand$49for
children.Outof17localoperators,13offerdedicatedlargecetaceananddolphinwatchingtours.The
opportunistictourscomplementthetripswithdivingandnaturecruises,visitingseveraloftheclosest
islandsandwithlongertours(halfandfulldaytrips).Oneinternationalorganisationandonelocaloperator
runmultipledaytours(of815daysinduration),mostlyfortouristsfromGermanyandtheUK.
Bothsmallerandlargercetaceansaresighted(approximately45%largecetaceans,55%dolphins).The
AzoresIslandshavetheprivilegeofhostingapproximately30%oftheworldscetaceanspecies,afact
promotedbythelocalwhaleanddolphinwatchingoperators.
105

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
bluewhale,finwhale,seiwhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
Atlanticspotteddolphin,bottlenosedolphin,
shortbeakedcommondolphin,falsekiller
whale,orca,shortfinnedpilotwhale,Rissos
78%
22%
Boatbased,shorttrips,fulldaytrips,
multipledaytrip,dedicated,opportunistic.
$70
127
ApriltoOctober
Acknowledgements:
ClaudiaOliveiraofInstitutodoMar/Dept.OceanografiaePescas(UniversityofAzores),SandraDartofDireco
RegionaldeTurismo(AzoresTourismBoard)andnineoperators
106
LocalCaseStudy:Azores
The Portuguese archipelago of Azores sits isolated in the mid Atlantic Ocean, nearly halfway between
CanadaandPortugalabout1500km(1200mi)fromLisbon.Itismadeupofninevolcanicislandsaswellas
isletsdividedintothreegroups(eastern,centralandwestern)acrossapproximately600km(370mi).Dueto
thismidoceanlocation,theislandchainhasgreatandplentifulaccesstomanycetaceanspecies,including
thelargestofthemall,theblue,fin,seiandspermwhales.
Whalewatchingasanindustryhasseenrecentstronggrowthintouristnumbersmainly ontheislandsof
PicoandFaial(inthecentralgroup),andSoMiguel(inthewesterngroup).Duringthemostrecentyears,
the industry has also begun to expand to other islands across the central group including Terceira and
GraciosaIslands.
However, prior to whale watching, the islands were an equally appropriate location for whaling. The
commercial whaling industry ceased operation in 1984 due more to unfavourable market conditions than
anysenseofconservationoutcomes(Santosetal.,1995;Gonalves&Prieto,2003).
Experimentalwhalewatchingfirststartedin1989withonlyonetouroperatorbasedinLajesdoPico,Pico
Island continuing at this level until 1993. Since then, the offering of whale watching trips has constantly
grownnotonlyintermsofnumberofwhalewatchingoperators,butatanevenhigherrateinthegrowthof
boats.Operatorsin2008wereestimatedat19,upfrom6in1998.
ThedistinctgeographiccoastalconditioninAzores(steeptopography,proximitytothemidAtlanticRidge,
Santosetal.,1995;Gonalvesetal.,1996),favorstherelativelyeasyspottingofcetaceans,evenfromland
based points. The use of landbased lookouts to find cetaceans to pass on this information to the whale
watching boats is a readaptation of the ancient whale hunting techniques used in the archipelago.
According to Gonalves and Prieto, 2003, and, NevesGraa, 2004, lookouts scan the sea with powerful
binoculars and provide information (species, direction and distance to the target) to the whale watching
operators by radio. Some of the very same lookouts that were used for whaling in days gone have until
recentlybeenusedtoassistwhalewatchingcompaniesfindwhales.
Until1999,whalewatchingwasconductedonaseasonalbasis,beginninginMarch/Mayandextendinguntil
October.Since2000,theSoMiguelislandenterprisesextendedtheactivityperiodtoallyearround.Inthe
centralIslands(PicoandFaial)theactivityisstillhighlyseasonal.Naturally,thenumberofjobpositions
increasedalongwiththeenterprisedevelopment,extendedseasonandincrementinthenumberofclients.
In2004,therewere85jobpositionsandanestimated127peopleemployedinthewhalewatchingindustry
in2008.Mostofthesewereskippers,marinersandlookouts.Althoughsomeemployeesworkyearround,
since1996,theaveragedurationofwhalewatchingjobsintheAzorestendstobesixmonthsoftheyear
(Oliveiraetal.,2005).
Ithasrecentlybeenestimatedthat12.5%oftouriststotheislandsarevisitingwiththeexplicitintentionto
watchwhales(SREA,2007a),andwiththestronglocalcommunitysupportfortheindustry(SREA,2007b),it
appearsthatwhalewatchingwillcontinuegrowingandstimulatingthegenerationoflocalemploymentand
flowoneconomicbenefitstotheislands.
References
Gonalves,J.M.&Prieto,R.2003.Dabaleaoaowhalewatching.SociedadeeTerritrio(magazineofurbanand
regionalstudies),35:4653.
Gonalves,J.M.,Barreiros,J.P.Azevedo,J.M.N.&Norberto,R.1996.CetaceansstrandedintheAzoresduring
199296.Arquiplago,LifeandMarineSciences,14A:5765.
107
NevesGraa,K.2004.Revisitingthetragedyofthecommons:ecologicaldilemmasofwhalewatchingintheAzores.
HumanOrganization,63(3):289300.
Oliveira,C.,Filla,G.,Gonalves,J.,Silva,M.A.,Prieto,R.,Magalhaes,S.andSantos,R.S.SC/59/WW8.Article
preparedfortheIWC2007:AsocialeconomicperspectiveofthewhalewatchingactivityintheAzores.Departamento
deOceanografiaePescas,UnversidadedosAores,9901862,Horta,Portugal.
Santos,R.S.,Hawkins,S.,Monteiro,L.R.,Alves&M.,Isidro,E.J.1995.Marineresearch,resourcesandconservation
intheAzores.AquaticConservation:MarineandFreshwaterecosystems,5:311354
SREA(ServioRegionaldeEstatsticadosAores).2007a.EstudosobreosturistasquevisitamosAores2005_2006.
SREA(ServioRegionaldeEstatsticadosAores).2007b.EstudosobreasatitudesdosResidentesfaceaoTurismonos
Aores2005.
PortugalMadeiraArchipelago
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
59,731
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
~72.9%
None
None
None
9
None
None
None
$2,069,325
None
None
None
$5,407,664
None
None
None
$7,476,988
CapitalCity:Funchal
01:Funchal
02:PortoSantoIsland
03:DesertasIsland
04:SelvagensIsland
Althoughitsnotadestinationknownaroundtheworldforits
whalewatchingpotential,theMadeiraArchipelagoswhale
watchingindustryhasgrownsignificantlysince1998atarateof
73%perannum(whencalculatedfroma1998baselineof250
whalewatchers).Asperdatacollectedin2008,atotalof59,730
whalewatcherswerefoundtohaveundertakentrips.
ThisfigureisconsistentwithdatapresentedbytheMuseudaBaleia(WhaleMuseum)andtheInstituteof
Oceanography(FacultyofSciencesofUniversityofLisbon),whoreportedapproximately58,000whale
watchersin2007oneoftheoperatorswesurveyedsuggestedthatgrowthbetween2007and2008could
beashighas27%.
TheactivityisfocusedaroundMadeiraArchipelago,withFunchalasdepartingport.Toursthatoffernature
cruisesinparalleltowhalewatchingrunfromfourhourstofulldaytrips,visitingthesurroundingislandsof
PortoSanto,DesertasandSelvagens.Outofninecompanies,onlytwoarededicatedwhalewatching
operators.Anothertwocompaniesoffersomededicatedcetaceanwatchingtripswithinvariedother
activities,butotheroperatorstendtoseewhalesaspartofothercruisesinanopportunisticmanner.The
108
boatcapacityforoperatorsisonaverage36passengers,withtripscostingaround$45peradultand$24per
child.Tourscanbearrangedfortripsbetweentwohoursandahalfdaycruise.
BothsmallerandlargercetaceansaresightedwithintheMadeiraArchipelago,around21cetaceanspecies
canbesighted,somefrequentlyandsomeoccasionally.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Brydeswhale,finwhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,falsekillerwhale,Rissosdolphin,
shortfinnedpilotwhale,pantropicalspotted
80%
20%
Boatbased,halfdaytrips,fulldaytrips,
$45
44
FebruarytoAugust
Acknowledgements:
ClaudiaGomesofLobosonda,PedroofRotadosCetaceosandAnaDinisofMadeiraWhaleMuseum
References:
Freitas,L,Dinis,A,Alves,F,Nbrega,F2004,CetceosnoArquiplagodaMadeira.ProjectoparaaConservacaodos
CetceosnoArquiplagodaMadeira,Ed.MadeiraWhaleMuseum,Machico,pp.62
Nicolau,C,Dinis,A,Ferreira,R,Assis,C,Freitas,L2007,CharacterizationofWhaleWhatchingActivityinMadeira
Archipelago(SENorthAtlantic),Portugal.MadeiraWhaleMuseum.Canizal,Madeira,FacultyofSciences,University
ofLisbon.
109
PortugalMainland
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
Minimal
1,380
58,407
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
45.4%
N/A
N/A
1
11
Minimal
Minimal
$31,000
$1,815,602
Minimal
Minimal
$56,000
$4,322,497
Minimal
Minimal
$87,000
$6,138,099
CapitalCity:Lisbon
01:Lagos
02:Vilamoura
03:Portimao
04:Setbal
ThePortuguesemainlandiscurrentlydemonstratingitspotential
fordolphinwatching,aspredictedinthe2001IFAWreportbyErich
Hoyt.Fromaslowstartin1998,whenthecountrysmainlandhad
only1,380whalewatchers,itisestimatedthatover58,000whale
watchersundertooktripsin2008.Touroperatorsofferdolphin
watchingexclusively,asnolargecetaceansareeasilyobservedinthemainindustryareasofSadoEstuary
andAlgarvecoast.
Approximatelyhalfofthemainlandsdolphinwatchersparticipateintoursofferedbyopportunisticdolphin
watchingoperators,whichcombinewhalewatchingwithseal,turtleand/ornaturewatchingcruises.This
representsacleardifferencecomparedtothetypeofwhaleanddolphinwatchingpracticedintheother
twoPortugueseterritoriesanalysedinthisreport,theAzoresandMadeiraIslands,whichoffermainly
dedicatedwhaleanddolphintours.
ThemainwhalewatchingactivityisfocusedonSetbal,intheLisbonregion,andalongthesouthcoastin
theAlgarve,withthetownsofLagos,VilamouraandPortimaoasdeparturepoints.TheAlgarveregionisa
majorholidaylocationforPortuguesenationalsandotherEuropeans,withbudgethotelandflightpackages
almostallyearround.Thismaygosomewaytoexplainingtheexplosivenumbersofdolphinwatchers
reportedbythesurveys,althoughapproximately60%ofdolphinwatchersarePortuguesenationalsand40%
internationals.
Ingeneral,tripslastfromthreetofourhours(ahalfdaytrip),andfollowreturnroutesalongtheAlgarve.
Mostboatsusedforthesetourshaveahighpassengercapacity,onaverage47places.Thetripscostaround
$41foranadultand$25forachild.
Asmentionedabove,onlydolphinsarespottedinPortuguesemainlandbottlenosedolphinsresideinthe
SadoEstuary,whileshortbeakedcommon,bottlenose,stripedandpantropicalspotteddolphinsareseenin
theAlgarve.
110

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,pantropicalspotteddolphin,striped
dolphin
40%
60%
Boatbased,shorttrips,halfdaytrips,
$41
71
JunetoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
IvoMartinsofAlgarbeSeafaris,MariaJooFonsecaofVertigemAzul,RobvanderLindenofAlgarveDolphins.
Slovenia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
21
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
1
None
None
None
$8,866
None
None
None
$4,431
None
None
None
$13,297
CapitalCity:Ljubljana
01:Lucija
Whalewatchingemergedin2002inSloveniaaspartoftheactivities
ofalocalmarinemammalresearchandconservationNGO.
Therefore,programmes(landandseabased)haveexclusively
scientificpurposesandthenumberofdedicateddolphinwatchers
remainslow.
DolphinresearchcampsareorganisedfromLucija(Portoro),
conductingresearchalongtheSlovenianAdriaticcoast.FromJuly
toSeptember,theprogrammeisofferedforuptosixparticipants
overtendays,costingapproximately$420perperson.Nocommercialcetaceanwatchingoperatingpurely
fortourismisinplace.
AconstantpopulationofbottlenosedolphinshasbeendocumentedinthisareaoftheSlovenianwaters
(togetherwiththeneighbouringCroatianandItalianwaters).Otherspeciesarerarelysighted.
111

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin
50%
50%
Boatbased,landbased,multipleday,
dedicatedresearchtrip
$420(10daytrip)
1
JulytoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
TilenGenovofMorigenos
Spain
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
1,000
25,000
74,629
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
~58.7%
123%
11.6%
Minimal
N/A
14
16
Minimal
$29,000
$550,000
$3,207,708
Minimal
$72,000
$1,375,000
$4,947,738
Minimal
$101,000
$1,925,000
$8,155,446
CapitalCity:Madrid
01:Tarifa
02:Estpona
03:Bilbao
WhaleanddolphinwatchinginmainlandSpaindoesnotrepresent
animportantattractionwithinthehugenumberoftouristsvisiting
the country (60 million in 2007). However, the growth in the
numberofwhalewatchersfrom25,000in1998toapproximately
75,000in2008(lessconservativeestimationsmayeventriplethese
numbers) with a growth rate of 11.6% per year is nevertheless
notable.
TheactivityisconcentratedinsouthernSpain,focusingoncetaceansintheStraitofGibraltarandtheCosta
del Sol. Tarifa, the main departure port, accounts for around 75% of total whale watchers; Estpona and
BenalmdenainCostadelSolanother20%.SixcompaniesoffercetaceanwatchingtripsintheBayofBiscay
(accountingfortheremaining5%ofwhalewatchers).Fiveoftheseareinternationalcompaniesoperating
betweenPortsmouth,England,andSantanderBilbao,northernSpain.
Outof16touroperators,tenareofferingdedicatedwhalewatchingtrips:fourinTarifa,fivemultipleday
cruisesintheBayofBiscay,andoneintheCostadelSol(althoughthiscompanyonlyofferswhalewatching
aspartofavarietyofdifferentcruisetrips).
112
CleardifferencescanbeidentifiedwhencomparingwhalewatchinginthenorthandsouthofSpain.Inthe
south,toursfromTarifaandtheCostadelSolrunforshortdurations(90minutestothreehours)withan
averagecostof$45peradultand$31perchild.Bycomparison,tripsofferedtoobservecetaceansinthe
BayofBiscayarealmostexclusivelymultipledaytours,lastinganaverageoffourdays.Halfofthemultiple
daytoursareineffectopportunisticwhalewatching,complementedbybirdandnaturewatching.
Four dolphin species are spotted in southern waters: the shortbeaked common dolphin, striped dolphin,
bottlenosedolphinandRissosdolphin;aswellasorcasinJulyandAugust.Atleast16cetaceanspeciesare
recordedintheBayofBiscayandvariouslargecetaceansareregularlysightedincludingvariousspeciesof
beakedwhales.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
finwhale,spermwhale,minkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,harbourporpoise,orca,longfinned
pilotwhale,Rissosdolphin,stripeddolphin,
Cuviersbeakedwhale
57%
43%
Boatbased,shorttrips(1.5hrs,2hrs,3hrs),
halfdaytrips,fulldaycharters,multipleday
cruises,dedicated,opportunistic.
$45
42
peakmonthsJulytoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
KatharinaHeyerofFundacinfirmm,LourdesIsassaLpezofWhaleWatchEspaa,andAndreAnciaesofTurmares
TarifaSL.
113
UnitedKingdom
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
400
15,000
121,125
266,450
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
234.7%
68.6%
8%
1
3
14
76
$43,000
$1,380,000
$1,884,000
$5,984,476
287,000
9,120,000
6,347,000
$15,454,527
$330,000
$10,500,000
$8,231,000
$21,439,003
CapitalCity:London
AcrosstheentireUK,whalewatchinghasseenaverystronggrowth
rateinthelastdecade,averaging8%peryear.Therehasbeena
surgeinoperatornumbers,andsubsequenttothegrowth,total
expenditurehasincreasedto$21million.
Forthisreport,theUnitedKingdomhasbeenseparatedintothe
threecountriesofEngland,ScotlandandWales,aseachhasa
distinctandlargewhalewatchingindustryofitsown.Beyongsome
landbaseddolphinwatching(estimatedhereasonlyminimal),
formalwhalewatchingwasnotidentifiedinNorthernIreland.
England
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
5,125
9,160
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
~17%
6%
None
None
3
8
None
None
$70,000
$193,822
None
None
$393,000
$395,254
None
None
$463,000
$589,076
CapitalCity:London
01:PenzanceHarbour
02:Fowey
03:Feock
04:Newquay
05:Jersey
Whalewatchingisnotoneofthemaintouristattractionsonthe
Englishcoast,buteighttouroperatorsareinvolvedintheactivity,
allofthemofferingopportunisticcetaceansightings.Theseare
promotedasacomplementtonature,cultureandmarinewildlife
cruises.Intotal,anestimateofapproximately9,000cetacean(andsealife)watcherswerecountedin2008,
equatingtoanannualgrowthof6%peryearsince1998,when5,125whalewatcherswererecorded.As
notedbyoneofthelocalorganisationswesurveyed,lotsofthetouristswhovisitEnglanddontrealisethat
therearecetaceansaroundtheEnglishcoast.
114

MostwhalewatchingactivityoccursaroundsouthwestCornwall,focusingonPenzanceHarbourasa
departureport.WhalewatchingalsooccursfromthelocalitiesofFeock,AlbertPier,Fowey,Newquay,East
LooeQuayandFalmouth.InJersey,twooperatorspromoteopportunisticcetaceanwatching.
Toursrunforbetween90minutesandtwoandahalfhours,withandaverageboatcapacityof11
passengers.Theaveragecostofatripis$51peradultand$31perchild.Accordingtolocalcetacean
organisations,whalesanddolphinscanbesightedallyeararound.However,toursareofferedbetweenMay
andNovember,andconcentratedprimarilybetweenJuneandSeptemberduetosummerseasonvisitors.
Themostcommonspeciesencounteredareharbourporpoises,bottlenoseandlessoftenshortbeaked
commondolphin.Moreunusualspeciesmaybeencountered,suchasRisso'sdolphinsandlongfinnedpilot
whales,andevenlargecetaceanssuchasfinandminkewhales.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
40%
60%
Boatbased,shorttrips(1.5to2.5hours),
opportunistic.
$51
10
ApriltoOctober
Acknowledgements:
BenWallbridgeofDurlsonCountryPark,DaveBallofSilverDolphinCentreandColinSpeedieofWiseScheme.
115

Scotland
Year
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
1991
Numberof
whale
watchers
400
N/A
$43,000
$287,000
$330,000
1994
1998
2008
15,000
99,000
223,941
235%
60%
8.5%
3
8
51
$1,380,000
$1,622,000
$4,927,388
$9,120,000
$6,347,000
$13,315,814
$10,500,000
$7,046,000
$18,243,202
CapitalCity:Edinburgh
01:Inverness
02:JohnOGroats
03:Oban
04:Gairloch
05:ChanonryPoint,MorayFirth
Scotland,togetherwithIceland,possessesoneofthemostwell
establishedwhalewatchingindustriesinEurope.Sincethelast
censusin1998,thenumberoftouristshasalmostdoubled,
equatingtoanannualaveragegrowthof8.5%overthelast10
years.However,ithastobementionedthatmostoperatorsoffer
marinecruisesorseafaris,wherewhaleanddolphinsightingisacomplementaryattractiontogetherwith
bird,sealandnaturewatchingactivities,ratherthandedicatedwhalewatchingtours.Outof46seabased
whalewatchingoperators,only12areclassifiedasdedicatedrunningcruisesfocusedpurelyoncetaceans.
FiveoperatorsinScotlandarelandbased.
TheindustryisfocusedonthewestcoastofScotland,mainlyintheHebridesIslands,usingObanas
departurepointtosailaroundtheIsleofMull,IsleofIona,Rhum,Eigg,TreshnishIslesandStaffa;and
GairlochandKyleofLochalshtotheIsleofSkyeandIsleofLewis.Thewestcoastaccountsfor
approximately5560%oftotalvisitors.Inthenorth,MorayFirthandtheOrkneyIslandsaccountfor
approximately3540%ofthewhalewatchingactivities,usingInvernessandJohnOGroatsasdeparting
points.Theseestimatescomefromlocaloperatordataandlocaltourismorganisations.
LandbasedcetaceanwatchingisheavilyfocusedonChanonryPoint,MorayFirth.Accordingtolocal
estimates,theseareascanattractmorethan20,000dedicatedparticipantsayear.TheIsleofMulland
NorthBerwickalsorepresentanimportantfocusofattractionforlandbaseddolphinwatchers,aswellas
havingtheaddedattractionofanoccasionalminkewhalesighting.
Onaverage,whalewatchingtripsrunforapproximatelythreetofourhoursoutfromthecoastalports.The
averageadultticketpricepertripis$43.Sixoperatorsoffermultipledaywhale/dolphinwatchtrips(four
day,sixdayor12daytrips),complementedwithfishing,diving,natureandculturalcruises.Operators
runningtheseextendedtripsareconsideredopportunisticoperatorsinthisreport.
Thespeciessightedaremainlysmallcetaceanstheharbourporpoiseandbottlenosedolphin.Thereisa
regularpresenceofbaskingsharksonthewestcoast,butthesearenotincludedinthisstudyastheyarenot
cetaceanspecies.Minkewhalesarealsoregularlyseen.ShortbeakedcommondolphinsandRissos
dolphinsarealsooccasionallyseen.
116
WhaletourismisanimportantactivityforObanonthemainland,alongwithTobermory,Fionnphortand
DervaiginIsledeMullandInvernessandCromartyclosetotheMorayFirth.
ThemainwhalewatchingseasonrunsfromApriltoOctober.However,somelandbasedoperatorsoffer
toursallyearround.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
minkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,harbourporpoise
30%
70%
Boatbased,landbased,dedicated,
opportunistic,shorttrips,multipledaytrips
$43
132
ApriltoOctober
Acknowledgements:
AndrewJacksonofArdnamurchanCharters,NatalieWardofHebrideanWhaleandDolphinTrust,DavidWoodhouseof
IsleofMullWildlifeExpeditions,ChristopherSwannofOceanusLtd,NigelWSmithofSeaprobeAtlantis,Sealife
Adventures,RichardFairbairnsofSealifeSurveys,MurrayMacleodofSeaTrek,LornaBruceofVisitscotland,Caroline
WarburtonofWildScotland,ChrisLindsayofCorryvreckanCruisingLtd,LyndaDalgleishofScottishSeabirdCentre,
DeborahBenhamofDolphinSpaceProgrammeandWhaleandDolphinConservationSociety,BillTaylorandColin
SpeediefromtheWiseScheme.
117

Wales
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
17,000
33,349
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
7%
None
Minimal
3
17
None
Minimal
192,000
$863,266
None
Minimal
530,000
$1,743,458
None
Minimal
722,000
$2,606,724
CapitalCity:Cardiff
01:CardiganBay
02:NewQuay
03:MilfordHaven
04:St.Davids
05:Pwllheli
Cetacean sightings in Wales are mainly located around Cardigan

Bay, on the west coast, with approximately 50% of the total sea
based whale watchers; departure points are located in Cardigan,
NewQuayandAberystwyth.ThePembrokeshireregion(southwest
Wales)attracts30%ofcetaceanwatchersinWales,focusedonthe
localities of Milford Haven, Dale and St. Davids, visiting Ramsey Island and Island of Grassholm. The
remaining20%ofvisitorsareinGwynedd(northwestWales),basedinTyNewyddandPwllheli,fromwhere
cruises to northern Cardigan Bay and the Irish Sea are launched. In general, the industry relies more on
dolphin spotting, which enjoys 90% success rates, whereas large cetacean sightings meet with only 30%
successrates(basedonsurveyresults).
Atotalof33,350whaleanddolphinwatchersareestimatedfor2008,representinganincreaseof7%per
yearwithrespectto1998.Approximately1,000ofthesearelandbaseddolphinwatchers,spottingfrom
Gwbert,CardiganBay,whereaFarmParkrunsfromMarchtoOctober.Nowadays,mosttripsincludein
theirofferstheoptionofcetaceanwatching,butasacomplementtonatureandwildlifecruises.Onlyfour
operatorsofferdedicatedcetaceanwatchingtours.
Thedifferencesincostandlengthofseabasedtripsdependonthelocationtospot.InCardiganBaytours
runforbetweenoneandtwohoursandcostanaverage$32peradult(onlydolphinsarespottedandcloser
tothecoast).InPembrokeshirelongercruisesrunbetweentwoandahalftothreehoursandcoston
average$81peradult(ontheselongertrips,bothwhalesanddolphinarespotted).Boatcapacityissmall
forallcompanies,withanaverageofonlyupto13passengers.
In Cardigan Bay, bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises are sighted most commonly. Offshore trips
from Pembrokeshire have the chance to see shortbeaked common, Atlantic whitesided, bottlenose and
Rissosdolphinsmostoftheyear,butpeakseasonisJulytoSeptember.June,JulyandSeptemberpresenta
possibilitytoseeorca,aswellasJulythroughtoSeptemberforminkewhales.Finwhalesandlongfinned
pilotwhaleshavealsobeenseen,accordingtolocaloperators,butlessfrequently.
118

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
minkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,harbourporpoise,,Rissosdolphin
dolphin
10%
90%
Boatbased(1.5to3hrs),landbased,
dedicated,opportunistic
$47
18
JulytoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
SarahPerryofCardiganBayMarineWildlifeCentre,WinstonEvansofNewQuayBoatTrips,JohnPrice&LeuanJenkins
ofVoyagesofDiscoveryandColinSpeedieofWiseScheme.
119
Asia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
10,992
73,192
220,465
1,055,781
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
expenditure
N/A
88.1%
31.7%
17.2%
2
12
13
20
$371,000
$3,887,000
$7,735,000
$21,573,315
$4,377,000
$20,714,000
$36,969,000
$44,365,015
$4,748,000
$24,601,000
$44,704,000
$65,938,330
Asiahasseenaremarkablegrowthinwhaleanddolphinwatchingoverthelasttenyears.Sevencountries
havebegunwhalewatchinginthistime,andthenumberofpeoplewhalewatchinghasincreasedfivefold,
fromapproximately220,000toover1million.MuchofthisgrowthhascomefromChina,Taiwan,India,
Japan,CambodiaandLaos.
CetaceanwatchinginAsiatakesplaceinanamazingvarietyoflocations,fromtheRussianArcticto
Indonesiastropicalbeaches,fromthemiddleoftheIndianOceantolandlockedcountriesNepalandLaos,
fromremoteislandstothemiddleofmajormetropoliseslikeHongKong.Whilemanycetaceanwatching
companiesinAsiahavetraditionallytargetedforeigntouristsforexampleinGoa,BaliandtheMaldives
Asiaseconomicboomhasseenagrowthinlocalwhalewatchers.Indeed,thelargestgrowthinwhale
watchernumbershascomefromindustriescateringtolocalmarketsparticularlytheboomingmiddle
classesofChina,TaiwanandIndia.
120
LongstandingandcomparativelyhighpricesinJapanmeanthatitisstillthelargestindustryinAsiabytotal
revenuegenerated.
Country
Growthbetween
1998and2008
1998
2008
AAGR
Bangladesh
None
25
N/A
CambodiaandLaos
None
83,000
78.7%
ChinaHongKongSAR
4,500
81,000
33.5%
ChinaMainland
None
307,000
103.7%
ChinaTaiwan
30,000
200,000
20.9%
Georgia,UkraineBlackSea
Minimal
Minimal
N/A
India
30,000
112,900
16.3%
Indonesia
41,000
36,370
1.2%
Japan
102,785
191,970
6.4%
Malaysia
None
7,000
39.5%
Maldives
30
14,496
85.5%
Myanmar
None
40
N/A
Nepal
150
125
1.8%
Pakistan
None
250
0%
Philippines
12,000
17,000
3.5%
Russia
Minimal
1,285
17.8%
SriLanka
None
620
9.5%
Thailand
Minimal
2,700
26.9%
Turkey
Minimal
Minimal
N/A
REGIONALTOTAL
220,465
1,055,781
17.2%
AAGR.
121
122
Bangladesh
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
25
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
1
None
None
None
$1,375
None
None
None
$575
None
None
None
$1,950
CapitalCity:Dhaka
01:Sundarbanmangroveforests
Bangladeshhasonenaturetouroperatorthatofferscetacean
watchingopportunities.Mostofthesecruisesarearoundthe
Sundarbanmangroveforests,whereopportunisticsightingsof
GangesRiverdolphinsarecommon,alongwithoccasionalsightings
ofIrrawaddydolphinsandfinlessporpoises.Opportunistic
watchingofdolphinsonthesetourshasnotbeenquantifiedhere;
theabovenumbersrefertodedicatedwhalewatchingtripsthatthe
operatorsometimesorganisesinconjunctionwiththeBangladesh
CetaceanDiversityProject.ThetripsgointotheBayofBengal,totheSwatchofNoGround,adeep
submarinecanyonwhereseveralcetaceanspeciescanbefound:IndoPacificbottlenosedolphins,
pantropicalspotteddolphins,spinnerdolphinsandBrydeswhales.
CetaceanwatchingisnotyetanimportantfactorinattractingtouriststoBangladesh.Cetaceanwatching
mostlyopportunisticandonlyasmallportionofexpenditurecanbeconsideredattributabletocetaceans.
Theoperatorsmayoffermorededicatedtripsinthefuture.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Brydeswhale
Smallcetaceans:
finlessporpoise,GangesRiverdolphin,
Irrawaddydolphin,IndoPacifichumpback
dolphin
40%
60%
Aroundonededicatedtripperyearbyboat
intotheBayofBengal.Regulartoursof
Sundarbansforestbyboatofferopportunistic
dolphinwatching.
Varieswithtour
1
DecembertoFebruary
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoElisabethandRubaiyatMansuratBangladeshCetaceanDiversityProject.
123
CambodiaandLaos
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
83,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
~78.7%
None
None
None
40
None
None
None
$651,000
None
None
None
$3,520,000
None
None
None
$4,171,000
CapitalCity:PhnomPenh(Cambodia);Vientiane(Laos)
01:Kampi,Kratieprovince,Cambodia
02:SiPhanDoninLaos
TheborderareaofLaosandCambodiaontheMekongRiveris
hometoIrrawaddydolphinsandagrowingdolphinwatching
industry.Thedolphinsliveina190kmlongstretchoftheMekong
locatedinthenortheastofCambodiaandthesouthernmostpartof
Laos.Localfishermennowtaketouristsforshortboatridestovisit
thedolphinsfromSiPhanDoninLaosandKratieinCambodia.
InKampi,Kratieprovince,Cambodia,around20familieshavedirect
involvementindolphinwatchingbyprovidingboatservices.AccordingtothechairmanoftheCambodian
DolphinCommission,another30householdsmakeandsellhandicraftstolocalandforeigntourists.Therest
ofthecommunityisinvolvedinothertourismservicessuchassellingfoodanddrinks,accommodationand
transport.Allfamiliesinthiscommunitybenefitfromdolphinwatchingandarekeentoparticipatein
dolphinconservation.
ThenumberoftouristswatchingdolphinsinKratiehasincreasedsteadilysince2002whenoperations
began.TheCambodianDolphinCommissionhasbeentrackingnumbersoftouristssince2006:
2006
2007
2008
Domestictourists
60,000
65,000
70,000
Internationaltourists
10,000
12,000
13,000
Total
70,000
77,000
83,000
Themoneythattouristsspendinthisareamakesasignificantcontributiontolocalpeopleinapoor,rural
areaofadevelopingcountry.Thedolphinsareavaluableresource,astheyarethemainreasonthattourists
visitKratie,accordingtoWWFCambodiasRichardZanre.
Typically,foreigntouristsspend$1520foraroundtripbusfare,includingonemeal,and$515foranights
accommodation.Fortransportwithinthetownandtodolphinwatchingsites,theyspend$5.Afurther$5
10isusuallyspentondinneranddrinks.TotalexpensefortwodaysdolphinwatchinginKratieisabout$30
50.
Cambodiantouristsspendaboutthesameamountasforeignerssometimesmore,astheybuymore
souvenirsthanforeignbackpackers.DolphincarvingsareparticularlypopularamongCambodiantourists,
accordingtotheCambodianDolphinCommission.
124
FromtheLaossideoftheriver,fishermenandboatownersruninformaldolphinwatchingtrips,mainlyfor
foreigntourists.Smallboatsarehiredforaround$5perperson.ThetripsoftenenterCambodianwaters
andstopatdrinksstandsinCambodiafromwherethedolphinscanbeseen.Thenoveltyofbrieflyentering
adifferentcountryaddstotheappealofthetrips.Around10,000touristsperyeargodolphinwatching
fromtheLaoside,basedon2005estimatesbyWWF.Whilethedolphinsareawellknownattractionin
SouthernLaos,theyarenottheprimaryreasonformosttouristsvisitingthearea;mostgotorelaxinthe
FourThousandIslandsareaandseethefamousKoneFalls.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Landbasedwhalewatchers:
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
Irrawaddydolphin
25%
75%
VariousriparianareasaroundSipandonand
Kratie
Smallwoodenboatsarehiredwithlocal
drivers/guidestotakevisitorsontothe
Mekongfortripstypicallylasting12hours.
$8
40
Yearround,butpeakseasonisfrom
NovembertoApril
Acknowledgements:
MarkBezuijen(WWFLaos),RichardZanre(WWFCambodia),TouchSeangTana(CambodianDolphinCommission)and
Mr.IeMongdenatKratie(provincialtourismdepartment).
References:
Bezuijen,M,Zanre,R,andGoichot,M2007,TheDonSahongDamandtheIrrawaddyDolphin,WWF,Vientiane.
125

China
China(Mainland)
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
307,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
~103.7%
None
None
None
9
None
None
None
$4,028,000
None
None
None
$9,222,120
None
None
None
$13,250,120
CapitalCity:Beijing
01:SanniangBayinGuangxiAutonomousRegion
CetaceanwatchinginmainlandChinabeganinabout2003
andiscentredonSanniangBayinGuangxiAutonomous
Region.Thelocalvillagebasedcompanyandseveral
independentboatoperatorshavetappedintoChinas
boomingdomestictourismmarkettomakeitpossiblythe
mostpopularcetaceanwatchinglocationinAsia.
TripstoseetheIndoPacifichumpbackdolphin(locally
referredtoastheChinesewhitedolphin)operateyearround,althoughMaytoOctoberisthebusyperiod.
Dolphinwatchersaretakenoutinoneof28ninepassengerspeedboats,or1115passengerwoodenboats,
forabouttwohours.Ticketscostapproximately$13,includingtheentryfeetothetouristarea.The
operatorsestimatearoundhalfofallguestscomeindependently,whiletheotherhalfareintourgroups,a
largepartofChinasdomestictourismmarket.VeryfewinternationalvisitorsgotoSanniangBay,butlocals
hopethiswilldevelopinfuture.
Dolphinwatchingisextremelyimportanttothelocaleconomy,withresearcherssuggestingthat80%ofthe
villagersbenefitinsomewayfromthenewindustry.Tourismhasbeenabigboostfortheeconomyofa
small,ruralarea.
NoformalstudiesofdolphinwatchingatSanniangBayhavebeencompletedyetandreliablestatisticson
theindustryaredifficulttoobtain.Wehopethatmoreresearchwillbedoneonthisexcitingnewdolphin
watchingarea.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
IndoPacifichumpbackdolphin(knownlocally
astheChinesewhitedolphin)
0%
100%
Shortboatbasedcruises
$13
31
MaytoOctober
126

Acknowledgements:
ThankstoChenMeioftheBeijingUniversityPandaConservationResearchCentre,YinzhouBayWhiteDolphinResearch
Base.ThanksalsotovariousstaffatSanniangBayTravelManagementCompanyBoatdepartment.Specialthanksto
ChenXinforhertranslation,researchassistanceandpatience.
ChinaHongKongSAR
Year
1991
1994
1998
2004
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
1,000
4,500
135,000
81,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
45.6%
76.3%
12.0% 26
None
1
34
30
24
None
$34,000
$217,000
$1,680,000
$1,008,000
None
$85,000
$542,000
$830,000
$498,000
None
$119,000
$759,000
$2,510,000
$1,506,000
CapitalCity:HongKong
01:LantauIsland
DolphinwatchinginHongKonghasboomedsincetoursbeganin
1994.Thedistinctivepinkdolphinsswimminginoneofthebusiest
andmostspectacularharboursintheworldhaveattracted
hundredsofthousandsofdolphinwatchers.Fearsthatthedolphins
maybecomeextinctinHongKongwatershaveabatedandregular
sightingssustainalargeindustry.However,thenumberof
unlicensedoperatorshaslocalconservationorganisations
concernedaboutthesustainabilityoftheindustry.
Onlyoneoperatoriscertifiedasanecotourismoperator;thisoperatorrunsdedicateddolphinwatching
tripsthreetimesperweek.Otheroperatorsaretourandcruisecompaniesthatincludedolphinwatchingin
theiritineraries.Eighttotensmallspeedboatsoperatecasually,takingvisitorstoseedolphinsnearasmall
fishingvillageonthewestsideofLantauIsland.Pricesvaryfromaround$45forspecialiseddolphin
watchingtripsto$5forshorttripsoffthesmallerislands.
TripsareallfocusedonIndoPacifichumpbackdolphins,knownlocallyasChinesewhitedolphins.The
dolphinsarecolouredgraywhenborn,butgraduallybecomepinkincolourduetoheatexchangeinblood
vesselsforthermoregulation.
Dolphinwatchingactivitypeakedaround2004,whenacomprehensivestudywascarriedout(hencedatais
includedintableabovefor2004),andhassincedeclinedbyperhaps40%.Researchersareunsurewhy,but
suggestthatin2004HongKongresidentswerelesslikelytotravelabroadfollowingtheSARSoutbreak.
DuringthistimeHongKongerswerestillkeentogetsomefreshairawayfromthecityandthenumberof
dolphinwatchingtripsandoperatorsescalatedaccordingly.Inrecentyears,however,localsareagain
travellingabroad,whileoverseasdolphinwatchershavenotbeenasnumerousasbefore.Local
conservationistsareconcernedthatashigherqualitytourshavedeclined,theonlygrowthinHongKong
dolphinwatchingcomesfromspeedboatsoffLantau,whichcandisturbthedolphins.Thelowindirect
26
AAGRforperiodfrom2004to2008.
127
expenditurefigureislargelyexplainedbythehighproportionofdomestictouristsasopposedto
internationaltourists,whohavealoweraveragedailyexpenditurelevel.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
IndoPacifichumpbackdolphin(knownlocally
astheChinesewhitedolphin)
30%
70%
Boatbased,withseveraltypesofoperator
dedicateddolphinwatchingoperators,tour
operatorsthatincludedolphinwatching,and
smallopportunisticboats.
$45
35
Yearround
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoSamuelHungatHongKongDolphinConservationSociety.Muchofthisinformationisbasedonhispaper
DevelopmentofDolphinwatchingActivitiesinHongKongSAR,PeoplesRepublicofChina,presentedatthe10th
SymposiumonCetaceanEcology&ConservationTowardASustainableFutureofWhaleWatching,Taiwan,813
September2004.ThanksalsotoBennieTo,ChrisParsonsandthemaindolphinwatchoperator.
ChinaTaiwan
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
30,000
200,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.9%
None
None
13
23
None
None
$1,223,000
$5,387,275
None
None
$3,057,000
$10,800,000
None
None
$4,280,000
$16,187,275
CapitalCity:Taipei
01:Yilan
02:Hualien
03:Taitung
Taiwanhasalargecetaceanwatchingindustry,whichhasgrown
considerablysince1998.Theindustryisfocusedonthreecounties
ontheeastcoast:Yilan,HualienandTaitung.Theseareasarehost
toaround125,000,70,000and5,000whalewatchersrespectively.
Theseestimatescamefromlocalauthorities(YilanandHualien)and
operatorestimates,andareinlinewithstudiesdonebytheTaiwan
CetaceanSociety,whoestimated220,000240,000whalewatchersintotal.
Mosttripsrunforacoupleofhoursoutfromthecoastalportsandreturn.Operatorsofferdedicatedwhale
watchtrips,butalsorunfishingandnaturecruises,particularlytoanislandtothenorthofYilan.Thetrips
costaround$26,butmostoperatorshavewebsitesandofferdiscountsforonlinebookings.
128
Targetspeciesaremainlysmallercetaceansspinnerdolphin,pantropicalspotteddolphin,Rissosdolphin,
bottlenosedolphinandFrasersdolphin.However,orcas,falsekillerwhales,beakedwhales(typenot
specified)andspermwhalesarealsoseen.
WhaleanddolphintourismisconsideredanimportantdrawingcardforYilan,HualienandTaitung.
SomeincidentalwatchingoftheChinesewhitedolphinisalsocarriedoutonthewestcoast,buthasnot
beenincludedinthisanalysis.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,Rissosdolphin,spinner
dolphin,pantropicalspotteddolphin,Frasers
dolphin
1%
99%
Boatbaseddayorhalfdaytrips
$28
150
ApriltoOctober
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoLienSiangChouatNationalTaiwanUniversity,MrZhuatHualienFisheriesDepartmentandsevenoperators.
SpecialthankstoChenXinforherfantastictranslationandresearchassistance.
129
Georgia,UkraineandRussiaBlackSea
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
Minimal
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
6
None
None
None
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
CapitalCity:Odessa(Ukraine);Tbilisis(Georgia)
01:BlackSea
SeveralresortsontheBlackSeacoastofGeorgia,Ukraineand
Russiaofferdolphinwatchingontheirwebsites.Severalcaptive
dolphinwatchingfacilitiesexistintheareaanditisdifficultto
determinewhattypeofactivitieswereonofferatsome
establishments.AtthetimeofresearchRussiaandGeorgiawereat
warandwewereunabletomakedirectcontactwithoperators.
FutureresearchshouldfocusonBatumiinGeorgia,SochiinRussia
andBalaklavaontheCrimeanPeninsulaintheUkraine.
ThecountriesoftheBlackSeaoftendisagreeovercetaceanissues.Manydolphinshavebeencaughthere
andsoldtocaptivedolphinparks.In2002Georgiamovedtohavethelivedolphintradebannedfromthe
region,butwasoverruled.Latereffortstorestricttradethroughquotas,withacurrentquotaofzero,have
beenmoresuccessful.Itwillbeinterestingtoseeifawilddolphinwatchingindustrycanbeestablishedin
thisregionandwhatimpactitmighthaveonBlackSeacetaceanpolicy.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
None
Smallcetaceans:
commondolphin,bottlenosedolphin,harbour
porpoise
N/A
N/A
Shortboatbasedtrips
N/A
8
JunetoSeptember(peaktouristseason)
Acknowledgements
ThankstoAlexeiBirkunandfouroperators
References:
http://www.undp.org/gef/new/blacksea.htm
http://www.hsus.org/marine_mammals/what_are_the_issues/marine_mammals_at_cites/black_sea_bottlenose_dolp
hin_proposal.html
http://www.blackseacrimea.com/sea.html
130
India
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
3,600
25,000
112,900
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
62.3%
16.3%
None
N/A
N/A
355
None
$19,000
$150,00
$654,975
None
$49,000
$375,000
$1,871,350
None
$68,000
$525,000
$2,526,325
CapitalCity:NewDelhi
01:Goa
02:ChilikaLagoon
TherearetwomaindolphinwatchinglocationsinIndiaGoaonthe
westcoastandChilikaLagooninthestateofOrissaontheeast
coast.RiverdolphinsarealsowatchedintheRiverGanges.
InGoa,around60,000touristswatchedIndoPacifichumpback
dolphinsin2008,showingverystronggrowthsince1998(the1998
figureshownaboveisbasedonlyonGoa,meaningthatwhale
watchinginGoaisupfrom25,000in2008,anaverageannualincreaseof24%).Goaisamajorinternational
touristdestinationandboatownersandoperatorsoffertripstotouristsaroundtheareashotelsand
popularbeaches.Some30boatoperatorsareregistered,buttherearemanycasualandopportunistic
operators.Tripsaregenerallycheap:onaverage$8foraroundanhoursviewing.Longertripsonlarger
boatswithmealsarealsoavailable.Asoperatorsaredispersedandofferarangeofcruiseandnature
tourismoptions,itisdifficulttogetinformationontheindustry.Moreresearchisneededondolphin
watchinginGoa.
OntheothersideofIndia,intheeasternstateofOrissa,ChilikaLagoonisalarge,brackishestuaryanda
registeredRamsarsiteasawetlandofinternationalsignificance.Thelagoonoccupiesapproximately1,000
squarekilometresandishometoapopulationof130endangeredIrrawaddydolphins.Smallboatowners,
mainlyoperatingoutofSatpadaandSipakuda,taketouriststoseethedolphinsfor6090minutetrips.Trips
costfrom$8to$15forthewholeboat,dependingonyourbargainingskillsandthenumberofhoursspent
onthewater.Boatstakeuptotenpassengers,ofteninfamilygroups.
Anestimated50,000touristsperyearvisitChilikaLagoonfordolphinwatching.Upto99%ofthesedolphin
watchersaredomestictourists,unlikeGoa,whereinternationaltouristsareasignificantmarket.Tripsare
providedbysome320boatowner/operators,employingupto600people,andgeneratingconsiderable
indirectemployment.Thesizeofthisindustry,andthefactthatitoperatesinasensitivewetlandarea,has
promptedconcernsfortheconservationofthedolphinpopulationandthewiderecosystem.Several
organisationsandresearchershavebeenworkingwithlocalauthoritiesandoperatorstomanagethe
industry.
Meanwhile,inWestBengalabout55,00060,000touristsvisittheSundarbansforestseveryyear.Thirtyto
40boatsoperatetoursinthearea,aimingmainlytoseetigers.Tigersareseldomseen,butthetripsarein
131
GangesRiverdolphinandIrrawaddydolphinhabitats.Thisopportunisticdolphinwatchinghasnotbeen
quantified,butcouldbesubstantial,andcoulddevelopintomorededicatedtripsinthefuture.
SeveralareasofferriverdolphinwatchingintheGanges,suchasPatna,thecapitalcityofBiharstate,andan
areaontheChambalRivernearAgra.Tripscanbeorganisedcasuallywithlocalfishermenorothernature
touragencies.Mostofthesetripsofferonlyopportunisticdolphinwatchingopportunities.
FutureresearchersanddolphinwatchersshouldnotethattherearedolphinpopulationsintheBrahmaputra
River,inAssam.Thereareplanstolaunchdolphinwatchingasaconservationinitiativebeginningin2009.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
GangesRiverdolphin,IndoPacifichumpback
dolphin,Irrawaddydolphin
20%
80%
Boatbased,casuallyorganisedwithlocalboat
owners,thoughlargeroperatorsdoexist.
$8
1000
OctobertoApril
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoDipaniSutariaatJamesCookUniversity,VivekMenon,DhireshJoshiandRadhikaBhagatatWildlifeTrustof
India,MoideenWafaroftheNationalInstituteofOceanography,AnnaForslundandSandeepBeheraatWWF,R.K
SinhaatDolphinConservationProject,UniversityofPatna,CoralieDLimaofNatureConservationFoundation,Nicola
HodginsattheWhaleandDolphinConservationSociety,VardhanPatankaratReefwatchandPamelaMascarenhasat
GoaTourism.Severaloperatorsalsoprovidedhelpfulinformation.
132
Indonesia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
12,000
41,000
36,370
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
36.0%
1.2%
N/A
N/A
N/A
170
Minimal
$100,000
$1,281,000
$517,360
Minimal
$250,000
$3,270,000
$1,200,210
Minimal
$350,000
$4,551,000
$1,717,570
CapitalCity:Jakarta
01:Lovina
02:Denpasar
03:MahakamRiver
04:KomodoNationalPark
Bali,withitsenormoustouristindustry,isthelargestcetacean
watchingareainIndonesia,withtwodifferenttypesofoperations:
oneinthesouthofBaliandoneinLovinaonthenorthsideofthe
island.Onthesouthside,largecommercialcruiseoperators
operatehighvolume,relativelyexpensivecruises.Veryfewof
thesetripsarededicateddolphinwatchingtrips,althoughoneoperatorestimatestheyencounterdolphins
85%ofthetime.Theonededicateddolphinwatchingtourtakesapproximately7,200dolphinwatchersper
year.
Inthetableabove,onlydedicateddolphinwatchershavebeenincludedfromsouthernBali.Thereare
potentiallymanymoreopportunisticwhalewatchersundertakingtripsinthisareaaspartoflarge,
commercialgeneralcruises,howeverthesearehighlyopportunisticsightings.Inthisreport,thesehavenot
beencountedduetothefactthatitisdifficulttoattributethesenumberstothecetaceanwatching
experience.Theslightdeclineonpreviousdatamaythereforereflectthisratherthananoveralldropin
totalwhalewatchersinIndonesia.
OnthenorthsideofBali,Lovinasdolphinwatchingoperatorsareverydifferent.Communitybased,they
usesmalljukung;long,narrowwoodendinghieswhichtakeamaximumoffourpassengers.Thereare
around164jukungrunningdolphintoursfromthefourdeparturepoints,Kalibukbuk,Kaliasem,Anekaand
Banyualit.Eachboatisindependentlyowned.Thesetripscost$56perpassenger.ResearchbyPutu'Icha'
LizafromJamesCookUniversitysuggeststhatLovinaoperatorstakearound29,000dolphinwatchersper
year.AsLovinaisrelativelyremote,thisisalargenumber,withperhaps85%oftouristsgoingtoLovina
goingdolphinwatching,highlightingtheimportanceoftheindustrytothissmallcommunity.
ThemainspeciestargetedbyoperatorsinBaliarespinnerdolphins.Othercommonspeciesinclude
pantropicalspotteddolphins,Frasersdolphins,Rissosdolphinsandshortfinnedpilotwhales.Boththe
SoutheastAsianandHawaiiantypesofspinnerdolphinsareseenhere.
InEastKalimantan,IrrawaddydolphinsarewatchedonsmallscaletoursoftheMahakamRiver.About
fourtouroperatorsarerunningthesetripsandarebeingencouragedbyalocalconservationgroup,YK
RASI,toraisecommunityandgovernmentsupportfortheestablishmentofaconservationarea.Several
boatdrivershavebeentrainedindolphinwatchingprotocols.Approximately150touristsparticipatedin
thesetripsin2008.
133

Whales migrate between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean through the Komodo National Park area in
eastern Indonesia. The Nature Conservancy Indonesia has been studying these migrations and hopes
cetaceanwatchingwillbepossibleinthefuture.Atpresentonlyuncountednumbersofopportunistic
whalewatchersgoonliveaboardanddivetripsinthepark.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
Irrawaddydolphin,spinnerdolphin,
pantropicalspotteddolphin
90%
10%
SmallboatbasedinLovina,largecommercial
boatsinsouthBali.Smallscaletoursin
Kalimantan.
$5.50inLovina,$49insouthBali
340
Yearround
Acknowledgements:
SpecialthankstoPutu'Icha'LizaatJamesCookUniversity,DanielleKrebofYKRASIandthemainoperatorsinsouth
Bali.ThankstoWidodoRamonoatTheNatureConservancyIndonesia.
134
Japan
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
10,992
55,192
102,785
191,970
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditures
Total
expenditure
N/A
71.2%
16.8%
6.4%
N/A
N/A
45
104
$371,000
$3,384,000
$4,300,000
$7,375,076
$4,377,000
$20,155,000
$28,684,000
$15,345,902
$4,748,000
$23,539,000
$32,984,000
$22,720,978
CapitalCity:Tokyo
Japanhasalargecetaceanwatchingindustryspreadacrossthe
lengthofthecountry.FromHokkaidointhenorthtotropical
OkinawaandOgasawarainthesouth,whalewatcherscanseea
widevarietyofwhalesanddolphins.Theindustryhasgrown
stronglysince1998,atanaverageannualrateof6.4%.Indirect
expenditurefigureshavebeencalculatedusingdifferent
methodology,andarenotdirectlycomparabletoearlierfigures.
Thecurrentindirectexpenditurefigureisbasedonhalfadayora
fulldayofaveragetouristexpendituredependingonthelengthof
thetour.Seemethodologysectionformoredetails.
ThelargestcetaceanwatchingregionisKyushu,withyearroundsightingsofbottlenosedolphinsattracting
over100,000visitors.TheothermainislandsHonshu,HokkaidoandShikokuallhavesubstantial
commercialwhalewatchingoperations,asdooutlyingislandssuchasOgasawaraandOkinawa,where
seasonalhumpbackwatchingprovidesincometotouroperatorsduringtheirtraditionallowseason.
JapanswhalewatchersarenearlyallJapanese,withmostoperatorsreportingdomestictouristsaccountfor
90%to100%ofvisitors.
BelowwehaveincludedaregionalbreakdownofthemainwhalewatchinglocationsacrossJapan.Thedata
inthefollowingsectionsreflectregionalproportionsoftheabovetotalnumberofwhalewatchersforthe
entirecountry.
Region Numberofwhale
watchers
Kyushu
115,600
Honshu
10,250
Ogasawara,
28,700
Miyakejima,
Mikurajima
Hokkaido
10,420
Okinawa
20,000
Shikoku
7,000
Total(2008)
191,970
Total(1998)
102,785
AAGR
Operators
16
5
47
Direct
expenditure
$2,998,407
$476,419
$1,868,400
Indirect
expenditure
$5,317,600
$1,060,875
$4,099,317
Total
expenditure
$8,316,007
$1,537,294
$5,967,717
8.3%
5.5%
6.9%
5.6%
5.4%
8.9%
6.4%
16.8%
8
20
8
104
45
$717,875
$986,667
$327,308
$7,375,076
$4,300,000
$995,110
$2,900,000
$973,000
$15,345,902
$28,684,000
$1,712,985
$3,886,667
$1,300,308
$22,720,978
$32,984,000
Acknowledgements:
SpecialthankstoYumiIshikawa,ToshiShiraiandKaeYoneyama.
135

Kyushu
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
52,000
115,600
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
8.3%
N/A
16
$1,198,119
$2,998,407
N/A
$5,317,600
N/A
$8,316,007
01:Amakusa
KyushusdolphinwatchingoperationsarecentredonAmakusain
Kumamotoprefecture,where13operatorstookapproximately
75,600touristsin2007toseebottlenosedolphins.Dolphin
watchinghasbeenrunningintheregionfor15yearsandhasseen
stronggrowthinthistimetobecomeJapansmostpopular
cetaceanwatchingarea.Otherdolphinwatchtripsrunfromacross
ShimbaraBayinNagasakiprefecture,takingaround40,000visitors.
OneoperatoroperatesoutofMinamiSatsuma,andreports
occasionalsightingsoflargercetaceans.
Theseboatbaseddolphinwatchingtripstakeplaceallyearround,butaremostpopularduringwarmer
months(MaytoOctober)especiallyholidayperiods.TripsrunforaroundtwohoursandcostaboutUS$30.
Mostoperatorsrunmultipletripsinadayduringbusyperiods.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin
5%
95%
Boatbased,shorttripstoseedolphins.
$30adult
58
MaytoOctober
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoTakarajimaTourismAssociationandsevenoperators
136

Honshu
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
7,042
10,250
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
5.5%
N/A
5
$367,000
$476,419
N/A
$1,060,875
N/A
$1,537,294
01:Choshi
02:IzuPeninsula
03:Notojima
04:HigashiMurogun
Honshuhasfourareasforwhaleanddolphinwatching:Choshiin
ChibaPrefecture,FutoontheIzuPeninsula,HigashiMurogunon
thesouthcoastofWakayamaPrefectureandarelativelynewsitein
Notojima,Ishikawaprefecture.Allsitesofferboatbasedtrips.
WellestablishedoperatorsinChoshiandWakayamahaveseen
solidgrowthintouristnumberssince1998.Theyofferregular,
boatbasedtripstoseespermwhales,Pacificwhitesideddolphins,falsekillerwhalesandRisso'sdolphins
mainlybetweenAprilandDecember.Thehalfdaytripscostbetween$30and$60.
OntheIzuPeninsula,onefishermanformerlyinvolvedindolphinhuntinghasturnedinsteadtodolphinand
whalewatching.Despiteyearsofwhalinganddolphinhuntinginthearea,someofwhichcontinuestoday,
touristsarenowabletoseespermwhalesandvariousspeciesofdolphinyearround.Thetripsaremost
popularinthesummerwhenseveralotherfishermenusetheirboatstoassistthemainoperator.Tripscost
around$40foradultswithdiscountsforchildrenandstudents.
AnewdolphinwatchingoperationhasbeenestablishedontheSeaofJapan/EastSeacoastatNotojima.
TheoperatorbelievesthelocalpodofdolphinshavemigratedtotheareafromseasaroundKyushuinthe
lastfewyears.Theoperatorcombinesdolphinwatchingwithvariouseducationandconservationactivities
andcourses.Themaindolphinwatchingtripsareboatbasedandcostaround$30.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
Largecetaceans:
spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,finlessporpoise,Pacific
whitesideddolphin,Rissosdolphin
5%
95%
Boatbased,shorttripstonearbypodsof
dolphinsandwhalehabitat.
$30
24
ApriltoOctober
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoShigeruSugawaraatProfessionalAssociationforCetaceanandMarineLifeInterpreters(PACI),Hiromi
YamaguchiatInternationalCetaceanEducationResearchCentre(ICERC)andfouroperators.
137

Ogasawara,Miyakejima,Mikurajima
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
14,700
28,700
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
6.9%
N/A
47
1,296,576
$1,868,400
N/A
$4,099,317
N/A
$5,967,717
01:Ogasawara
02:Mikurajima
03:Miyakejima
TheseislandsareadministrativelypartofTokyo,butaresome
distancefromthemainland.MiyakejimaandMikurajimaarean
eighthourferryridefromTokyo,whileOgasawaraisaround
1000kmsouth.Dolphinwatchingand,particularly,swimwithtrips
areverypopularontheseislands,particularlyMiyakejimaand
Mikurajima.Largercetaceanscanbeseenseasonallyfrom
Ogasawara.
Operatorsaremainlysmallbusinessessuchasdivingshops,diving
schools,innsorsceniccruiseoperators,withwhaleanddolphinwatchingbeingapartoftheirbusiness.
Localtourismandwhalewatchingassociationshelpcoordinateandmonitortheindustry,andalsohelpwith
marketing.
Ogasawarahasseenstronggrowthinitscetaceanwatchingindustry,from3,000visitorsin1998toaround
14,500in2007(latestcompleteseason).Manyofthesearerepeatvisitorsanditisnotuncommonfor
peopletogoonmultiplecetaceanwatchingtripsduringtheirvisit.TheOgasawaraWhaleWatching
Associationreportsthatbottlenoseandspinnerdolphinscanbeseenyearroundwhilespermandhumpback
whalescanbeseenseasonally.HumpbacksarebestviewedfromFebruarytoAprilandcanbeseenfrom
landaswellasbyboat.SpermwhalesvisitfromJunetoOctober.Avarietyoftripsareonofferwithan
averagepriceofaround$35forwatchingand$100forswimwithdolphinsandotherdivingtrips.
Miyakejimascetaceanwatchingisfocusedonswimwithtrips,witharound4,200visitorsthisyear,upfrom
3,150in2007.Thisgrowthisveryimportanttothelocaltourismindustry,whichhasbeenslowlyrecovering
sinceavolcaniceruptionforcedtheislandtobeevacuatedin2000.Priortotheeruptionmorethan80,000
touristsperyearvisitedtheislandanddolphinwatchingnumbershadbeenestimatedat8,300.Residents
wereonlypermittedtoreturntotheislandin2005.Touristshavebeenslowtoreturntotheislandwith
onlyaround45,000in2007accordingtotheMiyakejimatouristassociation.Theassociationconsiders
dolphinwatchingtobeanimportantdrawcardfortheisland.
MikurajimasdolphinwatchingindustryhascapitalisedonthedisturbanceonMiyakejima,withnumbers
increasingfrom3,000toaround10,000.TheimportanceoftheindustryisnotedbytheMikurajimaTourism
Association,whichclaimsdolphinwatchingandswimwithtripsareaprimaryattractionfor99%ofthe
islandsvisitors.
138

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
1%
99%
Swimwithtrips,boatbasedwatchingand
somelandbasedwatchingofhumpbacks.
$35forboatbasedwatching,$120forswim
withtours
100
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Mainwhalewatchseason: Yearroundfordolphins,FebruarytoAprilfor
humpbacksandJunetoOctoberforsperm
whalesinOgasawara.
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoTomomiYokoyamaatMiyakejimaTourismAssociation,KyoichiMoriatOgasawaraWhaleWatching
Association,KazunobuKogiatMikurajimaTourismAssociationandsevenoperators.
Hokkaido
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
6,027
10,420
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
5.6%
N/A
8
$381,352
$717,875
N/A
$995,110
N/A
$1,712,985
01:Rausu
02:Muroran
Hokkaidosboatbasedwhaleanddolphinwatchingoperationsexist
mainlyinRausuandMuroran.Avolunteerorganisationalsotakes
occasionaltripsfromKushiro.AlltripsarerunbetweenMayand
OctoberduetoHokkaidosharshwinters.Wintertripstoseeice
floesandsealsarepossible,butfewcetaceansarespotted.
Mostoperatorsalsoofferfishingchartersorsceniccruises;some
arealsoinnsthatofferboattrips.Duringthesummer,however,
mostrunregular,dedicatedwhalewatchingtrips,bringing
considerableincometotheregionaleconomy.Whiletherehasbeenstronggrowthinwhalewatcher
numberssince1998,somesmalleroperationshaveceasedandtheindustryseemstohaveconsolidatedin
MuroranandRausu.InRausu,theconsolidationmaybeinpartduetothedesignationofthenearby
ShiretokoBiosphereReservefocusingnaturetourismonthetown.
Raususeesthegreatestvarietyofcetaceans,althoughmanyinfrequently,withminke,sperm,Bairds
beakedwhales,orcas,shortfinnedpilotwhalesanddolphins.Otheroperatorsmainlytargetminkewhales,
Pacificwhitesideddolphinsandporpoises.
139
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
minkewhale,spermwhale(occasional)
Smallcetaceans:
Dallsporpoise,harbourporpoise,orca,Pacific
whitesideddolphin,shortfinnedpilotwhale
5%
95%
Boatbased
$72
24
MaytoOctober
Acknowledgements:
Thankstoalleightoperators.
Okinawa
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
7,000
20,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
5.4%
N/A
20
N/A
$986,667
N/A
$2,900,000
$178,294
$3,886,667
01:ZamamiandOkinawamainisland
OkinawaswhalewatchingindustryisfocusedontheOkinawamain
islandandonnearbyZamamiIsland.Boatbasedtripsrunfrom
JanuarytoMarchtoseehumpbackwhalesontheirbreeding
grounds.TheZamamiWhaleWatchingAssociationhashelpedto
setuptwolookoutsontheislandwherewhalescanalsobeseen
duringtheseason.
Operatorsaremainlydiveshopsthatalsorunwhalewatchingtrips
duringthethreemonthseason.Thereareabout20main
operators,thoughtensofothersmayrunawhalewatchingtripif
theyhavesufficientnumbers.Asthewinterseasonisaquiettimeforthediveshops,whalewatching
providesawelcomeactivityforthesebusinesses.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
5%
95%
Boatbased,somelandbasedviewing
$49
100
JanuarytoMarch
140

Acknowledgements:
ThankstoHirokazuOhtsuboattheZamamiWhaleWatchingAssociationandtenoperators.
Shikoku
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
17,873
7,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
8.9%
7
8
$715,135
$327,308
N/A
$973,000
N/A
$1,300,308
01:KochiPrefecture
Shikokuhaswhalewatchingatvariouspointsalongitssouthern
coastline,inKochiPrefecture.Boatbasedtrips,offeredmainly
throughfishingcooperatives,operatefromApriltoOctober.The
tripsencounterarangeofcetaceans,mainlyBrydeswhalesand
bottlenosedolphins,althoughhumpbackandspermwhaleshave
alsobeensighted.
ShikokuistheonlyareainJapantohaveseenamarkeddeclinein
thenumberofwhalewatchersaccordingtothedatagathered.All
operators,mainlyfishingcooperativeswhosemainactivityisnot
whalewatching,reportedlowerestimatesthanthosereportedin1998.Industrywatcherssuggestthatin
additiontoadeclineingeneralKochitourism,promotionoftheindustryhasnotkeptpacewithotherareas.
AlthoughKochiwasapioneeringareaforwhalewatchinginJapan,investmentanddevelopmenthavebeen
limited,withonlythelargestcooperativehavingawebsitewithuptodateinformationandbookingforms.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,shortfinnedpilotwhale,Rissos
dolphin
5%
95%
Boatbased
$49
20
ApriltoOctober
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoKotoeSasamori,MrKukitaattheKochiTourismConventionCentreandsevenoperators.
141
LocalCaseStudy:Japan
Internationally,Japanisbetterknownforwhalingthanwhalewatching.Manypeopleinnonwhaling
countriesaresurprisedtolearnthatJapanhasthelargestcetaceanwatchingindustryinAsia(bytotal
expenditure),particularlygiventhecontroversyoveritsscientificwhalingprogramme.Infact,Japans
whalewatchingindustrygeneratesmanytimesmorerevenuethanitswhalemeatindustry,whichisalso
heavilysubsidisedbythegovernment.
Japaneseattitudestowhales,whalingandwhalewatchingareoftenmisunderstoodbyforeigners.Japan
hasconservationistswhoarejustascommittedtoconservingcetaceansastheircounterpartsoverseas.
OtherJapanesearedeterminedtoprotectwhattheyseeastheircultural,economicandculinaryheritage,in
continuingtohuntandeatwhales.Thevastmajorityofthepopulationsitsinthemiddlebroadly
supportiveofconservation,considerthemselvesnatureloversandnotopposedtotheideaofeatingwhale
meat.ManyJapaneseseenocontradictioningoingwhalewatchingonedayandanotherdayeatingwhale.
WhalewatchingoperationsinJapansometimesreflectthisbreadthofopinion.Manyoperatorsemphasise
conservationandstrivetoinformtheirpatronsaboutcetaceanslivesandthethreatstheyface.They
provideinformationaboutwhalesandotherecologicalissues.ThisisparticularlythecaseinEastern
Hokkaido,OkinawaandOgasawara,areasknownfortheircleanenvironmentandecotourism.
Inotherareas,suchasShikoku,partsofHonshuandpartsofHokkaido,fishermenmakesomeextramoney
bytakingtouriststoseewhales,butthereislittleemphasisonconservationandlittleefforttodevelopinto
asustainabletourismindustry.Partsofthesecommunitiesaresaidtobeunfriendlytowardswhale
watching,duetoperceptionsthatitmayharmeffortstoreinstatewhalinginthefuture.Thisisashamefor
whalewatchinglocally,astheseareashavegreatpotential,withsomeofthebestlargecetaceansightingsin
thecountry.
Likepublicopinion,thevastmajorityofcetaceanwatchinginJapanisbetweenthesetwoextremes.Byfar
thelargestnumberofcetaceanwatchersinJapanwatchdolphinsinthewesternbaysofKyushu.Operators
heredonotseemtoemphasiseconservationissuesoreducation,buttheyarekeentopromotedolphin
watchinganddolphinsasalucrativesymboloftheareastourism.Dolphinwatchersareoftendaytrippers
andfamilies,whohavefunwatchingtheplayfuldolphins,withoutconsideringtheissuesthattroublethe
proandantiwhalingfactions.Dolphinwatchinghereisfunandlucrative.
Thislastpointaboutcetaceanwatchingbeinglucrativeisimportant.IrecentlymetaJapanesebutcherand
discussedJapanesemeatmarkets.Helamentedthatwhaletongue,hisfavouritecut,issodifficulttocome
by.HehadrecentlybeenwhalewatchinginVictoria,AustraliabutcouldnotunderstandwhyAustralians
wouldobjecttohissellingwhale,whentheyarequitehappytoeatkangaroo.Whilehehasnointentionof
stoppingeatingandsellingwhale,hewasinterestedtohearabouttheeconomicvalueofwhalewatchingin
Australia,Japanandotherplaces.Asasmallbusinessman,hequicklyunderstoodtheimplicationsofeven
limitedwhalingontheprofitsofbusinessessetuptowatchtherareandspectacularmammals.
ConvincingJapanesethatwhalingismorallywrongwillbeverydifficult.Convincingthemthattheirwhale
watchingindustryneedssupportandprotectionmightbealoteasier.
Rod Campbell Rod lived in Japan for two years and completed his undergraduate environmental economics
studies at Kyoto University. This is his personal reflection on whaling and whale watching in Japan.
142
Malaysia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
7,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
~39.5%
None
None
None
6
None
None
None
$308,000
None
None
None
$152,250
None
None
None
$460,250
CapitalCity:KualaLumpur
01:Kuching
02:Langkawi
DolphinwatchinginMalaysiaislargelyfocusedonSarawak,where
toursinriversandestuariesnearthestatecapital,Kuching,
encounterIrrawaddydolphinsandoccasionallyfinlessporpoises
andIndoPacifichumpbackdolphins.Dolphinwatchingtourswere
firstofferedinSarawakin1998,anddedicateddolphinwatching
toursnowattractaround1500touristsperyear,whilearound5500
seedolphinsopportunisticallyonothertours.
Toursareofferedbysixtouroperatorsandboatowners.Whiletherearededicateddolphinwatchingtours,
mosttourscombinedolphinwatchingwithotherwildlifeviewingandamangrovecruise.Themajorityof
touristsoptforcombinedtoursthatincludedolphinwatching,amangrovecruiseandwildlifewatching
(crocodiles,proboscismonkeys,birdlife,etc.).Atypicaltourwilllastfourhourswithperhapsonehour
allocatedspecificallytodolphinwatching,ifdolphinsarespotted,thenmoretimeisallocatedtothis
segmentofthetour.Tourscostaround$40.
SomeopportunisticdolphinwatchingisalsoofferedbycruiseoperatorsontheislandofLangkawi,but
sightingsareinconsistent,preventingregular,dedicatedtripsfromgettingstarted.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
Irrawaddydolphin
85%
15%
Boatbased,dedicateddolphinwatchingtrips
andothernaturetours.
$44
10
MarchtoNovember
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoWayneTarmanofTravelcomAsiaSdnBhd,dolphinsofsarawak.blogspot.comandthreeoperators.
143
Maldives
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
30
14,496
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
85.5%
None
None
1
13
None
None
$100,000
$525,536
None
None
$49,000
$56,000
None
None
$149,000
$581,536
CapitalCity:Mal
Asanationofsmall,tropicalislandswithalargetourismindustry,
theMaldiveshaveaconsiderablecetaceanwatchingindustry.The
oneoperatoridentifiedinthe1998surveyisstilloperatingata
similarcapacity,andisstilltheonlydedicatedwhalewatching
businessofferingexperiencedinterpretationoncetaceanwatching
trips.Otheroperatorsarebeachresortsthatofferdolphinwatching
tripstotheirguests.
Theonededicatedoperator,ownedbyanexperiencedmarine
biologist,runsapproximatelyfourmultiday,liveaboardcruisesper
year,betweenOctoberandMay.Theyseeawidevarietyofwhales
anddolphins,estimatedataround812differentcetaceanspeciespertrip.Thesetripsarefocusedon
internationaltouristsandcostaround$2000,includingfoodandcabin.Allthisexpenditureisincludedin
thedirectexpenditurecalculation.Theindirectexpenditurecalculationusedhereassumesthatthese
dedicatedwhalewatcherswillspendtwodaysinthecapitalandincludesthisexpenditureand$1000from
airfaresasattributabletowhalewatching.
TheMaldiveshasmanyisland/beachresortscateringtointernationaltouristsandseveral,approximately12,
haveexcursionstoseespinnerdolphins.Pricesvariedbetweenresorts,frombeingincludedwithroom
chargesto$120,dependingonthetrip,lengthoftimeandotheractivities,butwehaveusedanaverage
priceof$20inourcalculations.Mostresortsoffertripsyearround,thoughsomesaysightingsofteninvolve
travellingtoofarwhichhinderstheuptakeofdolphinwatching.Noindirectexpenditureisattributableto
thesedolphinwatchersasdolphinwatchinghasnotbeenafactorininfluencingtheirdecisiontogotothe
Maldives,orextendtheirstay.
InJuly2009,theMaldiveswillhostthefirstinternationalcetaceansymposiumintheIndianOcean,partlyto
markthe30yearanniversaryofthecreationoftheIndianOceanSanctuary.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Largecetaceans:
bluewhale,Brydeswhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
Rissosdophin,spinnerdolphin,shortfinned
pilotwhale
100%
0%
Boatbased,liveaboard,andshorttripsfrom
144
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
resorts
$20fordaytripsorganisedthroughresorts
$2000formultidayliveaboard
34
OctobertoMay
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoCharlesAndersonandfiveoperators.
Myanmar(Burma)
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
40
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
8
None
None
None
$5,560
None
None
None
$1,200
None
None
None
$6,760
CapitalCity:Naypyidaw
01:Mandalay
02:MerguiArchipelago
Myanmarhasasmallcetaceanwatchingindustryintwolocations.
InfrequenttripstoseetheIrrawaddydolphinruninitsnamesake,
theAyeyarwady(Irrawaddy)RiveraboveMandalay.Some
opportunisticdolphinandwhalewatchingalsotakesplaceinthe
MerguiArchipelagoaspartofscubadivingtrips.Operatorsaretour
organisers,whomayofferdolphinwatchingamongmanytour
options.
InformationaboutcetaceanwatchinginMyanmarisdifficulttoobtain,particularlyafterpoliticalviolence
andacyclonein2008.Priortotheseeventsapproximatelysixdolphinwatchingtripsraninayear.
InformationinthissectionisbasedonoperatorwebsitesandcommunicationwiththeregionsWildlife
ConservationSocietyrepresentative.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
Irrawaddydolphin
99%
1%
Infrequentboatbasedtripsinthe
Ayeyarwady(Irrawaddy)River
$139(basedonoperatorwebsite)
11
OctobertoFebruary
Acknowledgements:
145
ThankstoBrianSmithofWCSforhissurveyandseveralemails.
Nepal
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
150
125
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8%
None
Minimal
2
10
None
Minimal
$23,000
$2,135
None
Minimal
$6,000
$2,188
None
Minimal
$29,000
$4,323
CapitalCity:Kathmandu
01:KoshiRiver
02:KarnaliRiver
NepalhassmallpopulationsofGangesRiverdolphinsintheKoshi
andKarnaliRivers.Effortstopromotecetaceanwatching,
particularlybytheNepalCentreforRiverineLives,havemetwith
difficultiesduetopoliticalinstabilityoverthelasttenyears.
Oneecotourismoperatorofferssomededicateddolphinwatching
opportunitiesandseveraltrekkingoperatorslistthepossibilityof
seeingdolphinsontheirtrips.Oneevenoffersachancetokayakwithdolphins.Operatorsreportedsighting
dolphinsonbetween125%oftheirtrips,suggestingthatmostdolphinwatchingisopportunistic,although
thereareplanstoofferdedicateddolphinwatchingagaininthefuture.
TheabovefiguresarebasedonestimatesbyNGOsfordolphinwatchersin2008forthededicatedoperator
andtrekkingcompaniesfoundontheinternetthatuseddolphinwatchingintheirpromotionalmaterial.
Thedirectexpenditurefigureisbasedonaveragecostofonedaystrekkingthroughthesecompanies
dividedbytheirreportedsightingsrate.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
GangesRiverdolphin
90%
10%
Dolphinwatchingofferedaspartoftrekking
tours,somewithkayaking.
Trekkingtourscostaround$68perday.
14
N/A
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoGajendraJungattheNepalCentreforRiverineLives,NeeraPradhanatWWFNepal,AnnaForslundatWWF
Sweden,RajeshMallaatDepartmentofForestResearchandSurvey,SunitaChaudharyatTheRuffordSmallGrants
Foundationandthreeoperators.
146
Pakistan
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
250
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
0%
None
None
None
1
None
None
None
$2,500
None
None
None
$5,750
None
None
None
$8,250
CapitalCity:Islamabad
01:Sukkur
DolphinwatchingtakesplaceinadolphinreserveareaoftheIndus
River.ThetargetspeciesofthetoursistheIndusRiverdolphin,an
endangeredendemicsubspeciesoftheSouthAsianriverdolphin.
Since2000,WWFPakistanhasbeenworkingwithitsprovincial
partnerorganisationsfortheconservationofIndusRiverdolphins.
MosttripsleavefromSukkurinSindhProvince,southeastPakistan.
Theboattripsarenotyetrunningregularly,butareofferedona
casualbasisbyWWFPakistanandtheSindhWildlifeDepartment,in
cooperationwithlocalfishingboatowners.
AccordingtoWWF,about200to300touristsvisitSukkureachseason(OctobertoMarch)andgoondolphin
boatsafaris.Thedolphinsareimportantinattractingvisitorstotheregionasitisanendemic,uniqueand
threatened subspecies of freshwater dolphin only found in the Indus River and is a flagship species of
Pakistan. WWF has also been working on establishing marinebased dolphin and whale watching off
Pakistanscoast.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
IndusRiverdolphin(fellowsubspeciesofthe
GangesRiverdolphin,bothofwhichare
sometimescalledSouthAsianriverdolphins)
5%
95%
Informal,casualtoursofferedbyWWFand
SindhWildlifedepartmentinconjunctionwith
localfishermen
$10
1
OctobertoMarch
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoAhmadandUzmaKhanatWWFPakistan.
147
Philippines
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
Minimal
12,000
17,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5%
N/A
N/A
N/A
~60
Minimal
Minimal
$121,000
$540,540
Minimal
Minimal
$806,000
$1,022,400
Minimal
Minimal
$927,000
$1,562,940
CapitalCity:Manila
01:PamilacanIsland
02:Bais
03:PuertoPrincessa
04:MalampayaSound
WhaleanddolphinwatchingtourisminthePhilippineshasgrown
overthelasttenyears,particularlyintheCentralVisayas,around
Pamilacan,anislandsouthofBohol.OtherpopularareasareBais
onNegrosOrientalandPuertoPrincessaonPalawan.Local
governmentandNGOinitiativeshavebeenimportantin
establishingcetaceantourismassuccessfulenterprisesinalltheseareasbolsteredbyPhilippineDepartment
ofTourismandNewZealandAidassistance.
PamilacanIslandnowboastsupto60whaleanddolphinwatchoperators.Theareaaroundtheisland
(PanglaoandBaclayontowns)southofBoholreceivesroughly15,000passengersperyear.Arangeof
tourists,frompackagetourstobackpackers,areattractedtotheareaduetoBoholsculturalandeco
tourismfeautres,suchastheChocolateHills,Tarsiermonkeysanddivesites.Mostwhalewatchoperators
arefishermenwhohaveconvertedtheirboatstoworkinformally,offeringtripstotouristsonthebeach,
usingsmall,openboatsthattakefromfourto20passengers.Cetaceansarepresentinthewatersyear
round,withpeakseasonbeingfromDecembertoMay(thiscoincideswithpeaktourismnumbersand
calmerwaters).Maincetaceanssightedarespinner,bottlenose,Rissos,Frasersandpantropicalspotted
dolphinsaswellasmelonheadedandshortfinnedpilotwhales.OccasionallyBrydesandspermwhalesare
alsoseen,sometimesbringingcalves.
ThePamilacanIslandDolphinandWhaleWatchingOrganisation(PIDWWO)istheonlylocalcommunity
managedoperatorthatworkslikeacooperative,with40staffonrotation.Thebusinessplacesanemphasis
onprotectingthecetaceansandfollowsstrict,selfimposedguidelinestoensurethesustainabilityofthe
business.In2006thePIDWWOwonaTourismforTomorrowawardfromtheWorldTravel&Tourism
Council.
Concernshavebeenraisedaboutoperatorsonotherislandsintheareaofferingdaytoursusingpoorly
equippedfishingboats.Theyhaveminimalsafetystandardsforpassengersandcetaceans,butareattractive
totouristsastheycostconsiderablyless.
Pamilacanhasahistoryofwhalehuntingoverseveralhundredyearsandthecrewsoftodayswhale
watchingboatswereformerlywhaleanddolphinhunters.Theislandsnameisderivedfromthelocalterm
Pamilacanwhichisalargehookthatwasusedtoharpoonwhalesandotherlargemarinespecies,suchas
whalesharksandmantarays.Huntingoflargemarinelifecontinuedatasubsistenceleveluntilthemidto
148
late1990swhenimprovedtechnologyandboatenginessawhuntingincreasetounsustainablelevels.In
1997aprogrammetodevelopwhalewatchingtourismasanalternativeincomesourcefortheislandwas
begunbyWWFPhilippines,governmentagenciesanddonors.Withinoneyearofthebeginningofthe
programme,thenationalgovernmentbannedallhuntingofcetaceansandwhalesharks,forcingthe
islanderstorethinktheirlivelihood.
Thetransitionfromwhalehuntingtowhalewatchingwasnotsmooth.Consultationwiththelocal
communitywasinconsistentandtensionroseontheislandbetweenprohuntingandprotourismfactions.
Inrecentyearsthemajorityoftheislandhascometoendorsethetourismapproach,asgreatersocialand
financialgainscanbemadebydevelopingtourismontheislandthantheshorttermbenefitsoftradingthe
meatandfinsoflargemarineanimals.Auserfeesystem($1)isbeingimplementedtooffsetsomeofthe
costsoftourismmanagementandtooperateaticketingandbookingsystem.
FromBaisonNegrosOriental,severaltouroperatorscanorganiseboattripstoseepantropicalspotted,
spinnerandbottlenosedolphins.Tripscantakeupto20passengersandareusuallyaccompaniedbya
naturalistguide.Dolphinscanbeseenallyearround,butoperatorsfocusonaMarchOctoberseasonwhen
seasarecalmerandweatherismorefavourable.
FromPuertoPrincesaonPalawanthreedivingandcruisecompanieshavebegunofferingdedicateddolphin
watchingtripsfromMarchtoNovember.Thehalfdayboattripsencountermainlyspinner,pantropical
spotted,andRisso'sdolphinsandshortfinnedpilotwhales.Dolphinwatchingisbeingsupportedbyan
NGO,BantayKalikasanandthePuertoPrincesagovernment.
IrrawaddydolphinscanbewatchedintheMalampayaSound,wheretheTaytaylocalgovernment,WWF
Philippinesandthedepartmentoftourismpromotecommunitybasedtourism.Todate,thissitehas
attractedonlysmallnumbersoftouristsduetoitsgeographicalisolation.ThepopulationoftheIrrawaddy
is,however,reachingdirelevels.
AnothersiteunderdevelopmentisinCalayan,CagayanProvinceinnorthernLuzon.Theareahastheonly
knownbreedinggroundforhumpbackwhalesinthePhilippines,andacommunitybasedecotourismproject
isbeingdevelopedbytheCentreforRuralEmpowermentandtheEnvironment.
Inotherpartsofthecountry,resortsrunoptionalmarinemammalinteractionsfromCagayanandBatangas
inthenorth,toMasbate,Romblon,CebuanddowntoCagayanandDavaointhesouthofthecountry.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,Frasersdolphin,melon
headedwhale,pantropicalspotteddolphin,
Rissosdolphin,shortfinnedpilotwhale,
spinnerdolphin
65%
35%
Boatbased,halfdayorshortertrips
$32
175
Dolphinscanbeseenyearroundat
Pamilacan,whileBrydeswhalesareseen
fromFebruarytoMayandspermwhalesfrom
149
SeptembertoMay.PuertoPrincessaandBais
operatorsmainlyworkMarchtoOctober.
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoStuartJ.Green,LouellaDolar,TheresaR.Aquino,JoselinoS.Baritua,andYebSao,ElsonAcaandMavic
MatillanoatWWFPhilipines.
References:
MoreinformationaboutPamilacanstransitionfromwhalehuntingtowhalewatchingcanbefoundat
http://www.wisatamelayu.com/en/article.php?a=OEJGL3c%3D=
Russia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
100
Minimal
1,285
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.8%
N/A
N/A
N/A
11
Minimal
$300,000
Minimal
$537,684
Minimal
$50,000
Minimal
$609,070
Minimal
$350,000
Minimal
$1,146,754
CapitalCity:Moscow
01:SolovetskyIslands
02:KurilIslands
03:KamchatkaPeninsula
04:CommanderIslands
CetaceanwatchinghastwomaintypesofoperationinRussia,in
twoareas.InKarelia,inthecountrysnorthwest,belugascanbe
seenintheWhiteSea.Thousandsofkilometrestotheeast,
meanwhile,liveaboardcruiseshipstaketouristsonnaturetoursof
theKamchatkaPeninsulaandtheRussianFarEast,regularly
encounteringcetaceans.
TheWhiteSeacurrentlyofferstheonlydedicatedcetaceanwatchingtripsinRussia.Twotouroperators
offernaturetoursoftheregionthatseeavarietyofwildlifeandcanalsoarrangebelugawatchingtripsfor
around$38.Theseoperatorstookaround120peopleondedicatedbelugawatchingtripsin2008,mainly
touristsfromFinland.Boattripscanalsobearrangedcasuallyinthearea,particularlyaroundtheSolovetsky
Islands,sothereislikelytobeconsiderableopportunisticbelugawatchingnotincludedinthesefigures.
IntheRussianFarEast,severalcruiseoperatorsofferliveaboardcruisesoftheKurilIslands,Kamchatka
Peninsula,CommanderIslandsandotherareas.Allofthesetripsfocusonthenaturalbeautyand
biodiversityofthearea,focusingoncetaceanstovaryingdegrees.Thecruisesencounterawiderangeof
species,includingminkewhale,Dall'sporpoise,spermwhale,orcaandfinwhales.
Thesecruiseslastforaroundtwoweeks,withberthscostingatleast$5,000andaveragingaround$9,000,
includingallmealsandexpenses.Touristsonthesetripsaremainlyinternational.
Accuratenumbersofoperators,toursandtouristsareverydifficulttoobtaininthisremoteregion.The
numberofwhalewatchersaboveisbasedonlyfromcruiseoperatorsreplyingtooursurveyandshouldbe
150
consideredaminimumnumber.Directexpenditurehasbeencalculatedbymultiplyingfarepricesbythe
proportionofpromotionalmaterialrelatedtocetaceans,avaluethatvariedbetween116%.
CruisesfromPetropavlovskKamchatskyencountercetaceansoccasionally,butthisoccurstooinfrequently
tobeincludedinthisanalysis.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
finwhale,minkewhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
beluga,orca,Dall'sporpoise
99%
1%
Boatbasedshorttripstoseebelugasinthe
WhiteSea.Multiday/weekcruisesofthe
RussianFarEastofferingopportunistic
sightings
$38forWhiteSea,$9000forFarEastCruise
15
JunetoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
Thankstosevenoperators,theTouristInformationCentreofKarelia,SergeyFrolov,RaunoLauhakangasatthe
UniversityofHelsinkiandAlexanderBurdin.
151
SriLanka
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
620
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5%
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
6
N/A
N/A
N/A
$20,200
N/A
N/A
N/A
$31,000
N/A
N/A
N/A
$51,200
CapitalCity:Colombo
01:Galle
02:Kalpitiya
03:Trincomalee
SriLankahasaroundsixtourcompaniesandresortsthatorganise
whaleordolphinwatching,althoughmostofthisactivityisminimal
andirregular.In20072008,twoprominentoperatorsbegan
runningcommercialwhalewatchingtours,focusingonlarger
cetaceans,particularlyblueandspermwhales.Thesetripsare
mainlyrunfromthesouthofthecountryaroundGalleandMirissa
andcostaround$140.Approximately200whalewatchersundertookthesetripsthisyearandhadgood
sightingsintheDecembertoAprilseason.Thesetripsusedlargerboats,withtheabilitytotakewhale
watchersaconsiderabledistancefromshore.Thiswasthefirstseasonforthesetripsandoperatorsare
predictingstronggrowthindemandforthetours.
Otherbusinessesandresortsrunshorterdolphinwatchingtrips,particularlyoffthecoastofKalpitiyaand
Trincomalee.Around400peopleenjoyedsuchtripsin2008,offKalpitiyaandoperatorsareplanningto
expand.Thetripscostanaverageof$10foracoupleofhoursviewing.Operatorsclaimtoregularlysee
podsofupto1,000spinnerdolphinsaboutthreetofivekilometresfromtheshoreline.Theseasonforthese
tripsrunsfromOctobertoApril.
Tripstoseedolphinsclosetothecoastattractmainlylocalclientele,around80%beingSriLankans,while
theoffshorededicatedpelagicwhalewatchingtripstendtofocusontheoverseasmarkets.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
bluewhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin
90%(offshore),20%(closertrips)
10%(offshore),80%(closertrips)
Boatbased,withsomeonlarger,offshore
vessels,andothersrunningshortertrips
within5kmofthecoast.
$10forshorttrips,$130foroffshoretrips
8
OctobertoApril
152

Acknowledgements:
ThankstothreeoperatorsandAnoukIlangakoon(member,CetaceanSpecialistGroup,IUCNSpeciesSurvival
Commission).
Thailand
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
2,700
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditures
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.9%
None
None
N/A
10
None
None
Minimal
$8,100
None
None
Minimal
$27,000
None
None
Minimal
$35,100
CapitalCity:Bangkok
01:BangPakong
02:NakhonSiThammarat
03:SongkhlaLake
Despiteitsfamousbeachesandlargetouristindustry,Thailanddoes
nothavealargewhaleordolphinwatchingindustry.TheHoyt
reportmentionedthatdiveoperatorsinPhuketadvertisedsome
dolphintrips,butthesehavenotdevelopedintoregulartripsas
sightingsaretooinfrequent.OntheGulfofThailandside,waters
areshallowandthusunsuitableforpopulationsoflargecetaceans.
Despitethis,dedicateddolphinwatchingtripshavedevelopedin
twolocations,onBangPakongRiverinChachoengsaoProvince,nearBangkok,andinthesouthofthe
countryinNakhonSiThammarat.
BangPakongisaneasydaytripfromBangkok.ThejourneyismademainlybylocalstoseeIrrawaddy
dolphinsintheriver,orintheGulfofThailandwherethedolphinsfeedlaterintheday.Tripsarearranged
informallywithlocalfishermenforaround$15perboat,holdingfourtosixpeople.Moreformalcruises
fartheruptheBangPakongRivermayalsoseethedolphins.
InNakhonSiThammarat,boatscanbearrangedtoseepinkIndoPacifichumpbackdolphins.Itisdifficultto
estimatenumbersofdolphinwatchersinthearea,buttheredonotseemtobemany.Somesmallresorts
featurethepinkdolphinsintheirpromotionalmaterial,butareunsureofnumbers,sayingthatboatscanbe
arrangedwithadvancenotice.
SomedolphinwatchingoccursonSongkhlaLakefromThalaeNoi,PhatthalungProvince.Thefocusisa
small,endangeredpopulationofaround35Irrawaddydolphins.Ifeffortstoconservethepopulationof
dolphinsaresuccessful,moredolphinwatchingmaydevelop.
Researcherssuggestthatthereareseveralotherlocationswheredolphinwatchingcouldbedeveloped,and
surveysarebeingconducted.OnepromisinglocationisinTratProvince,wherethereisanotherpopulation
ofIrrawaddydolphins.ResearchersemphasisethatgivenThaidolphinwatchingdependsonsmall,
vulnerablepopulationsofcetaceans,strictregulationofoperations,ideallywithpermitcontrols,willbe
essentialtoensuresustainability.
153

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
Irrawaddydolphin,IndoPacifichumpback
dolphin
5%
95%
Shortboatcruises
$5
10
Yearround,butbusierincoolermonths,
NovembertoMarch
Acknowledgements:
ThankstothefishermenatBangpakongandtoSaisuneeChaksuinatWWFThailand,KanjanaAdulyanukosolatPhuket
MarineBiologicalCentre,SupotChantrapornsylatSouthernMarineandCoastalResearchCentreSongkhla,Somchai
MananunsapatEasternMarineandCoastalResoucesResearchCentre,Rayong
Turkey
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
N/A
N/A
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Ankara
01:BayofKalkan
02:CapeofKos
Inthelastglobalreport,aminimalamountofopportunisticdolphin
watchingwasreportedtohaveoccurredoncruisesintheAegean
andBlackSeas,butnoneofthiswasconsideredtobededicated
whalewatching.In1998,itwasstatedthatconsiderablepotential
existedforsmallcetaceanwatchingintheselocations.
Researchconductedforthisreportin2008indicatednofurther
growthofwhalewatchinginTurkey.Nodedicatedorsubstantial
opportunisticcetaceanwatchinghasdevelopedintheAegeanandBlackSeas,althoughdolphinsare
sometimessightedfromdivetripboats,particularlyaroundtheBayofKalkan.Sailingcruiseoperatorsinthe
AegeanSeareportthattheyseepodsofdolphinsseveraltimesperweek,includingRissosdolphincalves
aroundCapeofKosandlongfinnedpilotwhalesoccasionallyeachseason.
Withinthemethodologyappliedtothisreport,ithasbeenconsideredthereforethattherewaslittlewhale
watchingin2008,withlittletourismexpenditureassociatedwithcetaceans.
154
Oceania,PacificIslandsandAntarctica
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
376,375
540,200
976,833
2,477,200
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
N/A
12.8%
15.9%
9.7%
3
6
12
17
$10,051,000
$18,622,000
$35,494,000
$117,180,363
expenditure
$36,518,000
$49,088,00
$87,766,000
$210,688,889
$46,569,000
$67,710,000
$123,260,000
$327,869,252
WhalewatchingintheOceania,PacificIslandsandAntarcticaregionhasgrownstronglyinrecentyearsto
becomeasignificantandwidespreadindustry.AcrosstheSouthPacificandintotheNorthPacific,small
islandcountriesandterritorieshaveemergingwhaleanddolphinwatchingindustriesthathavethepotential
toinjectimportanteconomicactivityintheirsmallandoftenfragileeconomies.
Oceania,PacificIslandsandAntarcticahavebeenwellcoveredbyresearchoverthetenyearperiodsince
theHoytReportwasreleased.StudiesundertakenforIFAWbyEconomistsatLargehaveupdatedfiguresfor
manyofthecountriesintheregioninthelastfiveyearsinfiveseparatereports.Asaresult,thepatternof
growthinthisregioniswellmapped.
Whatwehavefoundisacontinuallygrowingindustryacrossallcornersoftheregion,ledbysignificant
whalewatchingindustriesinNewZealand,Australia,GuamandmorerecentlyAntarctica.
Seventeencountriesinthisregionhavesomeformofwhalewatchingactivity,upfrom12countriesin1998.
Theindustrytakesnearly2.5millionwhalewatchersontrips,wellabovethe1998figureof1million.This
155
representsasignificantaverageannualgrowthrateofjustunder10%perannumsince1998.Acrossthe
entireregion,theindustryisresponsibleforover$300millioninexpenditures,upfrom$123millionin1998.
Forthissectionofthereport,wehaveusedadditionaldatafromreportsundertakenoverthelastfiveyears
byEconomistsatLargefortheOceaniaregionNewZealand,Australia,TongaandthePacificIslandshave
allbeenresearchedaspartofseparatereportsforIFAW. 27
ForthePacificIslands,arecentreportwasreleasedin2008thatlookedattheindustryin2005.Wehave
drawnonthisforthefiguresproducedinthisreport,inmanycasesreplicatingthoseearlierfigures(where
whalewatchingwasalowlevelactivity).Insomecases,wehaveprojectedagrowthtrendforwardfromthe
2005figuresbasedoncountrytourismarrivaldatacombinedwithmostrecentgrowthratesinwhalewatch
tourism.Wherethishasoccurred,ithasbeennotedinthecountrysummarybelow.ForthemajorPacific
Islands,wheremostofthewhalewatchactivityoccurs,discussionwithlocalcountrycontactsassistedto
ascertaintherateofchangesincethe2005datawasgathered.Whereanygrowthprojectionsareestimated
(from20052008),wehavebasedtheseonaconservativefigureof2.4%annualaveragegrowthrateof
internationalinboundtourism.ThisfigureisreportedbytheUNWorldTourismOrganisationastheaverage
rateofgrowthacrosstheOceaniaregionfor200004(mostrecentdataavailable).Thesamerateofgrowth
hasbeenappliedtoexpenditurelevels.
InthecaseofAustraliaandNewZealand,entirelynewsurveyshavebeencompletedforthisreportinorder
togatherthemostuptodatedataonthesecountries,duetothesignificantsizeoftheirrespective
industries.WehavealsocoveredwhalewatcherstoAntarcticaforthefirsttimesinceIFAWs1998global
study,andGuamhasbeentotallyreresearchedasithassuchasignificantproportionofthewhalewatching
tourisminthePacificIslandsregion.ForthecountriesofAmericanSamoa,theCookIslands,theFederated
StatesofMicronesia,Fiji,FrenchPolynesia,NewCaledonia,Niue,Palau,PapuaNewGuinea,Samoaandthe
SolomonIslands,someresearchisalsoderivedfromanunpublishedearlyversionofthePacificIslands
whalewatchingreportfromAugust2006.
Acknowledgments:
ThanksgoouttomanypeoplewhohavebeengenerouswiththeirtimeforthisandpreviousworkEconomistsatLarge
haveundertakenintheOceaniaregioninthelastfiveyears.Inparticular,DarrenKindleysidesandOliveAndrewsfrom
IFAW,ClaireGarrigueandAlineSchafferfromOprationCtacs,MikeDonoghuefromtheNewZealandDepartment
ofConservation,andMarkOramsamongmanyothers.
27
EconomistsatLarge2008,PacificIslandsWhaleWatchTourism:aregionwidereviewofactivityanIFAWreport;
EconomistsatLarge2008,WhaleWatchingTourismintheKingdomofTonga,areportforIFAWandOprations
Ctacs;EconomistsatLarge2005,TheGrowthofWhaleWatchinginSydney20032004:EconomicPerspectives,an
IFAWReport;EconomistsatLarge,2005,TheGrowthoftheNewZealandWhaleWatchingIndustry,anIFAWReport;
EconomistsatLarge2004,FromWhalerstoWhaleWatchers:thegrowthofwhalewatchingtourisminAustralia,an
IFAWreport.
156
Country
Growthbetween
1998and2008
AAGR
0%
33.7%
8.3%
31.9%
0%
1998
2008
AmericanSamoa
Minimal
Minimal
Antarctica
2,503
45,520
Australia
734,962
1,635,374
CookIslands
Minimal
3,989
FederatedStatesof
230
Minimal
Micronesia
Fiji
Minimal
Minimal
0%
FrenchPolynesia
Minimal
6,442
38.4%
Guam
4,000
221,155
49.4%
Midway
289
Minimal
0%
NewCaledonia
1,695
6,222
13.9%
NewZealand
230,000
546,445
9%
Niue
50
290
19.2%
Palau
Minimal
Minimal
0%
PapuaNewGuinea
Minimal
644
9.9%
Samoa
Minimal
778
12%
SolomonIslands
Minimal
537
7.9%
Tonga
2,334
9,804
15.4%
REGIONALTOTAL
976,063
2,477,200
9.8%
AAGR.
157
158

AmericanSamoa
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0%
None
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:PagoPago
01:FagateleBay
AmericanSamoahasasmalltourismindustryaround6,000
visitorsarrivingeachyearbyplane,andestimatesofupto10,000
moreoncruiseships 28withnoformalwhalewatchingevident.
Someoccasionallandbasedviewingofhumpbackwhalesand
dolphinsisreportedtooccurfromTutuilaIsland.Amarine
protectedarea(MPA)hasbeenestablishedatFagateleBay(the
FagateleBayNationalMarineSanctuary,managedbytheNational
OceanicandAtmosphericAdministrationoftheUnitedStatesDepartmentofCommerce)wherehumpbacks
arebelievedtovisitandbreedbetweenAugustandOctober.Occasionalcruisesreportedlyvisitthisarea
andviewcetaceans,buttherewasnoregularwhalewatchingactivityevident.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
N/A
N/A
OccasionalboatbasedtourstoMPA
N/A
None
AugusttoOctober
Acknowledgements:
AmericanSamoanOfficeofTourism,NationalParkofAmericanSamoaFagateleBayNationalMarineSanctuary
References:
ResearchforthiscountrywastakenfromthePacificIslandsWhaleWatchTourismreportundertakenbyEconomistsat
LargeforIFAW.2008dataareaprojectionfrom2005,remainingatanassumedminimallevelofwhalewatchactivity.
28
AmericanSamoanOfficeofTourism,pers.comm.,&NationalParkofAmericanSamoa,pers.comm.,March2006
159
Antarctica
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
1,175
2,000
2,503
45,520
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
19.4%
5.8%
33.7%
N/A
N/A
18
55
$5,900,000
$10,000,000
$15,348,000
$36,838,253
None
None
$1,252,000
None
$5,900,000
$10,000,000
$16,600,000
$36,838,253
01:AntarcticPeninsula
02:RossSea
TourismtoAntarcticahasseenverysubstantialgrowthinvisitor
numberssince1998,whichhastranslatedintostrongwhale
watchinggrowth.Totalcetaceanwatchingexpendituremorethan
doubledfrom$16.6millionin1998tonearly$37millionin2008.
BecauseoftheabsenceofpermanentresidentsontheAntarctic
mainland,alltouriststoAntarcticaareconsideredinternational,the
majoritytravellingbyshipfromSouthAmerica.Asubstantial
numberoftouroperatorsconductexcursionsalongtheAntarcticcoastlinethatadvertisetheopportunityfor
customerstoobservewhales,withsomehighlightingwhalesasamajorpartofthetrips,indicatingthat
whalewatchingisanattractionthathelpstomotivateasignificantproportionofoveralltourismtothe
region.
TheAntarcticPeninsulaisthemostfrequentlyvisitedregionofAntarcticaforcoastalseabasedtours,inpart
duetoitsproximitytotheArgentineseaportofUshuaia,fromwherethemajorityofexcursionsdepart.
SomeoperatorsalsoconductvisitstotheRossSearegion.Inbothareasthemaintourismseasonisduring
theaustralsummer(NovembertoMarch)althoughcetaceansightingsarereportedlybetterlateinthe
season.Surveyresponsesalsoindicatethatmigratingcetaceanpopulationsareparticularlyhighoverthis
period.
Withtheexceptionoflargecruiseliners,mostcoastalexpeditionsaroundAntarcticaoffervisitorsthe
opportunitytoparticipateinshortexcursionsonsmallinflatablewatercraft.Thisenablespassengersto
comeintocloseproximitytoadiverserangeofcetaceanspecies,particularlyorcasandhumpbackwhales,
althoughotherspecies,includinghourglassdolphins,Antarcticminkewhales,southernbottlenosewhales
andArnouxsbeakedwhales,arealsooccasionallysighted.
VisitornumbersforAntarcticaweresourcedfromtheInternationalAssociationofAntarcticaTourOperators
(IAATO),anorganisationdevotedtosafeandenvironmentallyresponsibletraveltothecontinent,which
offersdetailedtravelstatisticsonitswebsite.Surveyswerealsoreceivedfromasmallproportionofthe
operators.Astripsinthisregionhaveallcostsincludedintheticketpriceonceonboard,thereisnoindirect
expenditurecalculatedforthisreport.Itshouldbenotedhowever,thatthereislandsideindirect
expenditureencounteredbytouristsattheirembarkinganddisembarkingports.Estimatesforthis
expenditurehavebeencomprehensivelyestimatedinanearlierreport(seeHoyt&Iguez,2008).Onlya
smallproportionoftotalticketpriceisincludedinthecalculationofdirectexpenditureinthisreport(13%
onaverage),basedontheproportionofacruisededicatedtowhalewatchactivities.
160
Forconsistencywiththemethodologyofthisreport,allboatbasedvisitorstoAntarcticain2008havebeen
countedasopportunisticwhalewatchers,duetothefactthatwatchingmarinemammalsoccursaspartof
alltrips,amajorityinspecialisedsmallwatercraft.Furthermore,alltripsoccurinpeakwhaleseasonwhen
whalesarereportedtobeabundantinAntarcticwaters(accordingtooperatorresponses).Asanaverage
(fromsurveyresponses),approximately13%oftimeonatriptoAntarcticainvolvessomeformofcetacean
watching.ThisthereforeassumesthatalltouriststoAntarcticahavesomeformofwhalewatching
experience.
Importantly,the1998figuresabove(2,503)werebasedonadifferentmethodologywhichcountedonly25%
oftotalvisitorstoAntarcticaaswhalewatchers,andassuch,thegrowthfigureof33.7%overstatesthe
actualgrowththathasoccurred.Ifweweretocalculategrowthonthesametermsaswehavecounted
whalewatchersfor2008,thenthemorecomparativeAAGRfigure(growingfrom10,000to45,520)is16.4%.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,Antarcticminkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
Arnouxsbeakedwhale,hourglassdolphin,
orca,southernbottlenosewhale
100%
0%
Expeditionaryseavoyages,frequently
combinedwithshortinflatableboat
excursions.Luxurycruiselinersandyacht
tours.
$6,225
220
NovembertoMarch
Acknowledgements:
InternationalAssociationofAntarcticaTourOperatorsandoperators.
161
Australia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2003
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
335,200
446,000
734,962
1,618,027
1,635,374
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
10.0%
13.3%
17.1%
8.3% 29
N/A
N/A
223
209
137
$3,056,000
$4,662,000
$11,869,000
$19,118,775
$31,018,879
$29,213,000
$40,338,000
$44,327,000
$160,479,162
$140,952,919
$32,269,000
$45,000,000
$56,196,000
$179,597,937
$171,971,798
CapitalCity:Canberra
ThevastcoastlineofAustraliaoffersmanyboat,landandair
basedwhalewatchingopportunities.Since1998,thenumberof
whalewatchershasmorethandoubled,from735,000toover1.6
million,representinganannualaveragegrowthrateof8.3%.Over
thedecade,whalewatchinginAustraliahasbeenastoryofgrowth
andredistribution,asnewareashavestartedofferingwhale
watchingandexistingareashaveseentouristnumbersplateauor
evendecline.WhalewatchingtourisminAustraliaisnowa$31
milliondollarindustry(intermsofdirectexpenditure),generating
totalexpenditureof$172millionanddirectlysupportingan
estimated617jobs.Largedeclinesinthenumberofoperatorssince1998,andeven2003,aretheresultof
includingonlyactiveoperatorsinthisstudy.Previousresearchhadincludedallpermitholders,regardlessof
whethertheywererunningcommercialtripsornot.
AsignificantstudywasundertakenforAustraliain2003(EconomistsatLarge,2004)thatassessedthe
growthinwhalewatchingsince1998.Overall,2008numbershavebeenrelativelysteadysince2003,but
theboatbasedcomponentofwhalewatchinghasgrownatarateof3.2%peryear,withnumbersincreasing
from558,336touristsin2003to653,825touristsin2008.
AlongtheeasternandwesterncoastofAustralia,theprimaryfocusofwhalewatchingisthemigrationof
humpbackandsouthernrightwhales.Dolphinwatchingaccountsforalargenumberofallwhalewatching
touristsinAustralia,withsignificant,longestablishedindustriesatMonkeyMiainWesternAustralia,Port
PhillipBayinVictoria,PortStephensinNewSouthWales,MoretonBayandHerveyBayinQueensland.
HerveyBaycontinuestoattractthelargestnumberoflargecetaceanwatchingtouristsnearly65,000in
2008.PortStephensattractsthelargestannualnumberofboatbasedwhalewatchtouristsanywherein
Australiaitreceivedjustover270,000touristsin2008,over80%ofwhomweretherefordolphinwatching
tours.
InthesouthofAustralia,southernrightwhalesarepredominantlythefocusoflandbasedwhalewatching
alongthecoastofVictoria,SouthAustraliaandWesternAustralia.Residentbottlenosedolphinpopulations
alsomakeupasignificantproportionoftheindustryintheseareas.Humpbackwhalesarealsoseenalong
thesecoastlines,aswellasspermwhalesandoccasionallybluewhales.Theonlyknowndedicatedblue
whaleoperatorinAustraliarunshelicoptertripsoutofPortlandinVictoria.
29
AAGRfrom1998to2008
162
Since2000,TourismResearchAustralia(TRA)hasbeenkeepingstatisticsonboatbasedwhalewatchingin
Australia,throughtheInternationalandtheDomesticVisitorSurvey.FiguresfromTRAshowthatsince
2003,boatbasedwhalewatchinghasincreasedatanaverageannualrateof8.2%,from301,064whale
watchersin2003to447,471whalewatchersin2008.NumbersinthisreportdiffertoTRAsduetothe
inclusionofdolphinwatching,aswellasopportunisticwhalewatchers.Furthermore,researchforthis
reportwasgathereddirectlyfromoperators,ratherthanextrapolatedfromtouristsurveys.Nevertheless,
therateofgrowthremainsconsistentwiththisresearch.
Inthefollowingsections,wehaveincludedaregionalbreakdownofthemainwhalewatchinglocations
acrossAustraliaonastatebystatebasis.Thedatainthefollowingsectionsreflectregionalproportionsof
theabovetotalnumberofwhalewatchersfortheentirecountry.
State
Queensland
NewSouthWales
Victoria
Tasmania
SouthAustralia
WesternAustralia
Total(2008)
Total(1998)
Numberof
whalewatchers
349,251
811,673
56,310
24,245
194,026
199,870
1,635,374
734,962
AAGR 30
8.5%
14.7%
5.6%
37.6%
6.2%
1.8%
8.3%
Numberof
operators
49
40
11
2
7
28
137
223
Direct
expenditure
$10,874,783
$12,932,773
$871,554
$717,034
$1,015,109
$4,607,626
$31,018,879
$11,869,000
Indirect
expenditure
$46,208,441
$52,428,992
$3,367,308
$1,071,611
$13,528,760
$24,347,807
$140,952,919
$44,327,000
Total
expenditure
$57,083,224
$65,361,765
$4,238,862
$1,788,645
$14,543,868
$28,955,433
$171,971,798
$56,196,000
Acknowledgements:
SimonAllen(MurdochUniversity)andFrankFuture(WhaleandDolphinWatchAustraliaInc)
30
AAGRfrom1998to2008
163

Queensland
Year
1998
2003
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
154,540
229,168
349,251
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
5.6%
8.5% 31
42
43
49
$4,222,000
$7,341,498
$10,874,783
$17,500,000
$54,879,789
$46,208,441
$21,722,000
$62,221,288
$57,083,224
01:GreatBarrierReef
02:HerveyBay
03:TinCanBay
04:StradbrokeIsland
05:MoretonBay
06:GoldCoast
Queenslandoffersavarietyofwhalewatchingexperiences,
includingboatandlandbasedwhalewatching,swimwithand
dolphinfeeding.Since1998,whalewatchinginQueenslandhas
grownatanaverageannualrateof8.5%andin2008,thestate
hostednearly350,000whalewatchingtourists,representing21%of
Australiastotalfigure.HerveyBayandMoretonBaycontinuetobesignificantareasforwhalewatching
tourismandHerveyBaycontinuestoholdanannualwhalefestivalinAugust,althoughHerveyBayhasseen
adeclineinwhalewatchingnumberssince1998,whennumbersplateaued.Somehaveindicatedthatthe
expansioninwhalewatchingatotherlocationsalongthesoutherncoastofQueenslandhasimpactedon
numbersatHerveyBay,aspeoplecangowhalewatchingclosertolargepopulationandtouristcentres.
ThemajorityofwhalewatchinginQueenslandstilloccursinthesouthofthestate,betweenHerveyBayand
theGoldCoast.Attracting280,000whalewatchersperannum,theindustryinthisareahasgrown
significantlysincethelastmajorstudywasundertakenin2003,whenitwasestimatedthattherewere
159,000whalewatchers;themaingrowthhasoccurredintheGoldCoastandatTinCanBay.IntheGold
Coast,anewwhalewatchingindustryhasemergedsince1998,andisestimatedtohavetakenover30,000
whalewatchingpassengersin2008.InTinCanBay,thereisalsodolphinfeedingindustrythatwasnot
includedin2003or1998studies.ThisisoneofonlythreeformaldolphinfeedinglocationsinAustralia,the
othersbeingatTangaloomaResortonMoretonIslandNationalParkinQueenslandandMonkeyMiain
WesternAustralia.
WhalewatchinginSouthQueenslandfocusesonhumpbackwhales,IndoPacificbottlenosedolphinsand
IndoPacifichumpbackdolphins.
BetweenJulyandNovember,boatbasedwhalewatchingtripsareofferedinHerveyBay,MoretonBayand
theGoldCoast.Boatbasedtripsgenerallylastfortwotofourhourswithanaverageadultticketpriceof
$64.
LandbaseddolphinfeedingactivitiesareofferedfromTangaloomaResortonMoretonIslandaswellasat
BarnaclesCafneartheTinCanBayboatramp.Landbasedobservationofmigratinghumpbacksalsotakes
placefromPointArkwrightandPointPerry,closetoCoolumBeach,aswellasfromFraserIslandand
StradbrokeIsland.
31
AAGRfrom1998to2008
164

Farthernorth,intheGreatBarrierReefMarineParkoffthecoastofPortDouglas,uniqueswimwith
encounterswithdwarfminkewhalescontinuetobeoffered,withtheindustryhavingmaturedsomewhat
since1998.Eightoperatorsrunningtripsintheregionarenowfullypermittedtoconductswimwithtrips,
generallyofferedbetweenJuneandJulyoropportunisticallyaspartofdayorliveaboardtripsintheregion.
Theareaistheonlyknownreliableaggregationsitefordwarfminkewhalesandassuchthisistheonly
industrybasedondwarfminkewhalesintheworld.Formoreinformation,seethecasestudybelow.
OpportunisticboatbasedwhalewatchingoccursthroughouttheGreatBarrierReef.In2003,thesenumbers
wereestimatedannuallyat60,000tourists.Noestimateofthesenumbershasbeenincludedinthisstudy
duetotheunavailabilityofupdateddata.Followingareviewofoperationalpolicyandcetacean
conservationbytheGreatBarrierReefMarineParkAuthority(GBRMPA),operatorsarenolongerrequired
toholdwhalewatchingpermitstoundertakewatchingofcetaceansinthismarinepark.Whalewatching
operationsarenowmanagedthroughregulationsratherthanpermits,aswasthecasein2003.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
dwarfminkewhale(subspeciesofminke
whale),humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
IndoPacificbottlenosedolphin,
IndoPacifichumpbackdolphin
23%
77%
Boatbased,swimwith,dolphinfeeding,
landbased
$65
216
JunetoJuly(dwarfminkewhales)
JulytoNovember(humpbackwhales)
Yearroundfordolphins
Acknowledgements:
AlastairBirtles,NatalieStoeckl,MarinaFarr,ArnoldMangott,MatthewCurnockandPeterValentineatJamesCook
University,AnneCaillaud(GBRMPA),PeterLynch(BlueDolphinMarineTours),SteveSomers(DolphinEcoTours),
AnthonyArden(GoldCoastWhaleWatchingPty.Ltd.),AnthonyMuyt(QueenslandEPA),TrevorHassard(Tangalooma
IslandResort),BreeKloda(RedlandsTourism),KirstenWortel(QueenslandEPA)andallotheroperatorswhokindly
participatedinourresearch.
165

NewSouthWales
Year
1998
2003
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
206,000
936,630
811,673
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
20.8%
14.7% 32
73
28
40
$3,565,000
$6,596,423
$12,932,773
$9,211,000
$56,030,066
$52,428,922
$12,776,000
$62,626,489
$65,361,765
01:ByronBay
02:PortStephens
03:Huskisson
04:Sydney
05:Merimbula
06:Eden
Withanindustrystretchingthelengthofthecoast,fromByronBay
inthefarnorthallthewaytoEdeninthesouth,NewSouthWales
(NSW)hasalargeanddiversewhalewatchingindustry.Thestate
nowaccountsforjustover800,000whalewatchers,or50%ofall
whalewatchingtouristsinAustralia.Thisisupfromjustover
200,000whalewatchersin1998,representinganaverageannualgrowthrateof14.7%acrossthedecade.
Thedecadehasseenwhalewatchingspreadoutalongthecoast,withnewregionssuchasCoffsHarbour,
PortMacquarieandSydneynowofferingtrips.Ofthese,Sydneybeingthelargestpopulationcentreanda
populartouristdestinationhasseenthedevelopmentofasignificantindustryestimatedtohavetakenover
25,000whalewatchingpassengersin2008.
Since2003,whalewatchinginNSWhasdeclinedatanaverageannualrateofnearly3%,butthisisdueto
decreasedestimatesforlandbasedwhalewatchingratherthananyrealdropinformalboatbasedwhale
watching,anestimatethatssupportedbythefactthatoperatornumbershavegrownsubstantiallyinthat
period.Thenumberofboatbasedwhalewatchersgrewatanaverageannualrateof2.6%overthisperiod,
from319,706in2003to363,940in2008.
DolphinwatchingaccountsforasignificantproportionofallwhalewatchinginNSW,withsignificantdolphin
basedtourismatByronBay,PortStephens,Huskisson(JervisBay),EdenandMerimbula.Tripsfocused
solelyondolphinsgenerallylastlessthantwohours,whilethosefocusedonlargecetaceans(andgeneral
ecotours)canlastuptothreehours.Theaverageticketpricefordolphinonlywatchingtripsis$18for
adultsand$10forchildren.
Ofthosetargetinglargecetaceans,operatorsallalongthecoastofferseasonaldedicatedwhalewatching
tours,usuallybetweenJuneandNovember,focusedonthehumpbackmigration.Someoperatorsalsooffer
whalewatchingaboardhighspeedvessels,offeringdedicatedwhalewatchingtripswithashortertravelling
timetolocatewhales.Averagepricesforlargecetaceanwatchingtripsarehigher,at$51foradultsand$26
forchildren.
Intermsofspecies,themainfocusoftheindustryisthenorthernandsouthernmigrationofhumpback
whalesandIndoPacificbottlenosedolphins.Thenorthernmigrationofhumpbackwhalesoccursduring
JuneandJulywiththesouthernmigrationtakingplacebetweenSeptemberandNovember.Someareas
32
AAGRfrom1998to2008
166
suchasPortStephens,Huskisson,Eden,MerimbulaandByronBayrundolphinwatchingtripsallyearround,
sometimesaspartofdivingtripsorgeneralcruises.Southernrightwhalesarealsoseenalongthecoastbut
tendnottomigrateasfarnorthashumpbackwhales.Otherspeciesoccasionallyseenincludeorcas,long
finnedpilotwhales,seiwhales,finwhales,falsekillerwhales,spermwhales,pygmyrightwhales,pygmy
spermwhales,Brydeswhalesandbluewhales.
LandbasedwhalewatchingispossiblefrommanylocationsalongtheNSWcoast,withtheNSWDepartment
ofEnvironmentandClimateChangelisting14landbasedlocationswithinnationalparkssuitableforwhale
watching.TheselocationsstretchfromCapeByronStateConservationAreainthenorthtoBenBoyd
NationalParkinthesouth.Thisreporthasestimatedthatin2008,450,000landbasedwhalewatching
touristsattendedestablishedwhalewatchinglocations.Thisfigurehasdeclinedsince2003,whenthe
estimatednumberoflandbasedtouristswasnearly620,000.
However,600,000oftheestimatedtouristsfrom2003wereattributabletoByronBay.Inthisreport,land
basedwhalewatchersinByronBayareestimatedatafigureof370,000,basedonupdatedinformationfrom
NSWParksandWildlife.
NSWwillcontinuetohaveastrongwhalewatchingindustryandseemstobeapproachingapointof
maturity,withwhalewatchingoperatorsrunningtripsthelengthofthecoast.Inthisscenario,some
concernsremainregardingthehumanencountertimeforanindividualwhale.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,southernrightwhale
Smallcetaceans:
IndoPacificbottlenosedolphin
N/A
22%
78%
Boatbased,landbased
$51(whalewatching)
$18(dolphinwatching)
$30(ecocruiseswithopportunisticcetacean
watching)
257
Varieswithlocationalongthecoastbut
generallybetweenJuneandNovemberfor
humpbackwhales.
Yearroundfordolphins.
Acknowledgments:
SimonAllen(MurdochUniversity),MeganKessler(MacquarieUniversity),ElizabethHawkins(SouthernCross
University),RobynKesby(NSWDepartmentofEnvironmentandClimateChange),CraigShephard(NSWDepartmentof
EnvironmentandClimateChange),RichardMcEvilly(MarineParksAuthorityNSW),SueWalker(MarineParksAuthority
NSW),FrancesClements(MarineParksAuthorityNSW),PeterHay(NSWDepartmentofEnvironmentandClimate
Change),FrankFuture(WhaleandDolphinWatchAustraliaInc)andalloperatorswhokindlyparticipatedinour
research.
References:
NSWDepartmentofEnvironmentandClimateChange,WhalewatchinginNSW,accessedJanuary2009,available
onlineat:http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/WhaleWatchingInNSW.htm
167

Victoria
Year
1998
2003
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
100,000
139,248
56,310
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
4.2%
5.6% 33
6
10
11
$709,000
$706,388
$871,554
$4,353,000
$17,707,622
$3,367,308
$5,062,000
$18,414,010
$4,238,862
01:PortPhillipBay
02:Warrnambool
03:Portland
WhalewatchinginVictoriaprimarilytakesplaceinPortPhillipBay,
andalsofromWarrnamboolandPortlandalongtheShipwreck
Coast,westofMelbourne.In2008,therewereanestimated56,000
whalewatchingtouristsinVictoria,constitutingonly3%ofthe
nationaltotal.Thisisdownfromtheestimated100,000whale
watchersin1998and139,248whalewatchersin2003andismainly
duetodecreasesinestimatesforwhalewatchersatWarrnambool.
InPortPhillipBay,toursarepredominantlydedicatedboatbasedtours,althoughmanyoperatorsinthe
regionincludingdivingoperators,chartercompaniesandferryoperatorsalsoadvertiseopportunistic
sightingsofdolphins.Fouroperatorsarealsolicensedtoconductswimwithdolphintours.Australianfur
sealsarecommonlyseenduringtripsandsometripsareadvertisedasdolphinandsealviewingtours.
Estimatedpassengernumbersherehavedeclinedsince1998,whenitwaspredictedthatnumberswereat
nearcarryingcapacity(Hoyt,2001).
Inthewest,alongtheShipwreckCoast,WarrnamboolandPortlandattractedupto37,190landbasedwhale
watchersin2008.SouthernrightwhalesmigratethroughBassStraitbetweenTasmaniaandVictoriafrom
JunetoSeptember.WarrnamboolbillsitselfasVictoriasSouthernRightWhaleNurseryanditisherethat
mothersspendextendedperiodsoftimenursingtheircalves.Thelandbasedviewingplatformislocatedat
LogansBeach,withmothersandcalvesvisibleinLadyBay,whilemalesandyoungjuvenilescanbeseen
fartheroutoffthecoast.In2008,newfixedbinocularswereinstalledatLogansBeachplatformtoallowfor
improvedwhaleviewing.
FiguresinWarrnamboolweresignificantlylowerin2008,comparedto1998and2003;thisdeclineislikely
duetochangestothemethodologyusedtocalculatelandbasedfiguresforWarrnambool,ratherthanan
actualdeclineinvisitation.In2003,datawasobtainedfromtheWarrnamboolCityCouncil,whichatthe
timehadundertakensomeresearchtoascertaintheeconomicimpactonthetownduetowhales.Inthe
absenceofanysimilarrecentstudies,thedatainthisreportreliedoncarcountdatatotheLogansBeach
viewingplatform.Warrnamboolalsoseessignificantannualfluctuationinitswhalewatchvisitorarrivals,
dependingonthearrivalofwhalestherehavebeenyearsofverylowwhalenumbersleadingtodecreases
intouristarrivals.
InPortland,justdownthecoastfromWarrnambool,thewhalesgenerallypassthroughwithoutstoppingfor
aslongastheydoinWarrnambool,althoughtheyareoftenvisiblemuchclosertoshoreandS
33
AAGRfrom1998to2008
168
southernrightwhalesareevenknowntoentertheharbour.Spermwhalesarealsosometimesseeninthe
area.ThePortlandVisitorCentremanagesanemailnotificationsystemthathasasmanyas300subscribers
whoarealertedwhenawhaleissighted.SimilartoEdeninNSW,aflagisalsoraisedandasirensounded
whenasightingoccurs.
Portlandisalsohometotheonlyknowndedicatedairbasedbluewhalewatchingtourintheworld.Offered
betweenNovemberandMay,thetripsarehelicopterbasedwithaflyingtimeof30minutesandasighting
rateofover95%.BluewhalesaggregateforfeedingintheBassStraightoffPortlandinanareaknownasthe
BonneyUpwelling,oneofonly12knownaggregationareasforbluewhalesaroundtheworld 34(Gill,2005).
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,southernrightwhale,
bluewhale
Smallcetaceans:
N/A
30%
70%
Boatbased,landbased,airbased,swimwith
$68(dolphinswimwith)
$240(bluewhalewatching,
30minflyingtimefor2passengers)
17
NovembertoMay(bluewhales)
JunetoSeptember(southernrightwhales)
Yearround(dolphins)
Acknowledgements:
PeterAbbot(WarrnamboolCityCouncil),VivienneClare(DepartmentofSustainability&Environment),Rachel
Marchbank(DepartmentofSustainability&Environment),ThesspinaDonopoulos(ParksVictoria),andalloperators
whokindlyparticipatedinourresearch.
References:
Gill,P2005,Movementsofsatellitetaggedbluewhales,BonneyUpwelling,AustralocetusResearch&Deakin
University,April2005,availableonlineat:
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/species/cetaceans/conference/pubs/bwgill.pdf
34
TheotherknownaggregationareasforbluewhalesaretheChileanfjords,CostaRicaDome,BajaCalifornia,USwest
coast,GulfofStLawrence,DavisStrait(Greenland),offthewestcoastofIceland,southofMadagascar,eastcoastofSri
Lanka,DavisSea(Antarctica)andeasternNusaTenngara,Indonesia.
169

Tasmania
Year
1998
2003
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
<1,000
<1,000
24,245
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
37.6% 35
1
~3
2
Minimal
Minimal
$717,034
Minimal
Minimal
$1,071,611
Minimal
Minimal
$1,788,645
01:BrunyIsland
02:TasmanPeninsular
InTasmania,opportunisticwhalewatchingoccursaspartofgeneral
ecotoursrunalongthecoastlineofBrunyIslandandtheTasman
Peninsula.Althoughthetoursareprimarilymarketedassealand
landscapetours,dolphinsareseenon95%ofBrunyIslandtrips,and
70%ofTasmanPeninsulatrips.Whalesarealsoseen,butless
frequently,withsouthernrightandhumpbackwhalesbeingthe
mostcommonlysighted.Minkewhales,orcasandtheveryrare
pygmyrightwhalearealsoseenoccasionally.Cruisesarethree
hourslongwithanaverageticketpriceof$65foradultsand$36for
children.
Becauseofminimalestimatesforwhalewatchersin1998,TasmaniahasthehighestgrowthrateinAustralia,
withanaverageannualrateof37.6%between1998and2008.AsmentionedinHoyt(2001),thereis
moderatepotentialinTasmaniaforwhalewatching,andthegrowthseenhereislikelytobedueto
improvedadvertisingofcetaceanwatchingopportunities.
OtherlocationsinTasmaniaareknownforincidentalsightingsofwhalesanddolphins,buttheseare
consideredtoounreliableforanyoperatortomarketwhalewatchingasanactivity.
Acknowledgments:
Twooperators
35
ForthepurposesofcalculatingAAGR,wehaveassumed1000whalewatchersin1998.ThisAAGRisfrom1998to
2008
170

SouthAustralia
Year
1998
2003
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
106,000
159,900
194,026
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
8.6%
6.2% 36
12
9
7
$1,468,000
$1,293,858
$1,015,109
$1,416,000
$5,364,677
$13,528,760
$2,884,000
$6,658,534
$14,543,868
01:Yalata
02:Ceduna
03:FleurieuPeninsular
04:Adelaide
SouthAustraliaoffersavarietyofwhalewatchingactivities,ranging
fromlandbasedviewing,throughtoboatbasedandevenswim
withtours.Landbasednumbersaccountforasignificant
proportionofalltourists,withanestimated184,000landbased
touristsin2008.Since1998,whalewatchinginSouthAustraliahas
grownatanaverageannualrateof6.2%,withswimwithtours
startingupinthistime.Boatbasedwatchingoflargecetaceanshas
notincreasedsignificantlysince1998anddolphinsremainthemainfocusofboatbasedactivities,with
largercetaceansmostlywatchedfromland.
AtthewesternedgeoftheEyrePeninsula,theHeadofBightviewingplatformcontinuestobeamajorland
basedwhalewatchinglocation,attractingapproximately30,000landbasedwhalewatchersin2008.The
watersoftheGreatAustralianBightMarineParkareoneofthemostimportantcalvinggroundsinAustralia
forsouthernrightwhalesandbetween60100whalescanbeseendailybetweenJuneandNovember.The
HeadofBightviewingplatformislocatedintheYalataAboriginalProtectedAreaandthereareplansto
involvelocalcommunitiesinthewhalewatchingactivitiesmoreactivelybyactingastourguidesand
incorporatingsomeAboriginalhistoryandwhalefolkloreintotours.Amarketstallisalsorunonceamonth
withthecommunitywomensgroupsellingvariousproductsdirecttotourists.Furtherplanstodevelopan
outofseasonvirtualwhaleexperiencearealsobeingconsideredforthearea,whichattractssignificant
numbersoftouristsoutsidethewhalewatchingseason.
AlongtheFleurieuPeninsulasouthofAdelaide,landbasedwhalewatchingisapopularactivitybetweenthe
monthsofJuneandNovember.ShortbeakedcommonandIndoPacificbottlenosedolphinscanbeseen
yearroundinthewatersofftheFleurieuPeninsula,whilesouthernrightandhumpbackwhalesattractthe
majorityofattentionbetweenMayandOctober.Ithasbeenestimatedthatin2008,nearly160,000land
basedwhalewatchingtouristsvisitedtheFleurieuPeninsula.Popularlocationsforwhalewatchinginclude
GoolwaBeach,MiddletonBeach,PortElliotandWaitpingaBeach.
IndoPacificbottlenosedolphinsarethemainfocusoftheboatbasedindustryinSouthAustraliawithonly
oneboatbasedoperatorofferinglargecetaceanwatching(inKangarooIsland).Vesselsrangefromlargeto
smallcapacityvessels,aswellaskayaks.Twooperatorsalsoofferswimwithdolphintours.
In2005,theAdelaideDolphinSanctuary(ADS)Act2005wasproclaimed,creatingasanctuaryforbottlenose
dolphinsinthePortRiverandBarkerInletarea.Dolphinwatchingtourismintheareaiscurrentlyminimal
36
AAGRfrom1998to2008
171
althoughthemanagementplanfortheADSreleasedinSeptember2008listsanintentiontoworkwith
currentandfutureoperatorstomeetADSobjectivesandmonitortourismimpacts.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
southernrightwhale
Smallcetaceans:
IndoPacificbottlenosedolphin,
shortbeakedcommondolphin
N/A
30%
70%
Boatbased,landbased,swimwith
$83(swimwith)
$40(boatbasedandkayaking)
$5(Portrivercruisewithdolphinwatching)
20
MaytoOctoberwithbestviewingbetween
JulyandAugust
(southernrightwhales)
Yearround(dolphins)
Acknowledgements:
PaulConlon(GunyaTourism)andToriWilliams(SouthAustralianWhaleCentre).
172
WesternAustralia
Year
1998
2003
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
167,422
153,081
199,870
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
1.8%
1.8% 37
89
197
28 38
$1,905,000
$3,180,609
$4,607,626
$11,847,000
$26,497,008
$24,347,807
$13,752,000
$29,677,616
$28,955,433
01:Rockingham
02:Albany
03:Dunsborough
04:Esperance
05:MonkeyMia
06:Broome
07:Exmouth
InWesternAustralia,whalewatchingactivitiestakeplacealong
nearlytheentirelongcoastline,asfarsoutheastasCapeArid,and
asfarnorthasBroome.Theindustryisdiverseandoffersland,boat
andairbasedtours,aswellasswimmingwithdolphinsandfeeding
activities.Since1998,whalewatchingtouristnumbershaveincreasedfrom167,422to199,870,anaverage
annualgrowthrateof1.8%.
ThoseviewingresidentIndoPacificbottlenosedolphinsinhabitingthewatersofWesternAustraliamakeup
abigproportionofallwhalewatchingtourists,withover100,000visitorstoMonkeyMiaalonein2008.
Farthersouth,dolphintoursalsomakeupabigpartoftheindustryinplacessuchasRockingham,Mandurah
andBunbury,wheresomeoperatorsofferswimwithtours.
WatchingoflargecetaceanstakesplacebetweenMayandDecemberandisbasedonthemigrationof
southernrightandhumpbackwhales,althoughbluewhalesarealsoseenoccasionallyinmoresouthern
waters.DedicatedandopportunisticboatbasedwhalewatchingtoursareofferedinEsperanceandAlbany,
AugustaandDunsborough,PerthandsurroundsandfarthernorthinKalbarriandExmouth.In2008,one
operatorbeganofferingdedicatedtoursasfarnorthasBroome,withindicationsthattheareacouldhold
significantpotentialforwhalewatching.Whalewatchingcruisesaregenerallytwotothreehourslongwith
anaverageadultticketpriceof$50.
ThesouthwestcoastofAustralia,fromCapeAridtoCapeNaturaliste,offersmanygoodlandbasedwhale
watchinglocations,withtheOceanGiantsLookoutKitproducedbyTourismWAidentifying12locations
betweenCapeNaturalisteandCapeLeeuwinalone.EastofCapeLeeuwin,WhaleWorldinAlbany(formerly
thesiteofawhalingstation),Sandpatch,RotaryLookout,BremerBay(JohnCove)andPointAnnoffergood
landbasedwhalewatching.ThewatersaroundBremerBay,FitzgeraldRiverNationalParkandCapeArid
containtwoofthethreeknownmajorcalvinggroundsforsouthernrightwhalesinAustralia 39with
significantaggregationofindividualsoccurringhereduringthewhalewatchingseason.
37
AAGRfrom1998to2008
38
Numbersofoperatorsaresignificantlylowersinceweveonlyincludedoperatorsthatappeartobeactive;the2003
figuresincludeallwhalewatchingpermitholders.
39
ThethirdisthewatersofftheHeadofBight.
173
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,southernrightwhale,blue
whale
Smallcetaceans:
N/A
42%
58%
Boatbased,landbased,swimwith,
dolphinfeeding
$127(swimwith)
$49(boatbased)
92
MaytoDecember(largecetaceans)
Yearround(dolphins)
Acknowledgements:
SteveMitchell(WhaleandDolphinWatchAustraliaInc),SimonAllen(MurdochUniversity),PhilCoulthard(Dolphin
DiscoveryCentre),DonelleCameron(AlbanyVisitorCentre),MartinRandall(DepartmentofEnvironmentand
Conservation),TriciaSprigg(DEC),KateReading(DEC),andalloperatorswhokindlyparticipatedinourresearch.
174
LocalCaseStudy:GreatBarrierReef,Australia
DwarfminkewhalesareknowntoinhabitSouthernhemisphereoceansaroundtheglobeincludingSouth
Africa,Australia,NewZealand,NewCaledonia,VanuatuandtheeastcostofSouthAmerica.InAustralia,
theyhavebeenrecordedincoastalwatersofallstatesexceptTasmaniaandtheNorthernTerritory,butonly
intheRibbonReefsintheGreatBarrierReefhasadedicatedindustrydevotedtoswimmingwiththese
whalesdeveloped.
ThedwarfminkewasfirstofficiallyobservedintheGreatBarrierReefinthe1970s.Duringthe1980s,the
firsttourismexperienceswithdwarfminkesdeveloped,bywhichtimetheywererecognisedasasubspecies
ofthelargerminkewhales.Dwarfminkescangrowuptoeightmetreslong,makingthemoneofthesmaller
baleenwhales 40.
BetweenJuneandAugust,whensightingsaremostcommon,eightboatbasedoperatorsofferswimwith
interactionswithdwarfminkewhales.TheseoperatorsholdpermitsissuedbytheGreatBarrierReef
MarineParkAuthority(GBRMPA)in2003,establishingthemastheworldsfirstfullypermittedswimwith
whaleindustry(GBRMPA,2009).
Dwarfminkesintheregionareuniqueastheyexhibitahighdegreeofcuriosityandoftenseemtoactively
seekoutboatsanddivers.Dwarfminkeshavealsobeenrecordedasapproachingtowithinametreof
tourists,andtherehavebeeninstanceswhereonehasnudgedacamera(Mischon,2008).Theirpirouetting
behaviourisanothertraitthatmakesthesecetaceansparticularlyappealingtotourists.Abehaviourunique
todwarfminkes,pirouettingverticallyinthewaterissomethingthatisexhibitedbyoneindividualin
particular(nowknownasPavlovaaftertheRussianballerina),butalsootherindividuals.Veryoccasionally,
thisdisplayoccurswithinmetresofswimmers.
Thedwarfminkeindustryhasdevelopedastrongcollaborationwithscientificresearchersstretchingback
overadecade.TheMinkeWhaleProject(MWP)theworldsonlydwarfminkeresearcheffortwas
establishedin1996andisthemostextensiveunderwaterstudyofawhalespeciesintheworld(Mischon,
2008).
Todate,researchers,assistedbytouroperatorsandtouriststhemselves,haveaccumulatedtensof
thousandsofunderwaterphotosandmanyhoursofvideofootageontheseinquisitive,butlittleunderstood
cetaceans.Duringeachwhalewatchingseason,thepermittedoperatorsdonateinkindvesselberthsto
researcherstoallowthemtocollectcomprehensiverecordsofwhaleencountersandvesselmovements,as
wellascollectingpassengerquestionnairesandinteractionbehaviourdiariesfilledinbyenthusiastic
passengers.ThreeMWPPhDstudies,duetobecompletedtowardstheendof2009,haveinvestigated
dwarfminkebehaviour,biologyandsustainablemanagementofthisuniqueindustry.Thekeyfindingsof
thesestudieswillbecompiledintoareporttotheGreatBarrierReefMarineParkAuthority(GBRMPA)to
assistwiththesustainablemanagementoftheindustry.
Thedwarfminkeisyettobeformallydescribedasaspeciesinscientificliteratureandithasbeensuggested
thatifitisfinallynamed,thatitmightbenamedafterPeterArnold(19492006)forhislongtermand
pioneeringinvolvementwithdwarfminkeresearchandconservation,aswellashissubstantialcontribution
toothercetaceanresearchinAustralia(MinkeWhaleProject,2006).Peter,alongwithAlastairBirtles(from
JamesCookUniversity)cofoundedtheMWP,whichbeganasacollaborationbetweenJamesCook
University,theMuseumofTropicalQueenslandandanoperator,UnderseaExplorer.
Insummary,theGreatBarrierReefdwarfminkewhalewatchingtourismhasmanyuniqueaspects:
40
Pygmyrightwhalesaresmallerthandwarfminkewhales,withanadultlengthof6.1m(AmericanCetaceanSociety,
2009).
175
Itistheonlyknownpredictableaggregationofdwarfminkewhales;
Itistheonlydedicatedswimwithdwarfminketourismindustryintheworld;
Itwastheworldsfirstfullypermittedswimwithwhalestourismindustry:
Extensiveresearchdatingbackto1996hasgathereddataondwarfminkewhalemovement
patterns,spatialandtemporaldistribution,individualidentification,visualandacousticbehaviour,
aswellaspassengerexperiences,attitudesandmotivationsandthesustainablemanagementofthe
industry;
Closetoonethousanddifferentindividualwhaleshavebeenidentifiedoverthe13yearstudy;
Researchsince2003willbeusedtoprovideinformationregardingthesustainabilityofthecurrent
industryandmanagementarrangements,withafocusonsustainableecologicalandeconomic
managementoftheindustry;
Theresearchishighlycollaborative,involvingtourismoperators,academicinstitutions,research
institutes,conservationNGOsandgovernmentdepartments;
Alloperatorsarepermitted,withaCodeofPracticeinplacethatissignificantlymorestringentthan
broaderMarineParkRegulationsandwasdevelopedcollaboratively;
Muchremainsunknownaboutthedwarfminke;however,theindustryisassistingtogatherfurther
scientificinformationaboutthesubspeciesandthisprovidesauniqueinsightintothebiologyand
behaviouroftheoceanicrorqualsofthegenusBalaenoptera.
Theindustryrepresentsagreatmodelforotherdevelopingordevelopedindustriesintermsofcombining
ecologicalandeconomicinformationtoensurethatcetaceanencountersaresustainableandcanbe
enjoyedbyfuturegenerationsofbothspecies.
Furtherreading:
MinkeWhaleProjectOfficialResearchWebsite
http://www.minkewhaleproject.org
CRCReefResearchCentreDwarfMinkeWhales
http://www.reef.crc.org.au/discover/plantsanimals/minke/index.html
References:
AmericanCetaceanSociety2009,PygmyRightWhale|CetaceanFactSheet|AmericanCetaceanSociety,accessed
April2009,availableonlineat:http://www.acsonline.org/factpack/PygmyRightWhale.htm
CRCReefResearchCentre2002,DwarfminkewhalesintheGreatBarrierReef:Currentstateofknowledge,CRCReef
ResearchCentreLtd,May2002,Townsville.
GreatBarrierReefMarineParkAuthority(GBRMPA)2009,GreatBarrierReefMarineParkAuthority:DwarfMinke
WhaleTourismMonitoringProgramme,accessedApril2009,availableonlineat:http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/?a=779
Mischon,V2008,Encounteringmutualrespect,Ecos,Ed.145,OctNov2008,pp.1820.
MinkeWhaleProject2006,Researchupdate:informationsheet#9,15December2006.
176
CookIslands
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
3,715
3,989
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
64%
31.9% 41
None
None
N/A
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
$9,890
$10,619
None
None
Minimal
$464,375
$498,619
None
None
Minimal
$474,265
$509,238
CapitalCity:Avarua
01:Rarotonga
TheCookIslandshaveastrongtourismmarketandisoneofthe
tourismindustryleadersinthePacificIslandsregion.Itisestimated
thattheCookIslandsreceived82,000visitorsin2004(latest
availabledatathroughSPTO) 42,alargeproportionofthemarriving
fromNewZealand(40%).HumpbackwhalesmigratepasttheCook
Islandsontheirnorthernmigrationandlaterintheseasonontheir
returnjourneysouth.AstheIslandsarefringedbyonlyathinreef
(inparticular,Rarotonga),theoceandropsquicklytosubstantial
depth,bringingthemigratingwhalesclosetoshore.Assuch,thewhalescanbeseeneasilyfromlandbased
locations.Anationalwhalesanctuaryhasbeenestablishedtoprotectthemigratingwhales.
Thereislittleinthewayofaformalised,boatbasedwhalewatchindustry(someinformalviewing
reportedlytakesplacefromlocalfishingboatsorbydiveoperators),buttherearesomeinitiativesonthe
islandtopromotelandbasedviewing.AwhaleeducationcentrehasbeenestablishedonRarotonga
providinginformationtotouristsandlocalsalike,includingdailysightinglocations.Furthermore,aviewing
platformhasbeenbuilttofacilitatelandbasedviewingofwhales.
Althoughthecountryattractsverylittledirecteconomicbenefitfromthelandbasedwhalewatchactivities
(around$10,000perannum),thereisneverthelessstillanindirectbenefitequallylargeasforthose
countriesthatconductformalboatbasedwhalewatching.Thisiscalculatedbasedonthefactthatland
basedwhalewatchingprovidestouristswithanattractiontoanarea,andbyparticipating,onecan
attributeaportionoftheirdailyexpensestothisactivity(i.e.accommodation,food,etc).Therefore,the
figurereportedabovereflectsthesamecalculationmethodologyasothercountrieswherewhalewatchingis
undertakenbyboat.
Duetothemoreformalapproachtolandbasedwhalewatching,theCookIslandsistheonlyPacificIsland
countryinthisstudytohavewhalewatchernumberscountedforlandbasedviewing(estimatedatover
3,500landbasedwhalewatchersin2008 43).
41
AAGRfrom1998to2008
42
SouthPacificTourismOrganisation,VisitorArrivalsbycountryofresidenceCookIslands,onlineat
http://www.stpo.org
43
Thisfigureisestimatedasaproportionofnumbersofvisitorstothewhaleeducationcentre(manyofwhomthen
visitalocationadvisedforgoodsightingopportunities)withallowanceforadditionallandbasedviewersusingthe
viewingplatform.CentreforCetaceanResearchandConservation,pers.comm.(May2005)
177
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
90%
10%
Landbased,infrequentboatbased
N/A
N/A
JulytoOctober
Acknowledgements:
NanHauser(CentreforCetaceanResearchandConservation)providedcriticalinputtoourearlierPacificIslandsWhale
WatchTourismreport.
References:
LargeforIFAW.2005datafromthatreporthavebeenprojectedforwardto2008atanaverageannualgrowthrateof
2.4%basedonUNWorldTourismOrganisationregionalgrowthdata.
FederatedStatesofMicronesia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
230
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
0%
0%
None
None
~5
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
$10,500
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
$25,500
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
$36,000
Minimal
Minimal
01:Yap
02:Chuuk
03:Kosrae
04:Pohnpei
TheFederatedStatesofMicronesia(FSM)hasarelativelysmall
tourismindustrywithintheregionattractingaround20,000visitors
eachyear 44.
Operatorfeedbackindicatesthatthereareoccasionalsightingsof
shortfinnedpilotwhalesandspinnerdolphinsaroundtheislands.
However,researchindicatesthatatthisstage,nodedicatedwhale
watchingindustryexists.
ThereisasmalldivingindustryintheregionsofChuuk,Yap,andKosraeandresponsesfromdiveoperators
indicatealownumberofopportunisticwhalewatchingactivitiesoccursonsomeofthesetripswhere
cetaceansareseen.
44
2003figures:SPTO,TourismSectorStudyMicronesia,onlineathttp://www.stpo.org
178
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Mainwalewatchseason:
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin,shortfinnedpilotwhale
N/A
N/A
Boatbased,opportunistic(ondivetrips)
N/A
None
Yearround
Acknowledgements:
SouthPacificTourismOrganisation,FSMTourismBoardanddiveoperators.
References:
LargeforIFAW.2005datafromthatreporthavebeenprojectedforwardto2008,whereweassumecontinuedlow
numbersofwhalewatching.
Fiji
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
0%
0%
None
None
~1
Minimal
1
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Suva
AccordingtotheSouthPacificTourismOrganisation,Fijihasthe
mostdevelopedtourismmarketintheSouthPacific.In2004,the
countryattractedaround40%ofthe1.1millionvisitorstotheSouth
Pacificregion 45.In2004,visitorarrivalswerearound506,000 46,just
lessthan550,000in2007,withprojectionsfor2009at600,000 47.
However,thecountyswhalewatchingindustryisvirtuallynon
existent.
Therehasinthepastbeenaninformaldolphinwatchingindustry
activeinFijithroughthecountrys70+diveoperators,butreports
indicatethatthisdefactoindustrynowattractsonlylownumbers
withoccasionalsightingsofsmallcetaceansondivetrips.Dolphinsightingsdonotappearfrequentenough
tosupportanythingotherthanalowscale,opportunisticindustryandasaresultthereiscurrentlyno
45
Hopkins,R,SouthPacificFactsandFiguresofTourism,SPTO,accessedJuly,2006,availableonlineat
http://www.stpo.org
46
ibid.
47
TourismFiji,2009MarketingPlan,ExecutiveSummary,accessedMarch2009,availableonlineat
http://www.fijime.com
179
formalcetaceanwatchingindustry 48.Feedbackfromanoperatorinearly2009indicatesthatthereisone
smalllocallyownedresortthattakesgueststoseeandswimwithspinnerdolphinsonMoonReef,although
thisremainsonasmallscale.
LargecetaceansareseenonlyinfrequentlyinwatersaroundFiji,withreportsindicatingthathumpbacks
werepreviouslyprevalentinlocalwaters.Anecdotally,operatorshavesuggestedcetaceannumbershave
beenlowsincetheintroductionoflonglinefishinginFijianwatersaroundadecadeago.Thiscorrelates
withSPREPsWhaleandDolphinActionPlanthatidentifiesdolphinstakingbaitfromlonglinehooksasa
seriousthreattocetaceansintheregion 49.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
100%
Boatbased,opportunistictours,andone
dedicatedtourthatincludesswimmingwith
dolphins
N/A
1
N/A
Acknowledgements:
FijiIslandsVisitorsBureau,RobBarrel(Naia)
References:
LargeforIFAW.2005datafromthatreporthavebeenprojectedforwardto2008withanassumedcontinuedlowrate
ofwhalewatching.
48
UniversityoftheSouthPacific,pers.comm.(April2006)&operatorfeedback.
49
SPREP,WhaleandDolphinActionPlan20032007,accessedviaSPREPMay2006.
180
FrenchPolynesia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
Minimal
6,000
6,442
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
57.5%
38.4% 50
None
~1
~1
12
12
None
Minimal
Minimal
$564,000
$605,590
None
Minimal
Minimal
$750,000
$805,306
None
Minimal
Minimal
$1,314,000
$1,410,896
CapitalCity:Papeete
01:Tahiti
02:Moorea
FrenchPolynesiahasathrivingdedicatedwhalewatchindustrythat
hasseenaperiodofstronggrowthsince1998ofapproximately
58%peryearupto2005.Thisisonthebackofalargeandmature
tourismindustry,withapproximately210,000visitorsin2004 51.
Thecountryhasanannualmigrationofhumpbackwhalesthatare
saidtobreedinlocalwaters,residingtherebetweenthemonthsof
JulytoNovember.Furthermore,residentspinnerandbottlenosedolphins,aswellasmelonheadedwhales,
providethebasisforasmalldolphinwatchingindustryallyearround.Reliablesightingsofcetaceans,
combinedwithamaturetourismindustryinthecountry,haveleadtothissuccessfulgrowthinrecentyears.
Besidesthiswhalewatchingindustry,thereisacaptiveswimwithdolphinsoperationthatoperateswithina
majorresortonMooreaattractingseveralthousandtouristsin2005 52.Dolphinwatchersparticipatingin
thisoperationwerenotincludedinthisreportasthisresearchaimstoestimatewhalewatchingofwild
cetaceanspeciesintheirnaturalenvironment.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin,bottlenosedolphin
90%
10%
Boatbased,shortandmultipledaytrips,
dedicated
N/A
24
JulytoNovemberforwhales,yearroundfor
dolphins
50
AAGRfrom1998to2008
51
Op.cit.,Hopkins,R(2006)
52
DolphinEncounter,pers.comm.(May2006)
181
Acknowledgements:
MichaelPoole(MarineMammalResearchProgram)providedcriticalinputtoourearlierPacificIslandsWhaleWatch
Tourismreport.
References:
Guam
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
4,000
84,000
221,155
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
70%
49.4% 53
None
None
N/A
8
15
None
None
None
$5,712,000
$13,048,145
None
None
None
$10,500,000
$19,627,506
None
None
None
$16,212,000
$32,675,651
CapitalCity:Hagta
01:AgatMarina
Guamhasoneofthelargestcommercialcetaceanwatching
industriesintheMelanesianregionofthePacificOcean,generating
anestimatedtotalexpenditureof$32.7millionfor2008.Twoor
threelargedolphinpodsareknowntoinhabitthelocalwaters,
providinganaccessibleandreliabletargetforanestablished
dolphinwatchingindustry.
Asignificantproportionoflocaldolphinwatchingoutfitsreportedly
hascontractualarrangementswithtouroperatorswhobring
predominantlyJapanesetouriststotheisland.Guamisauniqueislanddestinationthroughitsproximityto
themaintouristmarketsofKoreaandJapanandasaresult,ithasanearcontinualtouristseasonallyear
round.
ThebulkofwhalewatchingbusinessesoperateoutoftheAgatMarina,locatedonthesouthwesternsideof
theisland,althoughtoursalsooccasionallydepartfromtheAganaMarinaforexcursionsoffthemidto
northwestcoast.Mostexcursionsrunforseveralhours,withcompaniesofferingtwoorthreetoursperday.
Whilesomeoperatorsofferdedicateddolphinwatchingtrips,manyalsocombinetheservicewith
snorkellinganddivingpackages.Anaverageticketpriceis$59perperson.
Spinnerdolphinsaretheonlycetaceansseenregularlyenoughtosupportacommercialindustry.However
occasionallymelonheaded,shortfinnedpilot,spermandhumpbackwhalesandorcasarealsoreported.
Whalewatchingestimatesfor2008arederivedfromexitsurveysbytheGuamVisitorsBureauforJapanese
andKoreantourists,whoconstitutethelargestproportionofvisitorstotheisland.Thefiguresfromthese
surveysarethencombinedwithoperatorsurveydata.Governmenttourismdatawerenotusedtoderive
53
AAGRfrom1998to2008
182
2005estimates,andthisfactmayaccountforthedramaticriseinnumberssince.Thislargefigurefor
dolphinwatchingparticipantsindicatesthatjustunder20%ofallinternationaltouristarrivalsundertake
cetaceanwatching,whichcorrelatestothefactthatapproximately80%ofallJapanesevisitorsundertakean
optionaltourwhilstontheisland,accordingtodatafromtheGuamVisitorsBureau.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin
95%
5%
Shortboatbaseddolphinwatchingtrips,
sometimescombinedwithsnorkellingand
divetrips
$59
225
Yearround
Acknowledgements:
GuamVisitorsBureau
References:
GuamVisitorsBureauExitSurveyresearch,accessedatwww.visitguam.org
183
Midway
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
289
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
None
None
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1
Minimal
None
None
$500,000
Minimal
None
None
$43,000
Minimal
None
None
$543,000
Minimal
01:MidwayAtoll
In1998,Midwaywasreportedtohaveasmallwhalewatching
industrytotalingnearly300touristsundertakingtripswithasingle
operator.Thisdevelopedaftertheatollwasopenedtothepublic
astheMidwayAtollNationalWildlifeRefuge(understrictpermit
conditions)followingtheclosureoftheNavalAirFacilityMidway
Islandin1993.Sincethen,smalleducationalnatureandhistorical
tripshavebeenundertakentotheatoll.
Theatollissituatedwithintherecentlydeclared(2006)
PapahnaumokukeaMarineNationalMonument,thelargest
conservationareaintheUS,andthesecondlargesthighlyprotected
MPA(marineprotectedarea)intheworld.Midwayistheonlypartofthisconservationareaopentolimited
publicaccess.
In2008,researchindicatesaroundsevensmalltripswereplannedtotheatollthroughtheNGOOceanic
SocietyExpeditions.Thesetripsincludedolphinwatching,butarealsodedicatedtowardstheothernatural
elementsoftheatoll,particularlythebirdcolonies.
References:
PapahnaumokukeaMarineNationalMonument,http://hawaiireef.noaa.gov/about/welcome.html
MidwayAtollNationalWildlifeRefuge,http://www.fws.gov/midway/
184
NewCaledonia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
1,695
4,906
6,222
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
61.4%
17%
14% 54
None
None
16
18
24
None
None
$107,000
$417,010
$528,870
None
None
$268,000
$614,250
$778,085
None
None
$375,000
$1,031,260
$1,306,955
CapitalCity:Noumea
01:SouthernLagoon
Inrecentyears,NewCaledoniahasgrowntobecomeoneofthe
SouthPacificslargestwhalewatchingcountries,andthatgrowth
hascontinuedinthethreeyearssince2005,albeitataslightly
slowerrate(8%peryearsince2005,withanaveragerateof14%in
thetenyearsfrom1998to2008).Theindustryisbasedaround
seasonalvisitsofhumpbackwhalesintheJulytoSeptemberperiod.
Duringthesemonths,manylocalsailingboatchartersdedicate
themselvesfulltimetowhalewatching,with24operatorsallowingviewingofcetaceansintheSouthern
Lagoononpeakweekends.ThereisalsoonedolphinwatchingoperatorinNewCaledonia.
Thecountryhasalongestablished,maturetourismindustrythatattractsaround100,000visitorarrivals
annually.However,interestingly,responsesfromoperatorsandlocalresearchersindicatethatmostwhale
watchersarelocalresidentsratherthaninternationalarrivals.
Withthecontinuinggrowthofwhalewatchinginsuchaconcentratedlocation,thereareconcernsregarding
theimpactsonthewhalesduetoexcessiveexposuretoboats.Currently,thereremainsnoregulationon
whalewatching,howeverin2008acodeofconductwassignedbythemajorityofoperators,boatpatrols
wereinitiatedandsometrainingwasdeliveredtooperatorsbyNGOs.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
Predominantlydomestic
Boatbased,dedicatedtrips
$94
36
JulytoSeptember
54
AAGRfrom1998to2008
185

Acknowledgements:
ClaireGarrigueandAlineSchaffaratOprationCtacsandNewCaledoniaTourism(South)
References:
LargeforIFAWalongwithdiscussionswithalocalwhaleorganisationinNewCaledonia,OprationCtacs.Large
cetaceanwatchingnumbershavebeenupdatedto2008figures,howeverdolphinwatchingnumbersremainthesame
asreportedin2005duetoalackofmoreuptodatedata.
NewZealand
Year
1994
1998
2004
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
90,000
230,000
425,432
546,445
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
31%
27%
11%
9% 55
N/A
>50
90
86
$3,900,000
$7,503,000
$22,477,154
$34,058,744
$8,600,000
$41,233,000
$51,861,003
$46,859,797
$12,500,000
$48,736,000
$72,338,157
$80,918,541
CapitalCity:Welington
NewZealandhasalargecetaceanwatchingindustryacrossboththe
NorthandSouthIslands,withvisitorsabletoseeandswimwitha
varietyofwhalesanddolphins.Thewhalewatchindustryhasbeen
operatingforover20yearsandisoneofthemorewellknownand
betterstudiedindustriesworldwide.Italsoisquicklybecomingone
ofthelargest,withnearly550,000whalewatchtouristsresultingin
over$80millioninexpenditure.
Sincethelastdetailedstudyin2004 56,theindustryhascontinuedto
showastrongannualgrowthof6.5%andbringeconomicbenefits
tomanycoastalcommunitiesacrossthecountry.Growthinthedecadesince1998hasaveraged9%.The
industryremainsanimportantpartofNewZealandsattractionfortourists,bothinternationaland
domestic.
Alongwiththegrowthandbenefitsfromtheindustry,astrongbaseofresearchhasalsobeenunderway,
particularlyfocusedontheimpactofcetaceanwatchingontheanimalsbeingobserved.Examplesofthis
includeworkbyRochelleConstantine,DavidLusseau,ChristophRichter,ElizabethSlooten,DaveLundquist,
WendyMarkowitz,TimMarkowitz,BerndWrsigandothers.Thispioneeringresearchalreadyformsa
criticalpartoftheinternationalwhalewatchingindustryssustainablelongtermfutureaswecontinueto
learnmoreaboutwhalewatchingstrategiesthatensureminimalimpactontheanimals.Clearly,the
benefitsofsuchanoutcomearemutualtobothoperatorsandwhalestoensurethelongtermsuccessof
thisindustry.
55
AAGRfrom1998to2008
56
EconomistsatLarge2005,TheGrowthoftheNewZealandWhaleWatchingIndustry:asocioeconomicassessment,
areportfortheInternationalFundforAnimalWelfare.
186
Thefiguresofwhalewatchtouristsestimatedinthetableaboveneedtobeinterpretedwithcareaswhale
watchernumbersin2004and2008includelargenumbersofopportunisticwhaleanddolphinwatchers,
figuresomittedbysomeotherestimatesofwhaleanddolphinwatchingbyotherpartiesinrecentyears.
Opportunisticdolphinwatchingaddssignificantlytototalwhalewatchnumbers,particularlyinFiordland
whereanestimated180,000touristsseecetaceansincidentallyaspartoftheirgeneralnatureandscenery
cruises.Whilenotdedicatedcetaceanwatchingcruises,cetaceansfeaturestronglyinthemarketing
materialofmanyoperatorsandgovernmenttourismresourcesfortheregion,forminganimportant
motivationandattractionfortouriststotraveltothisregion,andassuchasmallproportionofallcruise
participantsisincludedinthisreview,guidedbytheestimatedlikelihoodofseeingcetaceans.
TheNewZealandMinistryofTourismhasproducedestimatesforwhaleanddolphinwatchtourismina
recentnaturebasedtourismreport 57.DatatakenfromtheInternationalVisitorSurveyandDomesticTravel
Surveyindicateinternationalanddomesticvisitorsundertook266,000whaleanddolphinwatchingand
swimmingexperiencesin2006.Furthermore,aPhDcandidateatMasseyUniversity,EmmanuelleMartinez,
inconjunctionwiththeNewZealandDepartmentofConservationoffices,estimatedthatin2007therewere
310,878dedicatedwhaleanddolphinwatchersinthecountry.
Weestimatein2008therewereapproximately360,000dedicatedcetaceanwatchersinadditionto186,000
opportunisticwatchers,suggestingsomecontinuinggrowthinthenumbersofcorewhalewatchtourists
comparedwiththe2007estimatefromtheMasseyUniversityPhDcandidate(seethemethodologysection
formoreinformationonthisdistinctionanditsimpactonindirectexpenditure).
TohighlighttheimportanceofcetaceanstoNewZealandtourism,oneoperatorexplainedthatbychanging
thenameofoneoftheirboattourstoemphasisewhalesanddolphinsexplicitly,asignificantsurgein
customerdemandwasexperiencedimmediately.
Clearly,theopportunitytoseecetaceansisastrongmotivationformanyofNewZealandstourists.
Region
NorthIsland
SouthIsland
Total(2008)
Total(1998)
Numberofwhale
watchers
147,364
399,080
546,445
230,000
AAGR 58
5.8%
6.8%
9%
Numberof
operators
34
52
86
>50
Direct
expenditure
$11,902,600
$22,156,145
$34,058,745
$7,503,000
Indirect
expenditure
$16,779,022
$30,080,775
$46,859,797
$41,233,000
Total
expenditure
$28,681,622
$52,236,920
$80,918,542
$48,736,000
Belowwehaveincludedaregionalbreakdownofthemainwhalewatchinglocationsacrossthenorthand
southislandsofNewZealand.Thedatainthefollowingsectionsreflectregionalproportionsoftheabove
totalnumberofwhalewatchersfortheentirecountry.
57
MinistryofTourism,TourismSectorProfile:NatureBasedTourism,SeriesB3,accessedApril2008,availableonline
at:http://www.tourismresearch.govt.nz/DataAnalysis/TourismSectorProfiles/TouristActivityProfiles/NatureBased
Tourism/
58
AAGRfrom1998to2008
187
NorthIsland
Year
2004
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
117,900
147,364
AAGR
Numberof
operators
N/A
5.8%
35
34
Direct
expenditure
$7,009,564
$11,902,600
Indirect
expenditure
$8,965,815
$16,779,022
Total
expenditure
$15,975,379
$28,681,622
CapitalCity:Wellington
01:BayofIslands
02:BayofPlenty
03:HaurakiGulf
ThemaincetaceanwatchingregionintheNorthIslandofNew
ZealandistheBayofIslands,attractingaround65%oftheNorth
Islandstotalwhalewatchtouristsandfocusingpredominantlyon
bottlenosedolphins.Severaloperatorsofferswimwiththe
dolphinsexperiences.TripsintheNorthIslandareboatbasedand
takeplaceallyearround,withthepeakseasonfordolphin
swimmingandwatchingbeingthesummermonths.Tripstypicallyrunfortwotofourhoursandcost
around$6070.OtherpopularcetaceanwatchinglocationsaroundtheNorthIslandaretheBayofPlenty
andtheHaurakiGulf.
Themainspeciesarebottlenoseandshortbeakedcommondolphinswithoccasionalsightingsoforcasand
Brydeswhales.OneoperatorclaimstosightBrydeswhalesonaround50%oftrips,butundertakestrips
basedpredominantlyondolphins.
Interestingly,thenumberofoperatorsintheNorthIslandandparticularlytheBayofIslandsareaappearsto
havedeclinedslightlysincethelaststudyin2004.Theindustryinthisregionappearstobeconsolidating,
withthelargestoperatortakingoverseveralotherbusinessesandnowaccountingforapproximately50%of
theindustryintheNorthIsland.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Brydeswhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,orca
85%
15%
Boatbased,typicallyshorttripsfollowing
podsofdolphins
$120
237
NovembertoMarch
188
SouthIsland
Year
2004
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
307,532
399,080
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
6.8%
55
52
$15,071,149
$22,156,145
$48,100,948
$30,080,775
$63,172,097
$52,236,920
CapitalCity:Wellington
01:Kaikoura
02:Akaroa
03:Fiordland
04:MarlboroughSounds
05:TasmanBay
06:Westland
TheSouthIslandofNewZealandsupportsthemajorityofwhale
watchingopportunitiesinthecountryandboaststheinternationally
famouswhaleanddolphinwatchinglocationsatKaikouraand
Akaroaanestimated40%oftotalNewZealandwhalewatchingtripsoccurredinthesetwowellknown
whalewatchingdestinationsin2008.
SpermwhalesandsmallercetaceanssuchasduskydolphinsandtoalesserextentHectorsdolphinsarethe
mainspeciesviewedinKaikourabythetwoboatandthreeaircraftoperatorsbasedthere.Thisistheonly
locationinthecountrywithdedicatedcruisesthattargetprimarilylargecetaceans(spermwhales),andit
attractsasignificantportionofthecountryswhalewatchers.ItisalsotheonlylocationinNewZealand
wherededicatedwhalewatchingflights(fixedwingandhelicopter)areundertaken.
Akaroa,nearChristchurch,hasalargedolphinwatchingindustrybasedontheHectorsdolphin,oneofthe
worldssmallestdolphinsandendemictoNewZealand.Theindustryspecialisesinswimwithdolphin
experiences.
TheFiordlandregionreceivedcloseto1millionvisitorsin2007 59withakeyattractionformostbeinga
cruisethroughthespectacularfiords.Whiletherearefewdedicateddolphinwatchingoperationsin
Fiordland,themaincruisecompaniesrelyheavilyonbottlenosedolphinsasanimportantpartoftheir
marketingmaterialsandtheDepartmentofConservationreportsthatapproximatelytenmarinemammal
permitsareissuedforthisregion.Researchforthisreportincludedanestimateof180,000opportunistic
whalewatchersintheFiordlandandSouthlandregions.
OthercetaceanwatchinglocationsaroundtheSouthIslandincludetheMarlboroughSounds,TasmanBay
andWestland.
59
MinistryofTourism,NewZealandRegionalTourismForecasts20082014:FiordlandRTO,accessedNovember,2008,
availableonlineat:http://www.trcnz.govt.nz/ByRegion/SouthIsland/FiordlandRTO20082014/
189
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
Largecetaceans:
spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,duskydolphin,Hectors
dolphin
80%
20%
Boatbased,shorttripstonearbypodsof
dolphinsandwhalehabitat.Kaikoura
operatorsoffertheonlylargecetacean
viewinginNZtoviewspermwhales.Aerial
whalewatchingisalsoundertakenat
Kaikoura.
$105
441
Yearround
Acknowledgements:
SpecialthankstoRochelleConstantine(UniversityofAuckland),MichaelDonoghue,AndrewBaxter,andSteveSmith
fromtheDepartmentofConservation,EmmanuelleMartinez(MasseyUniversity),MichaelLck(AucklandUniversityof
TechnologyandJournalofTourisminMarineEnvironments),ISiteVisitorCentresandoperatorsfromacrossNew
ZealandincludingJimWhitehornofDolphinDiscoveries,GraemeButleroftheTaurangaDolphinCompany,Simonat
SouthSeaVagabond,DolphinEncounterandWhaleWatchKaikoura.
References:
Constantine,R,Bejder,L2008ManagingtheWhaleandDolphinwatchingIndustry:TimeforaParadigmShift,In:
J.E.S.HighamandM.Lck(Eds).MarineWildlifeandTourismManagement:InsightsfromtheNaturalandSocial
Sciences.Oxford,CABIInternationalPublishing,pp.321333.
Lusseau,D,Slooten,L&Currey,RJC2006,UnsustainabledolphinwatchingtourisminFiordland,NewZealand,
TourisminMarineEnvironments,ed.3,pp.173178.
Richter,C,Dawson,S&Slooten,E2006,ImpactsofcommercialwhalewatchingonmalespermwhalesatKaikoura,
NewZealand,MarineMammalScience,ed.22,pp.4663.
190
Niue
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
50
270
290
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
28%
19% 60
None
Minimal
3
1
1
None
Minimal
$1,500
$7,360
$7,903
None
Minimal
$500
$33,750
$36,239
None
Minimal
$2,000
$41,110
$44,169
CapitalCity:Alofi
Althoughasmallcountrywithrelativelylowlevelsoftourism
(approximately2,558visitorarrivalsin2004 61),Niuehasareliable
cetaceanpopulationofhumpbackwhalesandspinnerdolphinsthat
formthebasisofasmallindustry.
Thenumberofoperatorshasdecreasedinrecentyearsfromthree
toonemainoperatorwhorunsbothdolphinandwhalewatching
andswimwithtoursinresponsetotouristdemand,althoughthis
operatorscorebusinessisdivetourism.Whalesalsooftenpass
closeenoughtoshorethatpeoplecanswimouttothewhalesfrom
landorprivateyachtscaneasilyaccessthem.
ThenumberofwhalewatchersinNiuehasgrownbyanaverageof19%perannumbetween1998and2008.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin
N/A
boatbased,dedicated
$27
1
JulytoOctoberforwhales,yearroundfor
dolphins
Acknowledgements:
IanandAnnieGrayofNiueDive.
References:
60
AAGRfrom1998to2008
61
191
Palau
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Melekeok
Despiteamaturetourismindustry,thereisverylittleinthewayof
formalcetaceanwatchingapartfromtheoccasionalopportunistic
sightingaspartoftheislandswelldevelopeddiveindustry.Asa
result,whalewatchinginPalaucontinuestobeminimal.Thereis
onecaptive,swimwithdolphinoperationontheisland,butthisis
notconsideredawildexperienceandisthereforenotincluded
withinthescopeofthisresearch.
192
PapuaNewGuinea
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
600
644
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
17%
9.9% 62
None
None
Minimal
15
15
None
None
Minimal
$22,500
$24,159
None
None
Minimal
$0
$0
None
None
Minimal
$22,500
$24,159
CapitalCity:PortMoresby
PapuaNewGuinea(PNG)hasasmallnichetourismmarketforthe
ecotouristtypeadventuretravelerwithsomeveryhighqualitydive
andsnorkelingopportunities.Italsohasadiversecetacean
populationincludingshortfinnedpilotwhales,orcas,minkewhales,
spinnerdolphinsandbottlenosedolphins.Althoughthereisno
dedicatedwhalewatchingindustryinPNG,manyoperatorstake
advantageofitsabundantcetaceanspeciesinanopportunistic
mannerondivetrips.
Visitorarrivalsin2005werearound69,000 63.Ourresearch
estimatesaconservativefigureof644opportunisticwhalewatchersin2008fromapproximately15
operators.MostofthesearediveoperatorsacrossthemanyregionsofPNGandthisindicatesan
approximategrowthrateof10%perannumfrom1998to2008.
ThehighmarinebiodiversityinPNGisasignificantdrawingcardforecotourists.Withsucharichand
uniquearrayofcetaceans,thecountryhasthepotentialtofurtherattractwhalewatchingtourists.
However,fornowcetaceansightingsstilltendtooccuronanopportunisticbasis.Insomeareasresident
podsofdolphinsarereliablyseen,butoftenthebiggestbarriertoattractingtouristsisthedifficultyand
expenseofaccessingPNGregions.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
minkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,orca,shortfinnedpilot
whale,spinnerdolphin
90%
10%
Boatbased,multipledaytrip,dedicated
$37.50
9
Yearround
62
AAGRfrom1998to2008
63
PNGTourismPromotionAuthority2005,PNGShortTermVisitors2005,accessedMarch2006,availableonlineat:
http://www.png.aqualagoon.com
193

References:
Samoa
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
725
778
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
20%
12% 64
None
None
N/A
9
9
None
None
Minimal
$18,488
$19,851
None
None
Minimal
$0
$0
None
None
Minimal
$18,488
$19,851
CapitalCity:Apia
Samoaattractedinthevicinityof99,000touristsin2004 65.Witha
wellestablishedtourismindustry,thecountrysmarinebased
operators,suchasdiveandsurftouroperators,takeadvantageof
opportunitiestoviewcetaceanswhentheyareencounteredon
trips.Thecountryisvisitedseasonallybyhumpbackwhalesand
residentspinnerdolphinpopulations.In2008,nineopportunistic
operatorswereestimatedtotakearound800touriststosee
cetaceans,withthesetripsmainlyfocusingonsmallcetaceans.This
isanaveragegrowthofaround12%perannuminthedecadesince
1998.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin
100%
0%
$25.50
9
JulytoOctoberforwhales,yearroundfor
dolphins
64
AAGRfrom1998to2008
65
194

References:
SolomonIslands
Year
1991
1994
1998
2005
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
500
537
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
14%
8% 66
None
None
1
6
6
None
None
Minimal
$36,250
$38,923
None
None
Minimal
$0
$0
None
None
Minimal
$36,250
$38,923
CapitalCity:Honiara
LikePapuaNewGuinea,theSolomonIslandsisaregionrichin
cetaceandiversityandactsasanimportantmigratorycorridoras
wellasapermanenthabitatforbothsmallandlargecetaceans.
Althoughtherearenodedicatedwhalewatchingoperatorsinthe
country,somediveoperatorsviewcetaceansopportunisticallyon
theirtripswithreasonablyhighsightingrates(upto75%oftrips).
Itisestimatedthatin2008,therewereover500opportunistic
whalewatchersapproximately8%annualgrowthsince1998 67.
Certainsmallcetaceanspeciesareabundantandtraditionaldolphin
huntsstilloccurincertainpartsoftheSolomons,withdolphinteethtradedasasubstitutecurrency.
Thecountryhashadlowvisitationratesinrecentyears(around6,000in2004,comparedtopre1999levels
ofupto16,000 68),largelyasaresultofcivilunrestandpoliticalinstability.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
IndoPacificbottlenosedolphin,shortbeaked
commondolphin,falsekillerwhale,melon
headedwhale,orca,Rissosdolphin,spinner
dolphin
$72.50
6
Yearroundfordolphins,variousforwhales
66
AAGRfrom1998to2008
67
Basedonestimatesof250whalewatchersin1998.
68
SPTO,TourismSectorStudySolomons,accessedJune2006,availableonlineat:www.spto.org
195

References:
Tonga
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
200
2,334
9,804
9,804
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
85%
20%
15.4% 69
None
N/A
5+
14
14
None
$10,000
$55,000
$749,959
$980,400
None
$25,000
$367,000
$1,130,418
$1,130,418
None
$35,000
$422,000
$1,893,052
$2,110,818
CapitalCity:Nukualofa
01:Vavau
WhalewatchingcontinuestocontributestronglytotheKingdomof
Tongaseconomy,withwhalesaniconicspeciesforthetourism
industry.In2008,thereweremorethan9,800whalewatch
participantsinTonga,representingaverageannualgrowthof15%
since1998,withalargemajorityofthesewhalewatchers
undertakingtripsinthenorthernislandsofVavau.Thelackof
changebetween2006and2008reflectsthelackofgrowthinvessel
capacityandlicenseholdersinTonga.Aswasidentifiedinthe
previousreport(seereferencebelow),capacityisclosetobeingreachedinwhalewatchinginTonga,
particularlyatVavau,andparticularlyintermsofnumberofboatsrelativetothenumberofwhales
encountered.Thisisthemainreasonthatnonewoperatorlicenseshavebeendistributed.
Itshouldberecognizedthatthefigureof9,800whalewatchersaboveismadeupofonlyabout3,200whale
watchtouristsacrossthecountry.InTonga,asinonlytheminorityofwhalewatchinglocationsintheworld,
manyofthetouristsundertakemultiplewhalewatchtripsontheirvisittotheislands,withsome
undertakingupto5tripsduringtheirstay.Assuch,thefigurerepresentsthenumberoftripsratherthan
thenumberoftourists.Thisisconsistentwiththemethodologyofthisreport;seethemethodologysection
aboveformoredetailonthis.
WhalewatchersinTongageneratedatotalestimatedexpenditureofapproximately$2.1millionin2008.
Directexpenditurefigureshavegrownslightlysinceourpreviousreportduetothefact(highlightedinthe
lastreport)thatticketpriceshavebeenslowlyincreasinginVavau.Indirectexpendituresareassumedto
haveremainedreasonablyconstant.
HumpbackwhalesmigratefromAntarcticatoTongaannually,remainingfromtheendofJulyuntiltheend
ofOctoberintheprotected,warmwaterstoreproduce.Asaresult,astrongboatbasedwhalewatching
industryhasgrownfromVavautotaketouriststoviewthehumpbacks.Therecentyearshaveseenthe
69
AAGRfrom1998to2008
196
industryexpandfromthefirstoperatorsintheearly1990stoapointwherethereareapproximately14
licensedoperatorsundertakingtoursinTongatapu,Eua,HaapaiandVavau.Vavauaccountsforthe
majorityoftheindustry,includingtenofthe14licensedoperatorsin2008.
Astheindustryhasgrown,ithasmaturedandnowincludesarepresentativeindustryassociation,the
TonganWhaleWatchOperatorsAssociation(TWWOA),whichhassevenmembers(representingaroundhalf
oftheindustry,andapproximately75%ofthewhalewatchepisodesin2006)aswellasamarineawareness
andeducationcentreinVavau,whichismanagedbyalocalIFAWrepresentative.Furtherformalisationof
theindustryhascomethroughgovernmentadministeredregulationsregardinglicensingandthe
developmentofwhalewatchingguidelines.Theguidelineswerefirstimplementedvoluntarilyandthere
wasbroadstakeholder(government,operatorandNGO)inputintotheirdevelopment,trialandevaluation
inthelate1990s.Thewhalewatchingguidelineshaverecentlybeenpassedaslegislation.
AnelementoftheindustryinTongathatisuncommoninwhalewatchoperationsgloballyistheabilityto
swimwiththewhales,whichispermittedaspartofwhalewatchlicenseconditions.Thisoccursinveryfew
placesglobally,butamajorityoftheoperatorsinTongaofferitaspartoftheirtour.Onelicensedoperator
explicitlystatesthatitdoesnotswimwithwhales.Mostotheroperatorsreportthattheydonotguarantee
swimwithwhaleexperiences,buttheydoofferthepossibility.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
100%
0%
Boatbased,halfdayandmultipledaytrip,
dedicated.
$100
28
JulytoNovember
Acknowledgements:
TonganVisitorsBureau,AllanBowe,PresidentoftheTonganWhaleWatchOperatorsAssociationandotheroperators
References:
EconomistsatLarge2008,WhaleWatchingTourismintheKingdomofTonga,areportforIFAWandOprations
Ctacs.
197
NorthAmerica
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
3,430,225
4,074,195
5,500,654
6,256,277
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
N/A
7.9%
7.8%
1.3%
3
4
4
4
$46,230,000
$65,791,000
$194,575,000
$566,200,198
expenditure
$179,045,000
$227,606,000
$399,692,000
$626,352,749
$225,275,000
$293,397,000
$594,267,000
$1,192,552,947
AllcountriesonthecontinentofNorthAmericaareinvolvedinwhalewatchingwithsomeofthemost
matureandlongestablishedwhalewatchingcommunitiesahistoryofover50years.In2008,North
Americacontinuestobethelargestwhalewatchingregionintheworld,withtwocountriesaccountingfor
over1millionwhalewatcherstheUStakingnearly5millionandCanadaover1million.
Thecetaceanwatchingindustryacrossthecontinentisamajorgeneratorofeconomicactivity,being
responsiblefortotalexpenditureofover$1billionin2008.Thisisasignificantfigure,particularlywhen
consideredthattheentireglobalvalueofwhalewatchexpenditurein1998was$1billion.
In1998,NorthAmericaaccountedfor60%oftheglobeswhalewatchers,whichhasdroppedto
approximately50%in2008,mainlyasaresultoftheevergrowingwhalewatchingindsutriesinmanyother
partsoftheworld.However,someofthelongestablishedwhalewatchingcommunitiesinNorthAmerica
areshowingveryslowornogrowthoverthelastdecade,explainedbyanumberoffactorsinthecountry
summariesbelow.
198
Thefollowingsectionoutlinesdetaileddescriptionsofthewhalewatchingindustryacrossthefourcountries
andterritoriesinNorthAmerica,thislargestandoldestofwhalewatchingregions.
Country
Growthbetween
1998and2008
1998
2008
AAGR
Canada
1,075,304
1,165,684
0.8%
Mxico
108,206
190,184 70
5.8%
St.PierreandMiquelon
607
600
0%
USA
4,316,537
4,899,809
1.3%
REGIONALTOTAL
5,500,654
6,256,277
1.3%
AAGR.
70
Projectedfrom2006yeardatainHoytandIguez,2008.
199
200
Canada
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
185,200
462,000
1,075,304
1,165,684
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
35.6%
23.5%
0.8%
N/A
N/A
237
206
$5,724,000
$14,154,000
$27,438,000
$48,420,000
$23,421,000
$50,085,000
$168,077,000
$101,946,000
$29,145,000
$64,239,000
$195,515,000
$150,366,000
CapitalCity:Ottawa
Canadahasoneoftheworldslargestwhalewatchingindustries,
withactivitiesonbothAtlanticandPacificcoasts,aswellasthe
countrysArcticregions.Theindustryhasshownonlymoderate
growthsince1998,remainingatareasonablyconsistentlevelin
termsofbothnumbersandrevenues.Aswhalewatchingexpands
acrosstheglobe,thereismorecompetitionbetweenwhale
watchinglocations.Somematureareasareconsolidatingtheir
position,whileothersfacemorecompetitionastheirwhale
watchingseemslessuniquethanitdidtenyearsago.Thesetrends
areevidentinvariouslocationsaroundCanada.
Fivemainregionshavebeenassessedinthisreportandcombinedtheyshowapictureofamaturewhale
watchingindustrythathasbeenawellestablishedpartofthecountrystourismattractionformanyyears.
BelowwehaveincludedaregionalbreakdownofthemainwhalewatchinglocationsacrossCanada.The
datainthefollowingsectionsreflectregionalproportionsoftheabovetotalnumberofwhalewatchersfor
theentirecountry.
201

BritishColumbia
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
285,000
430,600
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
4.2%
47
47
$9,102,000
$27,105,800
$60,027,000
$91,070,200
$69,129,000
$118,176,000
01:Victoria
02:LongBeach
03:TelegraphCove
04:CampbellRiver
BritishColumbiahasalarge,establishedwhalewatchingindustry,
whichhasgrownapproximately4.2%peryearsince1998.Themain
onshoreservicecentreisVictoriaonVancouverIsland,which
accountsfor70%ofwhalewatchdeparturesinBritishColombia.
Therearealsowellestablishedoperationsaroundtherestof
VancouverIsland,particularlyaroundCampbellRiver,theTelegraph
CovenortheastVancouverIslandarea,andtheTofinoUclueletareaonthewestcoastofVancouverIsland.
TherearealsotoursofferedfromtheVancouvermainland.
Theindustryisfocusedonorcas,whicharesightedyearround,thoughlessofteninwinter.Resident
populationsofDallsandharbourporpoisesandPacificwhitesideddolphinsarealsosightedfairlyregularly,
whileahighlightofseasonalwhalewatchingisthemigratinggraywhales.Upto22,000graywhalespass
throughtheregionbetweenMarchandMay.Minkewhalesarealsoafeatureofthesummerseason.
HumpbackwhalesarealsoseenincreasinglyespeciallyoffnorthernVancouverIsland.
ThemajorityofthetripsinBritishColombiaareboatbaseddayorhalfdaytripsviewinggraywhalesin
season(peakmigrationinMarchtoApril,alongwithsummerresidents),minkeandhumpbacksinnorthern
summerandorcasandsmallercetaceansatothertimes(bestseeninApriltoSeptember,butarepresent
yearround).Manyofthesetoursfeatureguidesandeducationalcontent.Morethan80%ofestimated
participantsgoforwhalewatchingintheCanadianUStransboundarywatersofHaroStrait,withdepartures
notonlyfromVictoria,butalsofromRichmond(mainland)andCowichanBay(northofVictoria).Live
aboardtrips,sometimesinexcessofaweekarealsooffered,followingthePacificCoast,sometimes
continuinguptoAlaska.Theseliveaboardtripscancostthousandsofdollarsandtheircontributionto
directexpenditurehasbeencalculateddependingontheextenttowhichwhalesanddolphinsfeaturein
promotionalmaterialandtripitineraries,typicallyaround10%.
LandbasedwhalewatchingisalsopopularalongthewestcoastofVancouverIslandontheLongBeacharea,
fromthePacificRimTrailorRadarHill,justsouthofTofino.Theannualnorthwardmigrationofgraywhales
throughthePacificRimNationalParkbeginsinlateFebruaryandcontinuesuntiltheendofMay.The
communitiesofTofino,UclueletandthePacificRimNationalParkholdthePacificRimWhalefestival
between14thand22ndMarchannually.ThefestivalhasfamilyeventssuchastheTugOWhaleandthe
AnnualChowderChowdown,aswellaslecturesand,ofcourse,whalewatching.Thegraywhalemigration
isestimatedtoattractupto90,000landbasedwhalewatcherstotheregionannually.
LikeotherareasinCanadaandelsewherewithlarge,longrunningwhalewatchindustries,concernshave
beenraisedabouttheimpactofwhalewatchingonwhalesthemselves.Disturbancebyvessels,alongwith
202
foodshortagesandwaterpollution,couldbeplacingthesustainabilityoftheindustryatrisk.Whileindustry
standardsareinplacethroughtheBeWhaleWiseprogramme,andcommercialboatsaregenerallyaware
ofandfollowtheguidelines,recreationalboatownersarenotaswellinformed,andincreasingeducation
amongsttheseboatownersaboutwildlifeviewingetiquetteremainsapriority.(Fordetal.,2000andTrites
&Bain,2000).
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,graywhale,minkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
Pacificwhitesideddolphin,Dallsporpoise,
harbourporpoise,orca
60%
40%
Mainlyboatbasedhalfdaytrips.Multiple
daywhalewatchingandnaturecruisesare
alsoasignificantpartofthemarket
$114
200
ApriltoOctober
Acknowledgements:
NorthwestWhaleWatchersAssociation,FisheriesandOceansCanada(DFO),AdamHellicar,AlanMcGillvray,Cedric
Towers,TourismVancouver,TourismBCandallthewhalewatchoperatorsthatrespondedtothesurvey
References:
BeWhaleWise,www.bewhalewise.org
Ford,JKB,Ellis,GM,Balcomb,KC2000,Killerwhales:ThenaturalhistoryandgenealogyofOrcinusorcainBritish
ColumbiaandWashingtonState,SecondEdition.UBCPress,Vancouver.
NorthWesternWhaleWatchersAssociation,www.nwwhalewatchers.org
PacificRimWhaleFestival,www.pacificrimwhalefestival.org
ParksCanada,MarineWildlifeviewingProposedSouthernStraitofGeorgiaNMCAreserve,
TravelBritishColumbia,accessedDecember,2008,availableonlineat:
http://au.britishcolumbia.travel/en
CA/SightsActivitiesEvents/NaturalSightsParksWildlife/WhaleWatching/VancouverIsland.htm
Trites,AW,Bain,DE2000,ShortandLongtermEffectsofWhaleWatchingonKillerWhales(Orcinusorca)inBritish
Columbia,UniversityofBritishColumbia,VancouverB.C.andSixFlagsMarineWorldVallejo,Vallejo,Ca.
203

Qubec
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
505,000
567,161
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
1.12%
75
56
$10,251,000
$19,510,214
$66,684,000
$61,340,253
$76,935,000
$80,850,467
01:St.LawrenceRiverEstuary
02:SaguenayFjord
QubechasthelargestwhalewatchingindustryinCanada,basedin
theSt.LawrenceRiverEstuaryandGulf,whereharbourporpoises,
minke,fin,humpback,andbluewhalesareregularvisitorsbetween
MayandOctober.Spermwhalesarealsoseenoccasionally.Other
speciesaremostlyobservedintheGulfofSt.Lawrenceandrarelyin
theEstuarytheseincludelongfinnedpilotwhalesandAtlantic
whitesideddolphinsaswellasraresightingsoforcasandthe
endangeredNorthAtlanticrightwhale.ThethreatenedSt.
LawrenceBelugawhaleisayearroundresidentoftheEstuary,but
israrelytargetedbyoperatorsduetostrictregulations.
Theindustryhasgrownslowlysince1998;someobserverssuggestitmayinfacthavecontractedinthelast
fewyears.Thedeclineinoperatornumbersinthefiguresabovereflectsdifferentdefinitionsofwhalewatch
operatorratherthanaparticulardeclineinofferingstotourists.Someconsolidationoftheindustryhas
occurred,withlargercompaniesbuyingsomesmalleroperators.
ThemajorityofdedicatedwhalewatchinginQubectakesplacearoundthemouthoftheSaguenayFjord,
nearthetownofTadoussac.Multipleportsofdeparture,proximitytourbancentres,spectacularscenery
andwhalesbeingclosetoshorehavemadetheareaoneofthemostpopularwhalewatchinglocationsin
theworld.ThecorewhalewatchingareaiscoveredbytheSaguenaySt.LawrenceMarinePark(1245km2),
administeredjointlybyParksCanadaandParcsQubec.
AdetailedParksCanadaestimatefrom2005suggeststhatover274,000peopletakepartincommercial,
motorized,boatbasedwhalewatchingintheSaguenaySt.LawrenceMarinePark.Otherwhalewatchers
areonboardprivatepleasurecraft(13,200),cruiseships(132,194)andkayakers(over45,000).Afurther
60,000peopletookpartinlandbasedwhalewatchingatvariouslocationsaroundthepark,including
interpretivesessionsattheMarineDiscoveryCentre.StudiesundertakenbyParksCanadasuggestthat
landbasedwhalewatchersusuallyspendseveraldaysinthemarineparkandsurroundingareas,goingto
differentlocationsandtakingpartinmultipleactivities.Whilefeesareassociatedwithsomelandbased
viewingfacilities,thisisincludedasindirectexpenditureinourcalculationsratherthandirectexpenditure.
BoatbasedwhalewatcherstendtocomeondayorovernighttripsfromQubecCityorothermajorcities,
leadingoneQubecwhalewatchobservertodescribethelocalindustryasthefastfoodofwhalewatching.
Tadoussacindustryinsidersrefutethis,claimingthatgreateffortshavebeenmadetoenhancethequalityof
whalewatchingintheMarineParkandsurroundingarea.Touristsarestayinglonger;40%arestillday
trippers,buttheremaining60%spendanaverageof3.2nightsinthearea.AParksCanadarepresentative
feltitwastimetoputasidethefastfoodofwhalewatchinglabelbecauseitdoesnotreflectthenew
realitywhichhasmovedtowardsmoreofaslowfoodapproach,withhigherqualityandmoretimespent
intheareaeveniftherearestilldaytrippers.
204

Regardlessofitspace,theindustryhaslongsincepassedtheonemillionservedmarkandcontinuesto
makeasignificantcontributiontothelocaleconomy.Likepopularwhalewatchinglocationstheworldover,
concernsareoftenraisedabouttheeffectsofwhalewatchingvesselsonwhales.ParksCanadasharesthese
concernsandworkstoenforceregulationsandensurethesustainabilityoftheindustryintheSaguenaySt.
LawrenceMarinePark.Since1994,ParksCanadaisinvolvedinmonitoringofthewhalewatchingactivityin
theMarineParkalongwithoperatorsandalocalnonprofitorganisation.
WhalewatchingcanbefoundinseveralotherlocationsaroundtheGulfofSt.Lawrence,particularlyonthe
NorthShore.Around25,000whalewatchersperyearvisittheMinganregion.Manyoftheseareontrips
runbyalocalresearchgrouptohelpfundtheirresearchactivities.Visitorscanevenplayamoreactivepart
intheseresearchactivitieswithopportunitiestoparticipateoverfullday,weekortwoweekperiods.
OntheSouthShoreoftheGulfofSt.Lawrence,around15,000peoplegoboatbasedwhalewatchingoff
Gaspwiththreeoperators,targetingblueandhumpbackwhales.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largeceteaceans:
bluewhale,finwhale,humpbackwhale,
minkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
Atlanticwhitesideddolphin,belugawhale,
harbourporpoise,whitebeakeddolphin
20%
80%
3hour,halfdayandfulldayboatbasedtrips.
Significantlandbasedopportunities,with
telescopes,naturalistsandlookoutswith
cover
$50
2,000
MaytoOctober
Acknowledgements:
ThankyoutoNadiaMnardandValrieBusqueatSaguenaySt.LawrenceMarinePark(ParksCanada),Robert
MichaudandVronikdelaChenelireatGREMM,RichardSearsatMinganIslandCetaceanStudyand7operators.
205

NovaScotiaandNewBrunswick
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
140,000
135,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
0.4%
57
43
$3,658,000
$3,524,026
$22,774,000
$15,551,123
$26,432,000
$19,075,149
01:BayofFundy
02:Halifax
03:CapeBreton
NovaScotiaandNewBrunswickhavelarge,establishedwhale
watchingindustriesthathavemaintainedtheirsizeoverthelastten
years.Operatorsandindustrywatcherssuggestthat2005and2006
werebusyyears,while2007and2008havebeenrelativelyquiet
duetohigherfuelpricesandaslightdeclineinwidertourism.
Theindustryisfocusedonthreemainareas:theBayofFundy,the
areaaroundHalifax,andCapeBreton.Inspring,finandminke
whalesandharbourporpoisesareseenfirst,followedbyAtlanticwhitesideddolphinsandhumpback
whalesthatmigratetotheareainJuneandremainuntilautumn.Whalewatchersarealwayskeentosee
theendangeredNorthAtlanticrightwhale,asfewerthan400remain.
Asinotherestablishedwhalewatchareas,thenumberofoperatorshasdeclinedasbusinesseshave
consolidatedorspecialisedinothertourssuchasbirdwatching,forexamplepuffinfocusedtours.
Operationsareoftenfamilyrun,usingoneortwoboatswiththecapacityfor2050passengers.Some
vesselsarespectacular,historicyachtsreflectingthemaritimehistoryofthearea,whileotheroperatorsuse
inflatableboatsforexcitingtripsaroundseacliffsandwaterlevelviewingofwhales.Kayakingandhiking
companiesalsopromotetheirbusinesseswiththechanceofseeingwhales.
Tripsareusuallyfrom90minutestofourhours,withoperatorsofferinguptofivetripsperdayinthepeak
summerseason.Mostoperatorsplaceanemphasisoninformingguestsaboutthewhales,usuallywith
naturalistsonboard.SomeoperatorsintheBayofFundyassistresearchorganisationstobetterunderstand
thecetaceansofthearea,particularlytheNorthAtlanticrightwhale.
Around75%ofwhalewatchersarefromCanada,althoughthisvariesgreatlywithintheregion.On
CampobelloIsland,NewBrunswick,mosttouristsarefromtheUSA,astheislandisconnectedbybridgeonly
tomainlandUSAandnottoCanada.SomeoperatorsemphasisethecheaperCanadiandollartoattract
customersfromtheUSA.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Largecetaceans:
finwhale,humpbackwhale,minkewhale,
NorthAtlanticrightwhale
Smallcetaceans:
harbourporpoise,longfinnedpilotwhale,
Atlanticwhitesideddolphin
25%
75%
206
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Arangeofboatbasedoptionsincluding
yachts,inflatables,largerandsmallervessels.
$37
175
JunetoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
SarahHaneyandJerryConwayatCanadianWhaleInstitute,LaurieMurisonatGrandMananWhaleandSeaBird
ResearchStation,severaloperators.
NewfoundlandandLabrador
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
137,604
138,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
0%
48
35
$3,159,000
$2,507,000
$16,778,000
$14,262,000
$19,937,000
$16,769,000
01:St.Johns
02:AvalonPeninsula
NewfoundlandandLabradorhostconsiderablewhalewatching
activity,whichhasbeenatasteadylevelsince1998.Landbased
whalewatchingisalargepartofwhalewatchernumbers,with
whalesvisiblefrommanyofthemajortouristlandmarks.The
numberoflandbasedwhalewatchershasbeenestimatedat
75,000,basedonestimatesfromalocallandbasedtourism
operator.
Commercial,boatbasedwhalewatchingiscentredontheAvalon
Peninsula,particularlyWitlessBayandthecapital,St.Johns.Mostoperatorsareontheislandof
Newfoundland,withonesmalloperatorandotheropportunisticwatchingonLabrador.
WhalesareamajordrawingcardfortourismtoNewfoundland,featuringheavilyinpromotionalmaterial
andontheofficialtourismwebsite.Fewoperatorsrundedicatedwhalewatchingtours,butmany
incorporatecetaceansintotoursofthenaturalscenery,icebergexploration,andpuffinandotherseabird
watching.OperatorsgenerallyrunboattoursfromMaytoSeptember.Thetoursfocusinitiallyonicebergs
andseabirdsinMay.Humpback,minkeandfinwhalesmigrateintotheareainearlyJuneandstayuntilmid
September.Smallercetaceans,mainlyAtlanticwhitesideddolphins,areseenfromlateJulytolate
September.
Mostoperatorsaresmallbusinesses,oftenfamilyowned,operatingoneortwoboats,withcapacityfor20
30passengers.SomelargeroperatorsarebasedinSt.JohnsandWitlessBay,whileseveralbusinessesare
alsoofferingtoursininflatableboats.Boatcruisesandinflatabletripsrunforbetweenoneandfourhours.
Seakayakingandhikingtripsoffermoreperspectivesontheabundantcetaceanlifeinthearea.
Likesomeotherlongrunning,maturewhalewatchareasworldwide,Newfoundlandhadseenaplateauin
thenumberwhalewatchers,andaslightdecreaseinthenumbersofoperators,ascompanieshave
consolidatedorspecialisedinothernicheareassuchasicebergsandbirdwatching.
207
MostwhalewatchersinNewfoundlandareinternationaltourists,withsomeoperatorsreportinguptohalf
theirvisitorsbeingfromoutsideCanada.Thisisunusualfordevelopedcountries,wheredomesticvisitors
oftenmakeupalargeproportionofwhalewatchers.ThisanomalyisperhapsduetoNewfoundlands
isolationfrommajorCanadianpopulationcentres.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
LargeCetaceans:
finwhale,humpbackwhale,minkewhale
SmallCetaceans:
Atlanticwhitesideddolphin,harbour
porpoise,orca
35%
65%
Boatbasedtrips,mainlytripsfor14hours.
Longerkayakingandhikingtripsthat
encounterwhalesarealsoavailable.
$37
150
JunetoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
Thankstoseveraloperators.
208

CanadianArcticManitoba,NunavutandBaffinIsland
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
6,700
4,800
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
3.3%
10
28
$1,268,000
$2,921,000
$1,814,000
$1,068,000
$3,082,000
$3,989,000
01:Churchill,Manitoba
02:PondInlet,Nunavut
03:BaffinIsland
Arangeoftouroperatorsofferstripsthatencountercetaceansover
thisvastarea.Tripsrangefromlocallyorganised,informalboat
trips,tofullycatered,multidaytripsincludinghelicopterflights.
Thesetripsvaryintermsofdedicationtowhalewatchingandonly
broadestimateshavebeenpossiblefromsurveyresponsesand
operatorspromotionalmaterial.Themostconcentratedcetacean
watchingoccursinManitoba,withvariousotherlocationsaround
theArctic.
Churchill,Manitoba,ontheshoresofHudsonBay,isprimarilyknownasaplacetowatchpolarbears;
however,itisalsothesummerhomeofalargepopulationofbelugas.Twooperatorsofferboattourstosee
andlistentobelugasthroughhydrophones.Particularlyenthusiasticbelugawatcherscanevendondrysuits
andsnorkelwiththeanimalsintheicywaters.Basicticketscostaround$70whilesnorkellingwithbelugas
costsaround$116.
Churchilloperatorsaresmall,familyrunbusinesses,oftenwithothernaturetouroptionswithintheir
business.Onemainoperatorhasa30passengervessel,whilesmallercraftsuchasinflatablesandkayaks
arealsoused.Otheropportunitiesforbelugawatchingcanbefoundinvariouspartsoftheterritoryof
Nunavutmuchfarthernorth.
SeveraloperatorshavebegunofferingexcitingguidedtripstonorthernBaffinIslandtowatchnarwhals,the
unicornsofthesea.Malenarwhalshavealongtusk,actuallyanincisor,projectingfromtheirjaws,which
canbeuptothreemeterslong.Thetripsalsoencountersealsandoccasionallyorcasandbowheadwhales.
Ticketscostover$6000withoutairfares.NarwhaltripsaremainlybasedoutofPondInlet,Nunavut.
209

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
bowheadwhale
Smallcetaceans:
beluga,narwhal
30%
70%
Boatbasedtrips,kayakingandswimwith
belugas.Somelandbasedopportunities
aroundChurchill.
AroundtheotherareasoftheArcticarange
oftoursexistfromcanoetohelicoptertrips.
$70(ForbasicboatbasedtripsinChurchill)
40
JunetoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
ThankstotheoperatorsandNunavuttourism.
Mxico
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
Numberof
whale
watchers
2,000
12,000
108,206
169,904
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
81.7%
73.3%
5.8%
N/A
N/A
N/A
206
$3,000,000
$10,000,000
$8,736,000
$9,077,843
$200,000
$5,000,000
$32,902,000
$76,401,220
$3,200,000
$15,000,000
$41,638,000
$85,479,063
CapitalCity:MexicoCity
01:BajaCalifornia
02:Yucatnpeninsula
03:PuertoVallartaandBahadeBanderas
WhalewatchinginMxicobeganwithAmericancruiseshipsinthe
1970s,whilemorelocallybasedoperationsbeganinthelate1980s,
bringingeconomicbenefitstolocaloperators.Sincethenthelocal
industryhasgrownstronglyandoperatorsarenowspreadaround
theBajapeninsula(BajaCalifornia),themainlandwestcoastand
alsotheYucatnpeninsulaontheCaribbeancoast.Operatorsvary
fromsmallboats(pangas),whichcanbehiredlocally,tolargelive
aboardvessels.
BajaremainsMxicosmostimportantwhalewatchingregion,accountingfor85%ofthecountryswhale
watchers.Visitorscometoseegraywhales,whichmateandcalveinthelagoonsofthepeninsula.Onthe
210
mainlandPacificcoastaroundPuertoVallartaandBahadeBanderasoperatorstargethumpbackwhales,
bottlenosedolphins,pantropicalspotteddolphins,spinnerdolphins,andfalsekillerwhales.
OntheYucatnpeninsuladolphinwatchingismainlyopportunistic.Participantsinwhalesharktoursoften
encounterbottlenosedolphins.
AsMxicoswhalewatchinghasbeenestablishedforovertwentyyears,manyhighqualityoperationshave
developed.Guidelinesandregulationsexistinmanyofthemainwhalewatchingareaswithsomelevelof
enforcement.However,thereisasubstantialamountofcasual,unreportedwhalewatchingoutsidethe
mainports.Theunitpriceforthesetripsislowerandtripsdonotincludenaturalistsorguides.Researchin
Mxicosuggeststhatmanytouristswouldbewillingtopaymoreifhigherqualitytripswereavailable.
ThewhalewatchcommunitiesinMxicorunseveralwhalefocusedevents,suchastheFestival
InternacionaldelaBallenaGris(InternationalFestivaloftheGrayWhale)inlateFebruaryinPuertoSan
CarlosonMagdalenaBayinsouthernBaja.OtherfestivalsareatnearbyPuertoAdolfoLpezMateosin
EsteroSoledadheldeveryJanuaryandinAprilafestivalcelebratingtheendofthewhalewatchseasonis
heldatLagunaSanIgnacio.
Allinall,thisisacountrywithasubstantialwhalewatchingindustry.Estimatesfor2008numbersbasedon
pastratesofgrowthsuggesttheindustryaccountsfortotalexpenditureofnearly$100millionfromover
190,000whalewatchers.Recentreportsfromlocalincountryresearchersindicatethatactualgrowthto
2008wellsurpassedeventhisprojectedlevel,withthecountryhavingwitnessedexceptionallystrong
growthinthelasttwoyears.Additionalresearchisreportedlyinprocesstoascertaintheexacttotalfigures.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
bluewhale,Brydeswhale,finwhale,gray
whale,humpbackwhale,minkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphin,longbeakedcommondolphin,false
killerwhale,pantropicalspotteddolphin,
spinnerdolphin
7075%
2530%
Cruiseships,localboatbasedtripsandland
basedwatching.
$53
412
DecembertoMarch
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoJosAntonioCasisandMarisolRiveraPlanter.
References:
Thisisasummaryfromthe2008reportbyHoytandIguez(below),formoredetails,pleaserefertothisreport.
Projectionsfor2008arebasedonpastratesofgrowthtakenfromthe2008report:
Hoyt,E&Iguez,M2008,TheStateofWhaleWatchinginLatinAmerica,WDCS,Chippenham,UK;IFAW,Yarmouth
Port,USA;andGlobalOcean,London,60pp..
211

St.PierreandMiquelon
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
195
607
600
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
1
1
1
None
None
$16,400
$29,880
None
None
$77,600
$62,700
None
None
$94,000
$92,580
CapitalCity:SaintPierre
St.PierreandMiquelonaretwosmallislandssouthof
Newfoundland,Canada.TheyareaterritoryofFrance,aremnant
ofFrancesNewWorldempire.Theyareimportantforthefishing
rightstheyconfertoFranceinthewesternNorthAtlantic,andsome
whalewatchingisalsoconducted.Accordingtotheoneoperator
therehasbeenlittlechangeinnumbersofwhalewatchersoverthe
lasttenyears.
Naturecruisesthatfeaturewhaleanddolphinwatching,bird
watchingandhighlightingpointsofgeologicalinterestonthe
islandsarerunoutoftheyachtclub.Thecruisesuse12passengerinflatableboatsforshorttripsaround
theislands.Tripsdepartmostdaysduringthewarmermonthsandtargethumpbackandminkewhalesand
Atlanticwhitesideddolphins.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,minkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
Atlanticwhitesideddolphin
60%
40%
Shortboatbasedtrips
$53
1
JunetoSeptember
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoThierryVogenstahlandEmmanuelChaigne.
212
USA
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
3,243,025
3,600,000
4,316,537
4,899,809
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
3.5%
4.6%
1.3%
145
220
268
459
$37,506,000
$41,632,000
$158,385,000
$508,672,475
$155,424,000
$172,520,000
$198,635,000
$447,942,829
$192,930,000
$214,152,000
$357,020,000
$956,615,304
CapitalCity:Washington,DC
TheUnitedStatesremainsthelargestwhalewatchingindustryin
theworld,withnearly5millionwhalewatchersandtotal
expenditureofnearly$1billionin2008.ManypartsoftheUSA
havereachedmaturityaspredictedintheWhaleWatching2001
report(Hoyt,2001)andhaveshownminimalgrowth,oreven
declines.However,growthinAlaska,FloridaandtheGulfStateshas
expandedtheindustryasawholesince1998.
Thefollowingsectionsdescribewhalewatchinginthedifferent
regionsacrosstheUSA.
213
Alaska
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
76,700
519,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
21%
66
60
$89,100,000
$410,000,000
$33,550,000
$55,000,000
$122,650,000
$465,000,000
01:InsidePassage
02:Juneau
03:Gustavus
04:Homer
05:KodiakIsland
Alaskaisoneofthepremierlocationsforwhalewatchinginthe
UnitedStates,withhumpbackwhaleandorcapopulationsdrawing
thegreatesttouristfocus.Whalewatcherscanalsoviewminke
whales,Pacificwhitesideddolphins,Dallsporpoisesandgray
whales.ThewhalewatchingofferingsinthispartoftheUSare
diverse,withthelargegrowthinnumbersbeingmadeupofcruise
shipparticipants,multidaynaturecruiseparticipants,andsmallscalededicatedwhalewatchers.
ThesoutheastregionofAlaskaisboththestatesmostvisitedareaanditswhalewatchinghub,centred
aroundthenorthernmostlimitsofthefamousInsidePassageaseriesofprotectedwaterwaysthatstretch
southintoCanadaandconnectrightdowntoWashington.Humpbackwhalesfeedinthenorthernpartof
thePassagefromMaytoSeptember,andareoftenseenbreaching.Asthesewhalesremaininthesame
areasfor15weeksormore(inparticularGlacierBayandtheIcystrait),whalewatchingoperatorsinthis
regionareabletooffertoursfromMaytoSeptember.Operatorsoftenguaranteewhalesightingsandoffer
refundsifnowhalesaresighted.Morethan45operatorsofferavarietyoftripsinthisarea,rangingfrom
dedicatedwhalewatchingoperationstoseakayakingtours.WhalewatchingdepartsfromJuneauand
GustavusatthenorthernendofthePassage,wheremosttripsarehalfdayinlength.
Fartherdownthepassage,aroundKetchikan,PetersburgandSitka,therearefeweroperatorsintotal,buta
greaterproportionofmultidaytrips.Thesetripsareusuallynaturecruises,lessdedicatedtowhale
watchingalone,althoughcetaceansarestillanattractionheavilyemphasisedinmarketing.
ThecentralsouthregionofAlaskaalsohasnotablewhalewatchingaroundHomer,SewardandKenai.
Whalewatchinghereismoreopportunisticthandedicated.Operatorsfocusonarangeofmigratoryspecies
asoneaspectofbroaderwildlifeandseakayakingtours.
ThewesterncoastalregionofAlaska(southwestofAnchorage)drawsconsiderablyfewervisitorsthaneither
oftheotherregions(3%oftotalvisitorscomparedto70%and56%oftotaltouristsrespectively).Whale
watchingrepresentsonlyasmallproportionofwildlifetourismintheregion,asitisbasedongraywhales
migratingpastonthewaytootherareas.TherearethreeoperatorslocatedonKodiakIslandthatoffer
whalewatchingalongsideotherwildlifeviewing,particularlybears.Despitethis,thelocalWhaleFestisone
ofKodiakIslandsmainfestivals,andhasbeenrunningannuallysince1997.Thefestivalfeatures
educationallecturesonwhalesandindigenousculture,films,musicandwhalewatching.
CruiseshiptourismrepresentsaconsiderableportionofAlaskantouristvolumeat61%ofallvisitorsinthe
summerof2008.Asthevastmajorityofcruisespassingthroughthesoutheastfrequentlysightwhales,
214
thereisanelementofopportunisticwhalewatchingthatisnotcapturedinthisanalysis.However,asmany
cruiseshipsofferwhalewatchingeitheraspartofthecruise,ortheopportunitytogowithlocaloperators
whileinport,thismorededicatedwhalewatchinghasbeenestimatedonthebasisofaproportionofall
cruiseshipvisitors.Researchindicatesthatofcruiseshipvisitors,over60%onaverageincludewildlife
watchingasapartoftheirtrips.Estimatesforthisreport,inkeepingwithHoyt2001,attribute
approximately10%ofcruiseshipparticipantstowhalewatching.
ThroughoutAlaska,butparticularlyaroundthewhalewatchinghubsofJuneauandGustavus,whale
watchingtoursarepredominantlyrunbysmallprivatelyownedcharterboatswithacapacityofsixtoten
passengerswhichofferwhalewatchingasanoptionamongothercharters,mostnotablysportfishing.This
givesthelocalwhalewatchingindustryalargeconstituencyofsmall,oftenfamilyownedbusinesses,and
henceastrongtietolocalcommunities.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
graywhale,humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
orca,Pacificwhitesideddolphin,harbour
porpoise,Dallsporpoise
85%
15%
Focusedonboatbasedcruisesinfeeding
groundsofhumpbackwhales.Alsomultiday
cruiseshipsencounteringcetaceans.Some
landbasedwatchingofmigratorygraywhales
atWhaleFest
$100
250
LateMaytoearlySeptember
Acknowledgements:
ThanksinparticulartoDavidNemeth,aswellasGlenJacobsen,KathyandBarryBracken,CaptainGreg,KaraBerg,
CaptainJoelHanson,DennisRogers,David(Fritz)Koschmann,ToddSebens,JackCadigan,LaurieBooyse,Dolphintours,
NateModica,KajaBrix,GregSilberandLynnAderho.
References:
McDowellGroup2007,AlaskaVisitorStatisticsProgram,StateofAlaskaDepartmentofCommerce,Communityand
EconomicDevelopment,accessedJanuary2009,availableonlineat:
http://www.dced.state.ak.us/oed/toubus/research.htm.
McDowellGroup2008,AlaskaVisitorStatisticsProgramV;InterimvisitorVolumeReport,StateofAlaskaDepartment
ofCommerce,CommunityandEconomicDevelopment,accessedJanuary2009,availableonlineat:
215
Hawaii
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
448,000
450,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
0%
N/A
67
$16,030,000
$16,900,000
N/A
$114,500,000
$2754million
$131,400,000
01:Maui
02:Oahu
03:Kauai
Hawaiihasalargecommercialwhalewatchingindustry,includinga
growingdolphinbasedtouristindustry.Whalewatchingtripsfocus
onhumpbackwhalesduringthenorthernwinteraswellasviewing
shortfinnedpilotwhaleswhenpossible,whiletoursfocusingon
spinnerdolphins,andtoalesserextentbottlenosedolphins,run
yearround.InHawaii,thehumpbacktripsandtheyearround
dolphintripsarelargely,thoughnotcompletely,independentof
oneanother,astheirmainoperationsaregeographicallyseparated.
MorethanhalfofHawaiiswhalewatchingisbasedonMaui,whileOahuaccountsforover75%ofdolphin
tours.Thereissomeoverlap,andanumberofbusinessesofferbothactivities,generallyrunningdolphin
toursyearroundandlargecetaceanwatchinglateDecembertoApril.
TheimportanceofcetaceanbasedtourismshouldnotbeunderestimatedforHawaiisbroadertourist
industry,andforHawaiiseconomygenerally.Markrich(2004)notesthatthetourboatindustryhascreated
badlyneededjobsinHawaii,particularlyonneighbouringislands.Cetaceanwatchingandecotourshave
beenthestrongestsectionoftheHawaiianboattourindustryduringadifficultperiod.
WhileoperatorsurveyresponsesforHawaiiwerelow,anumberofreportsenabledstrongestimationsfor
thelocalcetaceanwatchingindustry.Utech(2000)offersaninvaluableandcomprehensiveaccount.
Markrich(2004)andtheHawaiianDepartmentofBusiness,EconomicDevelopmentandTourisms(DBEDTs)
annualreportsonvisitorstatisticsandactivitiesincludenumbersforwhalewatching,boattoursand
snorkelling,enablinganupdateofUtechsestimates.Fordolphintourism,thedraftreportpreparedby
ImpactAssessmentInc.forthePacificIslandsregionalOfficeoftheProtectedResourcesdivisionofthe
NOAAFisheries,EconomicDataReportforNOAAFisheriesSpinnerDolphinEIS,providedcomprehensive
statistics,andtheDBEDTreportsagainofferedthenecessaryinformationtoassessanychangessincethe
report.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin,bottlenosedolphin,short
finnedpilotwhale,falsekillerwhale
95%
5%
Shortboatbasedtoursaveraging2hours;
somehalfdayandfulldaytrips
$25onMaui
216
$35onotherislands
330
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
DecembertoApril
HawaiianIslands(Hawaii,Maui,OahuandKauai)Whalewatchinghumpbackwhales
Year
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
330,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
50
$11,000,000
$74,000,000
$85,000,000
DuringthemonthsofDecemberthroughApril,manyoftheNorthPacifichumpbackwhalesthatspendthe
northernsummerfeedinginAlaskaandtheBeringSeamigratetotheHawaiianIslandstomateandraise
theircalvesinwarm,shallowwatersestimatedat10,000whales.In1992,theUnitedStatesCongress
createdtheHawaiianIslandsHumpbackWhaleNationalMarineSanctuaryinthewatersaroundthemain
Hawaiianislands(Hawaii,Maui,OahuandKauai),centredonMaui.Oahuhasthelongestrunningwhale
watchingindustry,goingbackmorethan35years,butwhalewatchingdidntbecomepopularinthe
HawaiianislandsuntilitspreadtoMauiin1975.Mauiaccountsformorethanhalfofthetotalwhale
watchervolumeandrevenuegeneratedbyallfourmainislands.
MauiswhalewatchingcommunitiesarelocatedatLahainaandMaalaea,andtoalesserextentinKihei,
MalaWharfandKaanapalibeach.OnthebigislandofHawaii,whalewatchingoperatorsaretobefoundat
KailuaKona,KeauhouBay,HonokohauHarbor,andtheKohalaCoast.OnKauaiwhalewatchingbusinesses
operateprincipallyfromPortAllen,withafewremaininginHanalei,andinOahufromHonoluluHarborand
theKewaloBasin.
ThefourmonthdurationofthehumpbackwhalespresenceinHawaiianwatersenablesasubstantialwhale
watchingseason.Eachyearmorethan50vesselstakeapproximately330,000patronsondedicatedwhale
watchingtours,providingmorethan270jobsduringtheseasonandgeneratingapproximately$9.5million
indirectexpenditure.Inaddition,humpbackwhalesfactorsignificantlyintheappealofothertours(dinner
cruises,ecotours,etc)(Utech,2000)andofgeneraltourisminMaui,duetoitscentrallocationinthe
HawaiianIslandsHumpbackWhaleNationalMarineSanctuary(Markrich,2004).
ThereisconsiderableopportunisticwhalewatchinginHawaii,butgiventhedifficultyofmeasuringthe
economicvalueofsuchactivity,ithasgenerallybeenomittedfromthisreport.Oneexceptionisthe
snorkellingtoursaroundMauiduringwhaleseason.Snorkellingtoursemphasisethepossibilityofseeing
whalesinmarketingmaterial,andpatronssurveyedreportedwhalewatchingasbeingasignificantincentive
inpurchasingthesetours(Utech).AproportionofrevenuefromsnorkellingtoursaroundMauiduringthe
whaleseasonhasbeenincludedhereasopportunisticrevenue.
217

HawaiianIslands(Hawaii,Maui,OahuandKauai)DolphinWatching
Year
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
120,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
15
$5,900,000
$40,500,000
$46,400,000
Inthe2001IFAWworldwidewhalewatchingreport,authorErichHoytnotedtheemergenceofanindustry
basedonviewingsmallercetaceans,aswhalewatchoperatorslookedforyearroundtouroptions.Dolphin
watchinghassincegrowndramatically,withapproximately15operatorstaking120,000touristson
dedicateddolphintourseachyear.Mostcompaniesarenowaround10yearsoldandthelongestrunning
operatoris14years.Dolphinwatchingprovides60jobsandgenerates$4.4millioninrevenue.Inaddition,
manyothertouroperatorswatchdolphinsopportunistically.Around83suchoperatorsofboatingand
kayakingtourstake390,000patronsandgeneratearound$37millioninrevenue.
DolphinwatchinginHawaiioftenincludesswimmingorsnorkellingwiththeanimals.Somedolphintourism
operatorsmarketthemselvesasspiritualorholisticretreatsthatattempttocommunewithdolphinsaspart
ofageneralfocusonalternativereligion,spirituality,healthandwellbeing.
78%ofdedicateddolphinwatchingtakesplacefromOahu.OperatorsarelocatedattheWai'anaesmall
boatharborandtheKo'olinaMarina.OnHawaiismainislandsomedolphinwatchoperatorsworkfromthe
Honokhausmallboatharbor,onMauiattheLahainaHarbor,M'alaeaHarbor,Kheiboatramp,K'anapali
Beach,andMlawharfandramp.OnKauai,operatorsareatthePortAllen,KkaOla,andKukui'ulasmall
boatharbours.
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoJayneLeFors,SarahCourbis,ToriCullins,ChristineBrammer,ElizabethCorbin,KimAndrews,KarinForney
andDanSalden.
References:
ImpactAssessment,Inc,EconomicDataReportforNOAAFisheriesSpinnerDolphinEIS,March2007.
Markrichs,MTheHawaiiBoatIndustry2003ASurveyandEconomicDescription,May2004.
Utech,DValuingHawaiisHumpbackWhales:TheEconomicImpactofHumpbacksonHawaiisOceanTourBoat
IndustryinTheEconomicContributionofWhaleWatchingtoRegionalEconomies:PerspectivesFromTwoNational
MarineSanctuaries,MarineSanctuariesConservationSeriesMSD002,July2000.
218

Washington
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
317,000
425,000
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
3.0%
26
42
$3,312,000
$10,845,500
$10,355,000
$50,590,500
$13,567,000
$61,436,000
01:FridayHarbor
02:LimeKilnPoint
03:PortTownsend
04:PortAngeles
05:Anacortes
06:Westport
07:WhidbeyIsland
In1986,cetaceanwatchingbeganinWashingtonStatewiththefirst
dedicatedvesselbasedonSanJuanIsland.Today,theindustry
continuesfocusedontheHaroStraitandadjacentJuandeFuca
Straitareawhichaccountsforapproximately95%ofthetotal
numbersofwhalewatchers.
AccordingtotheWhaleMuseum,locatedatFridayHarbouronSanJuanIsland,whalewatchinginthearea
reachedamaximumof32vesselsin1997andagainin2001.Today,withtheindustrywellestablished,22
activewhalewatchingvesselsareundertakingwhalewatchtrips,ownedby16dedicatedboatbased
companies.Furthermore,severalkayakingcompaniesarealsoincorporatingdedicatedwhalewatchingtrips
inadditiontotheirtraditionalnaturebasedkayakingtours.Intotal18kayakingoperatorsareaccountedfor
eitherwithdedicatedoropportunistictrips.Theremainingoperatorscorrespondto8charterbusinesses
locatedonthePacificcoastofWashingtonState.
OrcawatchingoccursintheUSCanadiantransboundaryinlandwaterscentredonHaroStrait.Themain
departingportsareFridayHarbouronSanJuanIsland,PortTownsend(eastentranceofPugetSound),
AnacortesonFidalgoIsland,PortAngeles(onthesouthcoastoftheStraitofJuandeFuca),andBellingham
(onBellinghamBay).FromthetotalwhalewatchersestimatedforWashington,approximately150,000
correspondtoseabasedparticipants,departingfromthesepoints.
ThewhalewatchingseasonstartsinApril,extendingthroughthesummerandintoOctober,withsome
operatorsofferingsporadictripsyearroundandotherstargetinggraywhaletoursinMarchandApril.
Whalewatcherscanexpectwhalesightingsmorethan90%ofthetimeduetothepresenceofresidentorca
podsoffSanJuanIslandwhicharealsoeasilyspottedfromshore.Themainsightedspeciesareresidentand
transientorcas,Dallsandharbourporpoises,aswellassometimesminke,gray,andhumpbackwhales.
Tourscostonaverage$80peradultand$59perchildforathreehourboattrip,and$86forahalfdaykayak
trip.Kayakexcursionsarealsoofferedasmultipledaytours,rangingfromapprox$350to$800for2or5
days.
Farthersouth,alongthewestcoast,inWestport,thereisalsoalonghistoryofofferingseabasedwhale
watching,butatamuchsmallerscalethanaroundtheSanJuanIslandsandinHaroStrait.Theindustryin
thisareaispredominantlycharterboatsthatundertakefishingtoursatothertimesoftheyear,butfocused
onthemigratorygraywhalesduringthemonthsofMarch,AprilandMay.TripsinWestportcost
219
considerablylessthanthosedepartingfromtheSanJuanIslandsarea:anaverageof$30peradultand$20
perchildforatwohourtrip.Theseareofferedbyalocalcharterassociation.
LandbasedwhalewatchingalsohasastrongpresenceinWashington,mainlyoverlookingHaroStrait,but
alsoalongthePacificcoast.ThemostfrequentlyvisitedlocationisLimeKilnPoint,setonthewestsideof
SanJuanIsland,whichattracted198,200participantsin2008,officiallyrecordedbytheWhaleMuseum,to
watchthelocalorcas.Accordingtolocalinformation,thisfigureislikelytobeanunderestimatedueto
alternativeparkfacilitiesinstalledin2002alongsidethemainwhalewatchingplatformthatdetoursvisitors
whoarenotcountedinthisestimate.Iftheannualgrowthratebetween1997and2002(2.5%)isassumed
tobethesameintheyearssince2002,itcouldbeexpectedthatthisnumberwouldbeashighas250,000
shorebasedwhalewatchersinLimeKilnPointin2008.
OtherpopularlandbasedlocationsforspottingthesouthernresidentorcasareWhidbeyIsland,Port
Townsend,CapeFlattery(wheretheStraitofJuandeFucajoinsthePacificOcean)andasfarsouthasthe
KitsapPeninsula.Likewise,thePacificcoastlineoffersdiverselocationstospotwhalesonshore,suchasLa
PushandKalalochBeach,althoughrecordsarenotcollectedattheselocations.Farthersouth,closetothe
borderwithOregonState,theLewis&ClarkInterpretiveCenterandtheNorthHeadLighthousealsoattract
visitors,mainlyinDecemberandMarch,whenthegraywhalesmigrateandcanbespottedonshore.
Estimatesfortheselocationshavebeencalculatedbasedonlocaltourismsources.
ConsideringthestatusofthemainorcawatchingintheSanJuanIslandsarea,itseemstheindustryhas
reachedasteadystate.Fromaboombetween19972001,theannualaveragenumberofcommercialwhale
watchvesselsremainedatnearlythesamelevelbetween19982006(Koski,2006).Nevertheless,land
basedwhalewatchingisstimulatingthedevelopmentofnewtourismgrowthandinresponsetothis
demand,itwasreportedthatthereareplanstoestablishalandbasedWhaleTrailfortouristsintheregion
followingtheverysuccessfulWhaleWatchingSpokenHereprogrammeinOregon.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
graywhale,minkewhale,humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
orca,Dallsporpoise,harbourporpoise
9%
91%
Boatbased,kayak,landbased,airsighting,
halfday,fulldayandmultipledaytours
$80forahalfdaytrip
$350to$800for2to5multiday
335
ApriltoOctober
Acknowledgements:
KariKoskiofWhaleMuseum,JulieTennisofLongBeachAreaStateParks,KayceRodriguezofParksWashingtonState,
KathrynHansenofSanJuanCountyParks,ChrisofWesternPrince,ShaneAggergaardofIslandAdventuresandother
Washingtonoperators.
References:
Koski.K,2006.SoundwatchPublicOutreach/BoaterEducationProject.TheWhaleMuseum,FridayHarbour,
Washington.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/
220

Oregon
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
190,137
376,618
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
7.1%
10
11
$818,000
$1,587,205
$5,577,000
$28,246,343
$6,395,000
$29,833,548
01:Newport
02:DepoeBay
Oregonisastatewellpositionedtobenefitfromtheregularannual
migrationofgraywhales.Infact,someinthestateclaimanalmost
yearroundprevalenceofwhales,whenthesouthernandnorthern
migrationsofgraywhalesarecombinedwiththeregularvisitation
ofhumpbackwhalesandthosegraywhalesthatremaininthe
regiontofeedoversummermonths.
Thestatehaslongbeenawareofthepotentialtouristattraction
presentedbytheconsistentopportunitytoviewthesewhales.In
1998,itwasestimatedthatover126,000peoplewatchedthese
whalesfromland,inadditionto64,000fromboats.In2008,weestimatethatatotalof377,000tourists
participatedinland,seaandairbasedwhalewatchingalongtheOregoncoast.
ThepromotionoflandbasedwhalewatchinginOregonissomeofthebestorganisedlandbasedwhale
watchingintheworld.TheOregonParksandRecreationDepartmentpromotes26locationsalongthecoast
(2ofwhichareintheneighbouringstatesofWashingtonandCalifornia)aswhalewatchinglocationswithin
aprogrammecalledWhaleWatchingSpokenHere.Theprogrammefocusesparticularlyonpromotingtwo
peakwhalewatchingweeksannuallythatcoincidewithholidaysinspringandwinter.Theweeksare
organisedtomaximisethewhaleviewingopportunitiesforvisitorsaswellastoprovideeducationalcontent
totheexperience.Toachievethis,eachyearvolunteersaretrainedandlocatedfortwoweeksateachof
the26coastalsitestowelcomeandeducatevisitorsprovidingahigherquality,andfree,whalewatching
experience.Theprogrammealsoproducescomprehensivedataofwhalesightingseachdayofthosetwo
weeksfromeachsite,aswellasvisitornumberstoeachsite.AWhaleWatchingCentrehasalsobeen
establishedinDepoeBaytoprovidevisitorswithyearroundinformation.
Estimatesforwhalewatchersin2008forthisreportarebasedondatacollectedbytheWhaleWatching
SpokenHereprogramme,aswellasvisitordatatotheWhaleWatchingCenterinDepoeBay,andthen
modelledacrosstheyear.Theestimatefor2008landbasedwhalewatchersinOregonis315,148(excluding
thetwoWhaleWatchingSpokenHeresitesthatareinneighbouringstates)morethandoublethenumbers
in1998.
Boatbasedwhalewatchershavenotseensuchariseinthelastdecade:rather,2008figuresshowaslight
dropfrom64,000toaround61,470,onaverage0.4%decreaseperyear.Researchforthisstudyindicated
numbershavedroppedslightlyacrosstheentirecoast,withnooneregiondroppingmoredrasticallythan
others.Itdoesappearthatwhalewatchinghasbecomemoreconcentrated,withaclearmajorityoftrips
occurringinthetwomainwhalewatchcentresofNewportandDepoeBay(over95%)thelattertakingthe
highestnumbersandmosttripstakenbyonlyasmallnumberofoperators.Theotherfivesmallerwhale
watchingcentreshavedroppedinnumbersandoperatorssince1998withthemajorityofoperators
seemingtofocusmoreontheircorebusinessofcharterfishing.
221

Nevertheless,theindustryisundoubtedlystrongandmatureinOregon,withmanyofthesameoperators
stilltakingtripsastheywerein1998.Theindustryismadeuplargelyoffishingcharterboatsthatundertake
whalewatchingtripsinpeakseasonondemand.Despitethepresenceofwhalesyearround,amajorityof
operatorsrespondedthattheyfocuspredominantlyonthewarmermonthsfromMaytoOctoberwhich
includestheprimesummerholidayseasonfromendofMayMemorialDaytoearlySeptemberLaborDay.
UnlikeCalifornia,therearefewlargerwhalewatchoperations,withthemajorityofvesselsaveraginga
capacityofupto30passengers.
Approximately11operatorsrunboatbasedtoursalongtheentireOregoncoastinover35vessels.One
operatorrunsairbasedcharterflightstoseethewhales.Themainlocationsremainconsistentwith1998,
beingpredominantlyNewport(YaquinaBay)andDepoeBay.SmalleroperationsrunoutofBrookings,
CharlestonandGaribaldi.
Mainspecies:
Largecetaceans:
graywhale,humpbackwhale
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
harbourporpoise
8%
92%(NorthAmerican)
Boatbasedandlandbased
$30
55
Yearround,withNovemberandearly
Decemberbeinglowmonths
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoOregonParksandRecreationDepartmentandparticularlyMorrisGrover,BruceMateofOregonState
University,operatorandresearcheratOregonStateUniversity,CarrieNewell,andsevenotheroperators.
222

California
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
N/A
N/A
1,774,700
1,371,467
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5%
N/A
N/A
65
73
N/A
N/A
$14,110,000
$14,308,814
N/A
N/A
$50,171,000
$68,573,343
N/A
N/A
$64,281,000
$82,882,157
01:FortBragg
02:ChannelIslands
03:GulfofFarallonesNationalMarineSanctuary
04:LosAngeles
05:CabrilloNationalMonument
Californiahasthelongestestablishedwhalewatchingindustryin
theworld,withformalboatbasedwhalewatchinggoingbackasfar
asthe1950s(Hoyt,2008).
TheprimaryfocusofwhalewatchingtourisminCaliforniaisthe
wintermigrationofgraywhaleswhichoccursbetweenNovember
andMay.Eachyear,graywhalesmigratefromArcticfeedinggroundsalongtheCaliforniacoasttomating
andcalvinggroundsinBajaCalifornia,Mxico.Thesouthernmigrationgenerallytakesplacebetween
NovemberandFebruary,andisfollowedbythenorthernmigrationasthegraywhalesreturn,withcalves,to
northernfeedinggrounds.ExceptforinSanDiego,whalestendtobefartherfromtheshoreduringthe
southernmigrationandcloserduringthenorthernmigration,whichusuallypeaksduringApril,withslower
motherandcalfpairsstillbeingsightedintoMay.Someregionsoffersummerwhalewatchingofblueand
humpbacksbetweenMayandDecember,althoughwhalesightingsofthesetwospeciesisusuallyhighest
betweenJuneandSeptember.Orcasarealsoincreasinglyseenyearround,particularlyinMontereyBay.
Mostlocationsalsoofferyearroundsightingsofatleastsomeofthefollowingspeciesofdolphinsand
porpoisesincludinglongandshortbeakedcommondolphins,Pacificwhitesideddolphins,Rissosdolphins,
bottlenosedolphins,northernrightwhaledolphins,harbourporpoisesandDallsporpoises.Speciessighted
lessfrequentlyincludefinwhales,minkewhales,spermwhalesandBairdsbeakedwhales.Withoffshore
islandsandmarinesanctuariesalongthecoast,extendeddaytripsarealsopopular,particularlytotheGulf
oftheFarallonesNationalMarineSanctuary,theChannelIslandsNationalMarineSanctuaryandwithinthe
MontereyBayNationalMarineSanctuary.
Overall,landbasedwhalewatchingcontinuestobeabigattractionwithanestimated981,000landbased
whalewatchingtouristsin2008.Thisisbasedonseasonalvisitationdatatoaround30stateandnational
parksorbeachesandisslightlyhigherthantheestimateforlandbasedwhalewatchersin1998.However,
in1998,theCabrilloNationalMonumentwasestimatedtoattractapproximately300,000landbasedwhale
watchingtouristsbasedonoverallannualtouristvisitationof1.1million.By2008,overallvisitationto
Cabrillohaddroppedto700,000,andhencetheestimateforlandbasedwhalewatchersatCabrillohas
subsequentlydroppedto125,000tourists.Despitethis,theCabrilloNationalMonumentremainsinthetop
fourlocationsforlandbasedwhalewatchinginCalifornia,alongwithPointReyesNationalSeashore,
SonomaCoastStateParkandthePointVicenteInterpretiveCenter.Significantnumbersofmorecasual
landbasedwhalewatchersarenotincludedintheseestimates,sinceinmanylocationsalongthecoast,
whalescanbeseenfromanyhighpointandalongmanycoastalroads.Thismoreinformalwhalewatching
hasnotbeenestimatedinthisreport.
223

WiththenumberofboatbasedwhalewatchingtouristsinCaliforniaestimatedin2008at390,000,the
industryappearstohavedeclinedquitedramaticallysince1998,whentherewereanestimated750,000
whalewatchers.Thebiggestfactorattributedtothisdeclinearereporteddeclinesinsightingsofgray
whales.Theindustryhasalsomaturedandinsomelocations,therehasbeensomeredistributionofwhale
watchingtouristsfromcertainlocationstoothers.Someregionshaveexpandedthroughofferingyear
roundwhalewatching,wherepreviouslyonlyseasonalgraywhalewatchingwasoffered.Otherregions
havecontracted,withoperatorsinsomeportsinLosAngelesCountyseeingtheindustrydropawayabout2
to5yearsago.Somehypothesisethatthisdropoffmayhavebeenduetoreducedbudgetsforschool
groupstogoonwhalewatchingtrips,whichtraditionallymakeupalargeproportionofwhalewatching
touristnumbersincertainregionsofCalifornia.OperatorsinMarinaDelReyplantoaddressthissituation
bybeingmoreproactiveinmarketingtheirparticularregionandhaveplanstopromotetheirwhaleand
naturecruisesinthewinterof2009/10.Somemoreremoteareashavealsoseendeclinesintourist
numbersasmoreportsandoftenlargervesselshavebegunofferingwhalewatching,resultingintourists
beingabletogoontripsclosertohome.
Importantly,whalescontinuetobeasignificantsocialandculturalfocusalongtheCaliforniacoastline.As
manyasthirteenwhalefestivalsarestillorganisedannually,includingthreewithinMendocinoCountyalone,
andtwothathavebeenrunningfornearly40years.Alongwitheventsandperformances,someinclude
whalewatchtoursandsalesofvariouswhaleartefactsalongwithlocalproduceandothersouvenirs.
Although2008wasareasonableyearforwhalewatchinginCalifornia,mostoperatorsarereporting
significantdeclinesinpassengersin2009,particularlyforschoolgroupsanddomestictourists.However,
someoperatorsreportedthatinternationaltourismwasstillrelativelystrong.
WiththewhalewatchingindustryinCalifornianowbeingrelativelymature,operatorsareincreasingly
competingforafixednumberofwhalewatchingtourists,andmoreactivemarketingofwhalewatching
alongwithotherattractionswillbeneededtodrawtouriststoanyparticularregion.Compoundingthisisa
reportedsignificantdeclineingraywhalesightingsclosetoshore,whichwasparticularlyacutebetween
1999and2001.Furthermore,thelasttenyearshasseenanincreasingawarenessofthevalueoftourism
acrossAmerica,andso,morecompetitionfortourists.WhalewatchinginCaliforniawillcontinuetobeabig
touristattraction,butoperatorsareincreasinglycompetingagainstothercoastalregionsforwhalewatchers,
andotherregionsfortouristsingeneral.
Despitethis,thecoastofCalifornia,isoneofthebestplacesintheworldforreliablesightingsofbluewhales.
Humpbacksarealsofrequentlyseenduringthesummermonthsandsummertripsforhumpbacksandblue
whalescouldpossiblyprovidesomegrowthopportunitiesfortheindustrygoingforward.
WhalewatchinginthethreemainregionsofCaliforniaissummarisedbelow:
NorthernRegion
DelNorteCounty,HumboldtCounty,MendocinoCounty
Thenorthernregionhassixoperatorswhotakeanestimated8,735boatbasedwhalewatchersannually.
Landbasedwatchingisbiginthisregion,withnearly150,000landbasedwhalewatchersestimatedfor
2008.Althoughatotalof22landbasedlocationsareidentifiedinthisregion,thevastmajorityofthe
tourismestimatesarebasedonseasonalvisitationtoMcKerricherStateParkandMendocinoHeadlands
StatePark.
Tripshereonlyrunduringthegraywhaleseason,betweenmidDecemberandFebruaryforthesouthern
migrationandFebruaryandAprilforthenorthernmigration.Somemotherswithcalvescanstillbeseenin
May.Anaverageadultticketcosts$35fora2hrtrip.
224

CentralRegion
SonomaCounty,SanFranciscoCounty,SanMateoCounty,MarinCounty,SantaCruzCounty,
MontereyCounty,SanLuisObispoCounty
Thecentralregionoffersagreatervarietyofwatchingcomparedtothenorth,withtwentytwooperators
takinganestimated128,509boatbasedwhalewatchersin2008.Thisregionisalsothebiggestforland
basedwhalewatchinginCalifornia,withanestimated454,560landbasedwhalewatchers.Although
approximately20landbasedlocationsareidentifiedinthisregion,thevastmajorityoftouristestimatesare
basedonseasonalvisitationtoPointReyesNationalSeashoreandSonomaCoastStatePark,withSan
SimeonandMontaadeOroStateParkalsoattractinglargenumbersofwhalewatchers.
AroundSanFrancisco,boatbasedtripsareofferedyearroundandfocusonthegraywhalesbetweenmid
DecemberandMay,withwhalenumberspeakinginmidJanuaryforthesouthernmigrationandmidMarch
forthenorthernmigration.MotherswithcalvescanbeseenlateAprilandearlyMay.Humpbackandblue
whaletoursarealsoofferedbetweenJulyandNovemberandyearrounddaytripstotheFarallonIslands
areofferedonweekends.TheFarallonIslandsarelocated27milesoffthecoastofSanFrancisco,closeto
thecontinentalshelf,andarehometothousandsofbirds,sealsandsealions.ThewatersoftheGulfofthe
FarallonesNationalMarineSanctuaryarealsoimportantfeedinggroundsforPacificwhitesideddolphins
andDallsandharbourporpoises,aswellasbeinginthemigratorypathoflargercetaceanssuchasgray,
humpbackandbluewhales.Anestimated4,500to5,000passengersgoonFarallonIslandstripsannually.
AverageadultticketpricesaroundSanFranciscoare$60forahalfdaytripwhilefulldaytripstotheFarallon
Islandscancostbetween$95and$125.Shorterharbourtripsofaround2hoursarealsorunandcost$30
butonlyofferopportunisticsightingsofdolphinsandporpoises.MosttripsdepartfromSanFrancisco,
SausalitoorHalfMoonBay.
SouthofSanMateocounty,Monterey,MossLandingandSantaCruzaccountforthevastmajorityofboat
basedwhalewatchersinthecentralregion,offeringreliableyearroundwhalewatchingintheMonterey
BayNationalMarineSanctuary.TripsinMontereyBayareofferedyearroundwithgraywhalesbetween
DecembertoApril,particularlyduringthepeakofthesouthernmigrationinFebruaryandthepeakofthe
northernmigrationinApril.HumpbackandbluewhalesareseenbetweenMayandDecemberwith
humpbacksbeingmorecommonthanbluewhalesduringthistime.Orcasarealsoacommonyearround
sightinMontereyBayshortbeakedcommondolphins,bottlenosedolphins,Pacificwhitesideddolphins,
Rissosdolphins,northernrightwhaledolphins,Dallsporpoisesandharbourporpoisesareseenyearround.
Therearealsooccasionalsightingsoffinwhales,minkewhalesandBairdsbeakedwhales.Averageadult
ticketpricesfor2to3hourtripsare$46.Averageadultticketpricesforlongertripsare$86.
Farthersouth,tripsarealsorunoutofMorroBayandPortSanLuis.Operatorsherearesmallerthanthose
aroundMontereyBay,andonlyoneoffersyearroundwhalewatching,withmostjustofferinggraywhale
watchinginwinterandsportfishingduringsummer.
SouthernRegion
SantaBarbaraCounty,VenturaCounty,LosAngelesCounty,OrangeCounty,SanDiegoCounty
SouthernCaliforniaisthehomeoforganisedwhalewatching,andremainsthelargestregionforboatbased
operatorsinCalifornia,withfortyfiveoperatorstakinganestimated253,381boatbasedwhalewatchersin
2008.
Theregionalsoattractsanestimated386,618landbasedwhalewatchers,primarilytoCabrilloNational
Monument,thePointVicenteInterpretiveCenterandCrystalCoveStatePark.Atotalof25landbased
locationsareidentifiedinthesouthernregion,althoughasincentralCalifornia,whalescanusuallybeseen
fromanyelevatedlocation,includingalongmanyofthecoastalhighways.
225

InSantaBarbaraandVenturaCounty,tripsareofferedyearroundwiththesouthernmigrationofgray
whalesbetweenlateDecemberandFebruaryandthenorthernmigrationbetweenFebruaryandmidMay.
ThepeakofactivityisbetweenJanuaryandMarchandparticularlyduringthenorthernmigration,asthe
whalestravelmuchclosertotheshoreandoftenmoreslowlyasthemothersaretravellingwithcalves.Blue
andhumpbackwhalewatchingoccursbetweenJuneandNovember,althoughthehighestconcentrationof
whalesusuallyoccursbetweenJuneandSeptember.TheSantaBarbaraChannelhasveryreliablesightings
ofbluewhalesduringthistimeandisoneofthebestspotsintheworldforboatbasedbluewhalewatching.
Bottlenosedolphins,shortbeakedcommondolphins,Pacificwhitesideddolphins,minkewhalesandRissos
dolphinsarealsoseenyearroundwithoccasionalsightingsoforcas.Adultticketpricesforoperatorsfrom
SantaBarbaraandVenturaCountyarebetween$30to$50,withdaytripstotheNorthernChannelIslands
costingbetween$65and$95.
FarthersouthinLosAngelesandOrangeCounty,operatorsalsoofferbothwintergraywhalewatchingand
tosomeextent,summerwhalewatchingofbluewhales.Humpbackwhalewatchingisnotasprominent
hereasnorthinSantaBarbaraandVenturaCounty.AdultticketpricesforoperatorsinLosAngelesCounty
rangebetween$15and$30althoughmanyoperatorswithlargervesselsofferdiscountedticketpricesfor
schoolandothergroupbookingswhichcanbeaslowas$10perperson.Adultticketpricesforoperatorsin
OrangeCountyarebetween$30and$55,withdaytripstotheSouthernChannelIslands(CatalinaIsland)
costingaround$70.
InSanDiego,landbasedwhalewatchingispopularattheCabrilloNationalMonument,withanestimated
125,000landbasedwhalewatchersin2008.VisitationtotheCabrilloNationalMonumenthasdecreased
fromover1millionvisitorsannuallyin1998,toonly700,000in2008,resultinginabigdeclineinestimated
landbasedwhalewatchersdownfromover300,000in1998.ApartfromtheCabrilloNationalMonument,
afurthersixlandbasedlocationsareidentifiedinSanDiegocounty,mostlyatbeachesorhighwaybluffs.
BoatbasedtripsfromSanDiegoaremostlyofferedbetweenDecemberandMayandfocusonthenorthern
andsouthernmigrationsofthegraywhale.OffthecoastofSanDiego,unlikefarthernorth,graywhales
swimclosertotheshoreduringthesouthernmigrationandfartheroutduringthenorthernmigration.One
operatorisofferingyearroundtripsthatincludeotherwhalesanddolphinsbygoingfartheroutoffthe
coast.Commonlysightedspeciesincludelongandshortbeakedcommondolphins,bottlenosedolphins
andPacificwhitesideddolphins.Occasionalsightingsofshortfinnedpilotwhales,finwhales,orcas,minke
whalesandRissosdolphinsalsooccuryearround.SomeoperatorsbasedinSanDiegoruntripsinto
Mexicanwaters,inthisreport,passengersonthesetripshavebeenincludedintheMexicannumbers.
Averageadultticketpricesfor2to4hourtripsare$50.Sailingyachtsandsmallervesselschargebetween
$65and$85perperson,whilelargerboatbasedvesselschargebetween$30and$35perperson.Nearlyall
tripsdepartfromSanDiego.
226

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
graywhale,bluewhale,humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
longbeakedcommondolphin,shortbeaked
commondolphin,Rissosdolphin,Pacific
whitesideddolphin,bottlenosedolphin,Dalls
porpoise
10%
90%
Boatbased,daytrips
Variessignificantlybetweenregions
2to3hrtripscostanywherefrom$10to$50
Daytripsmaycostbetween$80and$125
600
DecembertoMay(graywhales)
MaytoDecember(bluewhales)
MaytoNovember(humpbackwhales)
Yearround(dolphinsandothersmall
cetaceans)
Acknowledgements:
BernardoAlps(AmericanCetaceanSociety),BirgitWinning(OceanicSociety),JohnArnoldandChristopherKnoll(Parks
California),andalloftheoperators,tourismbureausandChambersofCommercewhoassistedwiththisresearch.
References:
Leeworthy,VR,Wiley,PC,Stone,EA,2005,SocioeconomicImpactAnalysisofMarineReserveAlternativesforthe
ChannelIslandsNationalMarineSanctuary,NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration,U.S.Departmentof
Commerce,October7,2005.
Hoyt,E2008,Whalewatching,EncyclopediaofMarineMammals,2ndEdition(Perrin,W.F.,B.WrsigandJ.G.M.
Thewissen,eds.)AcademicPress,SanDiego,CA.,pp.12191223.
227

NewEngland
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
1,240,000
910,071
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Directexpenditure
N/A
3%
36
31
$30,600,000
$35,000,000
Indirectexpenditure Totalexpenditure
$76,650,000
$91,000,000
$107,250,000
$126,000,000
01:StellwagenBank
02:Maine
03:NewHampshire
NewEnglandhasaverylargewhalewatchingindustry,whichhas
experiencedasignificantcontractionsince1998.In2008,an
estimated910,000touristswentonboatbasedwhalewatching
tripsfromportsinMassachusetts,Maine,NewHampshire,and
RhodeIsland.
ThemostpopularwhalewatchinglocationinNewEnglandis
StellwagenBank,25milestotheeastofBoston,Massachusetts.
Thisareaaccountsforaround80%ofwhalewatchingintheregion.StellwagenBankNationalMarine
Sanctuarywasdesignatedin1992andisvisitedbyboatsfrommanynearbyports,suchasProvincetown,
Plymouth,GloucesterandincreasinglyfromBoston.(Seeboxedtextformoredetails.)
ThewhalewatchingseasoninNewEnglandisfromlateApriltoOctober,withapeakinJulyandAugust.
Duringthisperiod,boatsinthemainportsmakeuptothreetripsperday.Tripsgenerallylastfromthreeto
fourhours.
Operatorsclaimthatwhalewatchernumbershavecontractedaround25%since1998.Thelocalindustry
washithardbyadownturnintourismfollowingtheterroristattacksonSeptember11,2001.Some
operatorsstatedinternationaltouristnumbershavebeenparticularlyslowtorecoverfromthisdecline.
Followingthisshocktherewereseveralyearswithpoornumbersofwhalesightingswhichalsoaffected
whalewatchernumbers.TheStellwagenBankNationalMarineSanctuaryDraftManagementPlanquotes
variousreportssuggestingadeclineofoneofthemainfoodsourcesforfinandhumpbackwhaleswas
causingthedeclineinwhalesightings.Severalstudieshavelinkedwhalesightingstoconcentrationsofa
small,semipelagicfishcalledsandlance(NOAA2008).Since2006,however,whalesightingshaveimproved
again,withoperatorsclaimingsightingstobeasfrequentasever,seeingupto4050whalespertripearlyin
the2009season.
Asoneoperatorswebsiteclaims,TheWhalesarebackinFullForce!!!,butotherfactorsarepreventing
thereturnofthewhalewatchers.Alloperatorssaidthecurrenteconomicdownturnwasaffectingtheir
business.AsoneoperatorsaidIfyouvegotthreekids,adayoutwhalewatchingwillcostyouover$200,
andalotofpeopledonthavethatdisposableincomeatthemoment.Assuggestedelsewhereinthis
report,whalewatching,liketourismingeneral,issensitivetoeconomicconditions.
TicketpricesforwhalewatchtripstoStellwagenBankarearound$40foradultsand$30forchildrenfor
tripsofaround4hours.Operatorstendtouselargevesselscapableoftaking100to400passengers.Many
operatorsprovidepackagestoschoolgroupsearlyintheseason.
228
OperationsfarthernorthinNewHampshireandMaineoffersimilarlengthtripsandseesimilarspecies.
Pricesarealsosimilaralthoughvesselstendtobesmaller,andtherearefeweroperatorsandwhale
watchersthanintheconcentratedStellwagenarea.NewHampshireoperatorsalsousethenorthernpart
oftheStellwagenSanctuary,aswellasJeffreysLedge,alongbankthatstretchesfromnorthernStellwagen
tonearPortlandinMaine.Sometripsalsoofferfishing,lobstercatching,puffinwatchingandgeneralnature
cruises.
AhandfulofoperatorsalsorunboatbasedtripsoutofNantucketandRhodeIsland.Therearesome
dedicatedtrips,thoughthesehavetotravelfartherthanoperatorsfarthernorth.Manytripsarealso
offeredfeaturingsealsandpelagicbirds.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
finwhale,humpbackwhale,minkewhale,
Smallcetaceans:
Atlanticwhitesideddolphin,harbour
porpoise
15%
85%
4hourboatbasedtrips,mainlytoStellwagen
BankorJeffreysLedgesome20miles
offshore.
$40foradultsand$30forchildren
730
MaytoOctober
Acknowledgements:
Thanks to Bob Avila, Kathy Zagzebski at the National Marine Life Center, Jooke Robbins at Provincetown Centre for
CoastalStudies,MasonWeinrichatWhaleCenterofNewEnglandandseveraloperators.
References:
NOAA,2008.StellwagenBankNationalMarineSanctuaryDraftManagementPlan/DraftEnvironmentalAssessment,
NationalMarineSanctuaryProgram,SilverSpring,MD
http://www.jeffreysledge.org/
229
LocalCaseStudy:StellwagenBank,USA
About20milesoffthecoastofMassachusetts,stretchingfromthetipofCapeAnntotheendofCapeCod,
lies an underwater treasure. Stellwagen Bank is a massive underwater plateau, whose hidden grandeur
rivals North Americas southwestern mesas and South Africas table mountain. This underwater plateau
attractsabundantmarinelife,which,inturn,attractshumans.StellwagenBankisconsistentlyrankedasone
ofthebestplacesintheworldforwhalewatching.
Encompassing842squaremiles,StellwagenBankNational MarineSanctuaryisoneof13 National Marine

Sanctuaries spread throughout US territorial waters. Within the sanctuarys boundaries, Stellwagen Bank
rises hundreds of feet from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, forming a massive plateau that lies
approximately100feetbelowthesurface.TheplateaussteepwallsarethereasonforStellwagensappeal
to humans and wildlife. When deep ocean currents collide with the plateau, they flow up its side and
towardthesurface.Thisprocessknownasupwellingbringsnutrientrichwatertotheoceanssurface.
There, fuelled by sunlight, it sparks a food web that attracts a range of marine wildlife, from the smallest
fishes to the largest whales. More than 575 species are found in Stellwagen Bank National Marine
Sanctuary,including22speciesofmarinemammals.
Blessedwiththeseoffshoreriches,NewEnglandscoastalcommunitieshavealwaysembracedamaritime
lifestyle.Forcenturies,hardymenandwomenhavepliedthesewatersforfish,crabs,lobsters,oystersand
more.Notsurprisingly,NewEnglandwasalsooncehometoathrivingcommercialwhalingindustry.The
YankeeSpiritawhalewatchingvesselbasedoutofGloucesterisareminderofthosemoredifficultdays,
honouring the determination of New Englands whalers. Today, the indomitable Yankee spirit still drives
captainstopilottheirboatsinpursuitofNewEnglandswhales.Buttheyseektowatchratherthankill,and
arearmedwithcameras,notharpoons.
More than 700,000 tourists ventured to Stellwagen Bank on commercial whale watching vessels in 2008.
Thesetouristseagerforthechancetoglimpsesomeoftheworldslargestcreaturesspentapproximately
$126milliononticketsandassociatedexpenses.Thisindustrycreatesandsupportshundredsoffulland
parttimejobsforscientists,students,shipscaptainsandmore.
Stellwagen Banks whale watching industry provides more than economic benefit. Two Massachusetts
basedresearchorganisationstheCenterforCoastalStudiesandtheCetaceanResearchUnitwerestarted
andcontinuetoflourishduetotheircloserelationshipswithcommercialwhalewatchingoperations.Infact,
whalewatchingiscriticaltowhaleresearchandconservation.Sharpeyedwhalewatchingcrewmembersin
the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary provide vital information, alerting researchers to regular
sightings and potential rescue scenarios. Photos from whale watchers also contribute data to photo
identificationandscarificationstudies.
Finally, whale watching drives whale conservation. Despite the worldwide ban on commercial whaling,
todayswhalesfacemorethreatsthaneverbefore.Rightwhalesarenolongerhuntedwithharpoons,but
toomanyarekilledwhentheyarehitbylargeshipsorbecomeentangledinfishinggear.Humpbacksand
otherwhalesarealsothreatenedbytheincreasingvolumeofoceannoisepollution,whichoverwhelmstheir
communication.
ThebenefitsbroughtbythewhalewatchingindustryareobviouswithinandaroundtheStellwagenBank
NationalMarineSanctuary.TouristsinfuseNewEnglandscoastalcommunitieswithdollarsandjobs.Crew
andpassengersprovidescientistsandconservationistswithvitalinformationthatsupportswhaleresearch
projects.And,perhapsmostimportantly,whalewatchingconnectspeoplewithwhales,forgingabondthat
couldultimatelysavethesespecies.
JakeLevensonIFAW
230

EasternSeaboardUnitedStatesNewYorktoGeorgia
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
204,000
297,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
3.8%
N/A
50
N/A
$7,300,000
N/A
$12,500,000
N/A
$19,800,000
01:CapeMay
02:Lewes
03:DeweyBay
04:VirginiaBeach
05:OuterBanks
06:HiltonHead
07:CapeHatteras
WhaleanddolphinwatchingontheeasternseaboardoftheUnited
StatesoccursinNewYork,NewJersey,Delaware,Maryland,
Virginia,NorthCarolina,SouthCarolinaandGeorgia.Dolphinsare
seenyearroundwhilewhalessomeresident,someonmigration
areseenmainlybetweenMarchandSeptember,althoughsomesightingsarepossibleearlierandlaterin
certainareas.ThepeakseasonfortouristsisduringtheMaytoSeptemberholidayseason.Withan
estimated204,000whalewatchersin1998(EHoyt,pers.comm.,2009),thisformoftourismhasgrownatan
averageannualrateof3.8%intheregionandnowtakesnearly300,000passengersannually.
NewYorktoVirginia:
TheCoastalResearchandEducationSocietyofLongIsland(CRESLI),NewYork,offersmembersofthepublic
thechancetoparticipateinitsresearch,withoccasionaltripsfromMontaukHarbor.Thetriprunsfor
around5hoursastheymusttravelsomedistanceoffshoretoseewhales.Basicaccommodationisprovided
andticketscost$300foradultsand$150forchildren.CRESLIhasidentified25speciesofcetaceansinLong
Island'soffshorewaters,suchasfin,humpback,minke,NorthAtlanticrightandseiwhales,aswellasshort
beakedcommonandbottlenosedolphins.
OperatorsbetweenNewJerseyandVirginiapredominantlytargethumpbackandfinwhalesandoccasionally
seetheNorthAtlanticrightwhale.Bottlenosedolphinsarecommonlyseenandmostoperatorsrundolphin
watchingtripswhenwhalesarenotinthearea.Severaloperatorsguaranteedolphinsightings,whilewhale
sightingsarelessconsistent.Someoperatorsreportseeingwhalesononly50%oftheirwhalewatchtrips.
WhaleanddolphinwatchingtripsinNewJerseyareofferedfromMarchtoDecember.Thesetripsrunfor
approximately3hoursandcost$20$40foradultsand$10$25forchildrenwithvesselsmostlylaunching
outofCapeMayandsomefromAtlanticCity.VesselsinNewJersey,asinDelawareandVirgina,are
generallylargeandcanaccommodateupto150passengers.
InMaryland,onlyoneoperatoradvertisesdolphinsasafeatureofcruisesleavingfromOceanCity.Tripsin
thisareaarepredominantlymarketedassceniccruises.
SimilartoNewJersey,bigvesselsoperatingoutofLewesandDeweyBeachinDelawareofferwhaleand
dolphinwatchingoffshore.SomelandbaseddolphinwatchingisalsoadvertisedasanactivityatCape
HenlopenStatePark,althoughminimalnumbershavebeenincludedinthisreport.
231
CetaceanwatchinginVirginiaisbasedinVirginiaBeach,wherealocalaquariumrunswhalewatchingtrips
fromJanuarytomidMarchanddolphinwatchingfrommidApriltomidOctober.Tripsrunfortwotothree
hours.Emphasisisplacedontheeducationalcontentofthesetrips,withnaturalistguidesgoingoneach
cruise.OtheroperatorsrungeneralcruisesandfishingtoursfromVirginiaBeachthatincludeopportunistic
dolphinwatching.
NorthCarolinatoGeorgia:
CetaceanwatchingfromNorthCarolinatoGeorgiaischaracterisedbysmalloperatorsrunningshort,boat
baseddolphinwatchingtrips.Mostoperatorsintheregionaresmall,oneboatbusinesses.Manyboats
haveacapacityoffewerthantenpassengers,althoughtherearesomelargeroperatorsparticularlyinNorth
CarolinaandHiltonHead,SouthCarolina.Theabundanceofsmalloperationsispossibleduetothe
shelteredwaters,residentdolphinpopulationsandproximitytotouristareas.
WhileoneNorthCarolinaoperatoradvertisesseasonalwhalewatchingopportunitiesoffshore,nearlyallof
thisareasdolphinwatchingtakesplaceinshelteredwaters,eitherinsidetheOuterBanksofNorthCarolina
orintheestuarinewaterwaysofSouthCarolinaandGeorgia.Tripsareshort,ataroundtwohours,cost$20
$30,andoftenguaranteedolphinsightings.Levelofdedicationtodolphinwatchingvarieswithoperators
andwithintheregion.NorthCarolinaoperatorsoftenfeaturewildhorsewatchingontheOuterBanks,
whileoptionstocatchfish,watchbirdsandseealligatorsarecommonthroughouttheregion.
AconsiderableamountofinformallandbaseddolphinwatchingoccursfromCapeHatterasNational
Seashore,CapeLookoutNationalSeashoreandCapeFearCoastCVBinNorthCarolina,whileinGeorgia,
CumberlandIslandNationalSeashorealsohassignificant,butinformallandbaseddolphinwatching.The
mostpopularofthese,CapeHatteras,receivesaround2millionvisitorsperyear.Althoughdolphinsightings
arecommon,mostvisitorsarenotdedicateddolphinwatchers,andaretheretosurf,windsurforenjoythe
coastlinegenerally.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,finwhale,
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin
5%
95%
Dolphinwatchingoftenfromsmallercraft.
Watchingoflarger,pelagiccetaceansonlarger
vesselsofferedseasonallyinNewJersey,
DelawareandVirginia
$35(whalewatching),
375
Whales:mainlyMarchtoSeptember.
Dolphins:yearround.
Acknowledgements:
Thanksto JuliaClark,KeithRittmasteratCapeLookoutStudiesProgramandalltheoperatorswho
participatedinourresearch.
232

FloridaandtheGulfStates
Year
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
61,000
550,653
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
24.6%
N/A
125
N/A
$12,730,956
N/A
$27,532,643
N/A
$40,263,599
01:KeyWest
02:Clearwater/St.Petersburg
03:Sanibel
04:PanamaCity
05:Destin
06:OrangeBeach
07:SouthPadreIsland
08:PortAransas
09:Galveston
Florida has the longest running and most established cetacean

watching industry in this region, with Texas and Alabama only
startingupinthelate1990s.LouisianaandMississippihaveminimalactivities.Bottlenosedolphinsarethe
main focus of cetacean tourism in the region. Because of the wide continental shelf in the Gulf, larger
cetaceansarerarelyseenexceptindeeperwaterfarfromthecoast.
CetaceantourisminFloridaandtheGulfStateshasincreasedsignificantlysinceIFAWs1998study,which
estimated61,000fortheregion (EHoyt,pers.comm.,2009).Themainlocationscontinuetoberesortsand
touristareaswithmostpassengersbeinglocalandinterstateUStourists.
FloridahassomeofthemaindolphinwatchingareasintheUnitedStates,particularlyonpopulartourist
beachesfromtheKeystothePanhandle.MajorareaswheredolphinwatchingtoursareofferedincludeKey
West,Clearwater/St.Petersburg,Sanibel,PanamaCity,DestinandPensacola.Somesmalloperatorsalso
offerdolphinwatchingintheFloridaEverglades.
In this report, we estimate that nearly 250,000 people participated in some form of dolphin watching in
2008,sotherehasbeenstronggrowth,despiteFloridaslonghistoryofdolphinwatching(seeboxedtext).
OneFlorida Keysoperatormentioned thatinherareatherehadactuallybeenadecline inrecentyears
whenshebegan12yearsagotherewere3operatorsintheKeyWestarea.Thisgrewtoover21between
thelate1990sandabout2005,beforedecliningtowhatsheseesasamoresustainable13.Thedeclinewas
due to competition, consolidation and falls in tourism following hurricanes, and the recent economic
downturn.
TripsofferedbyFloridasdolphinwatchoperatorstendtobeshort,fortwotofourhours,costing$15$50
dependingonlengthoftime,otherattractionsandfacilities.Manyguaranteedolphinsightingsoroffera
freesecondtrip.Swimwithdolphinstripsarealsocommon,particularlyinKeyWest.Theyareusuallyrun
fromsmallboatsforfourhours,costingaround$85(seeboxedtext).
TheDolphinSMARTprogrammeaimstopromoteresponsibleviewingofwilddolphinsbyoperators.Itisa
partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA), the National Marine
FisheriesService,theWhaleandDolphinConservationSociety,andtheDolphinEcologyProject.Theproject
began in the Florida Keys and is now also being adopted in Alabama. Fifteen operators in Alabama
233
participated in a workshop on the programme in 2008 and expressed a strong desire to participate
(MississippiAlabamaSeaGrantConsortium2009).
InAlabamaatleast26operatorsnowofferdolphintours.Someoftheseoperatorsadvertisemoreheavily
thanothers;manyarechartercompaniesanddontheavilypromotedolphinwatching,butwatchthemon
anopportunisticbasis.MostoperatorsarebasedinOrangeBeachandoffershortexcursionstosurrounding
baysandbayous,suchasPerdidoBayandtheBayouSt.John.Tripsarebetweenoneandtwohourslong
and cost between $10 and $20, with trips usually cheaper during weekdays or for morning trips. Charter
vessels can cost between $100 and $200 per hour with individual prices depending on the number of
passengers.Vesselcapacitiesrangefromundertenpassengersforsmallercharteryachts,throughtolarger
boats carrying as many as one hundred and fifty passengers. At least one operator has invested in glass
bottomboatsforunderwaterviewingofdolphins.
CetaceanwatchingtourisminLouisianaandMississippiismuchlessdevelopedthaninFlorida,Alabamaand
Texas. Fishing charters and other cruises sometimes advertise the possibility of seeing dolphins during
expeditions.Therecentappearanceofarare,pinkalbinobottlenosedolphininCalcasieuLake,Louisiana,
attractedtemporarybutwidespreadmediacoverageandmayleadtofurtherinterestinandawarenessof
dolphinwatchinginLouisiana.
InTexas,tripsareofferedfromSouthPadreIslandclosetotheMexicanborder,aswellasnearbyPortIsabel.
InNorthPadreIsland,toursareofferedoutofPortAransas,closetoCorpusChristi.ClosertoHoustontrips
arerunfromGalveston.AtotalofsixteenoperatorshavebeenidentifiedinTexas.Tripsaremostlyshort,
lasting between fortyfive minutes and two hours, and many operators run multiple trips per day. Early
evening trips which combine dolphin watching with dinner and sunset viewing are also common. One
operatormentionedthattheygetbusierduringbadweatherbecausepeoplearelookingforsomethingto
dootherthanlieonthebeach.
Hurricanesandpoorweathercaninterferewiththefrequencyoftoursduringsummerandearlyautumnin
the Gulf area; however, as long as the region remains a popular holiday destination, cetacean watching
shouldcontinuetobeanattraction.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
SmallCetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin
5%
95%
Dedicatedandopportunisticboatbased
dolphinwatching.
SwimwithtoursinFlorida
$10$20(TexasandAlabama)
$39(Florida)
$85(swimwithtoursinFlorida)
625
Yearroundfordolphins,withapeakintourists
duringholidayseason
Acknowledgements:
FloridaKeysWildDolphinAlliance,NOAAFisheriesServiceandtheNationalMarineSanctuariesProgram,
CourtneyVail(WhaleandDolphinConservationSociety/DolphinSMART),AmyWhitt
234
References:
MississippiAlabamaSeaGrantConsortium,2009,accessedMay2009,availableonlineat:
http://www.masgc.org/page.asp?id=353
DolphinSmart,2009,accessedMay2009,availableonlineat:http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/dolphinsmart
LocalCaseStudy:FloridaKeystotheFloridaPanhandle,USA
FloridascoastfromtheKeystothePanhandlehasalonghistoryofdolphinwatching,bothcaptiveandwild.
BusinessesofftheFloridaKeyswerepioneersincaptivedolphintrainingfromthe1950s,trainingthe
dolphinsinthefamousTVseriesFlipper.Dolphinshowsbecame,andtosomeextentremain,afeatureof
tourisminthearea,laterdiversifyingintowilddolphinwatching,swimwithcaptivedolphinsandlater
swimwithandfeedingofwilddolphins.Beachsideapartmentsandhotelsevenboastthatyoucanwatch
dolphinsfromtheirbalconies.Giventhishistory,itseemsonlynaturalthattheMiamifootballteam
adoptedthenametheDolphins.
Giventhesize,fameandnatureofdolphinwatchingindustriesfromtheKeystothePanhandle,itisnot
surprisingthatdebatesoverethicsandsustainabilityragehere,whiletheymerelysmoulderelsewhere.
Captivedolphinbusinessesoftenemphasisethattheiranimalsweresavedfrominjuriesorbornincaptivity,
whileswimwithbusinessesboastoftheirlongdevelopedrelationshipswithcertainpods.Someboatbased
watchingoperationscondemnswimwithoperationsasharassment,whileWhitt&Read(2006)notethat
boatbasedoperationsinClearwateradheredtodolphinwatchingguidelinesonly60%ofthetime.While
mostoperatorsemphasisethenaturalnessoftheirencounterswithdolphins,othersboastofthesizeofthe
waketheirboatscreate,asdolphinsliketoplayinit.
A more direct but widely criticized method of attracting dolphins, and the money that can be made from
them,hasbeenfeeding.Feedingofwilddolphinshasbroughtguaranteedsightingsformanytourists,but
changesthebehaviourofthedolphins,leadingtopotentiallydangerousinteractionswithboats,fishinggear
andpeople.Itcanalsobebadforthedolphinshealth;therehavebeenreportsofpeoplefeedingthemwith
inappropriatefoodssuchashotdogsandbeer(NOAA,1999),andfeedinghasbeenshowninsomestudiesto
diminishthedolphinsreproductivesuccess.
FeedingwilddolphinsisillegalintheUSAandtheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA)
has prosecuted dolphin watch operators who have sold food and provided a platform for feeding the
animals.NOAAandconservationgroupssuchastheWhaleandDolphinConservationSociety(WDCS),have
been active in educating operators and the public with campaigns such as Dolphin SMART (see
www.sanctuaries.noaa.gov/dolphinsmart)andwww.dontfeedwilddolphins.org.AsFloridahasledtheworld
inestablishingdolphinwatching,perhapsitwillalsoonedayleadinmanagingdolphinwatchingindustries
intothefuture.
References:
NOAA,1999,NOAApressreleaseondolphinfeeding.NOAAFlorida.Availableonlineat:
http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases99/may99/noaa99r126.html.
Whitt,A.andRead,A,2006,Assessingcompliancetoguidelinesbydolphinwatchingoperatorsin
Clearwater,Florida,USA.TourisminMarineEnvironments,3(2),pp.117130.
235
CentralAmericaandCaribbean
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
2,034
19,212
90,720
301,616
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
expenditure
N/A
111.4%
47.4%
12.8%
6
12
19
23
$1,524,000
$3,526,000
$5,968,000
$19,500,388
$210,000
$3,831,000
$5,117,000
$34,267,141
$1,734,000
$7,357,000
$11,085,000
$53,767,529
TheCentralAmericanandCaribbeanregioncoversadiversityofcountries,fromthosesituatedalongthe
isthmusoftheAmericaswithbothPacificandCaribbeancoastlines,tothechainofislandsthatencompass
theCaribbean.
Thewhalewatchingindustryinthisregionisasequallydiverseasthecountries,withsomewellestablished
maturewhalewatchingindustriesandsomeintheirveryearlystages.Themostmatureoftheseis
Dominica.ThelargestisarelativelyyoungwhalewatchingindustryinCostaRica.Attheotherendofthe
scaleisJamaica,whichhasanewindustrywithoneoperatortestingtheopportunitiestoseespermwhales.
Since1998,theindustryoverallacrosstheregionhastakenasignificantstepupintermsofnumbersof
whalewatchersparticipatingintours,growingat13%peryearoverthedecadetoanindustryresponsible
for$54millioninexpenditure,wellabovethe$11millionin1998.Inthatsameperiod,thenumberof
countriesparticipatinginwhalewatchinghasgrownfrom19to23.
236
AverydetailedstudyofwhalewatchinginthisregioncommissionedbytheWhaleandDolphinConservation
Society,IFAWandGlobalOceanwasreleasedin2008.CoveringtheentiretyofLatinAmerica(notincluding
theCaribbean),thereportgavecomprehensivedataontheindustryforthe2006calendaryear.Duetothe
comprehensivenatureofthisrecentreport,wehavereliedonthe2006numbersinthefollowingsectionfor
theCentralAmericancountriesofBelize,CostaRica,Guatemala,NicaraguaandPanam,aswellasfor
MxicoandSouthAmericainothersections.ForallCaribbeancountries,newdatahasbeencollectedas
partofthisWhaleWatching2008reporttoprovidesestimatesforthe2008calendaryear.
Intheregionalsummarytableabove,aprojectionbasedonthe2006figureshasbeenusedtoestimatethe
overallsizeofthewhalewatchingindustryforthefiveCentralAmericancountriesin2008.Thisprojection
usedpreviousgrowthratesinwhalewatchingonacountrybycountrybasiscombinedwithtourismarrival
growthfiguresfromtheWorldTourismOrganisationtoestimatewhalewatchnumbersfor2008.However,
inthefollowingindividualcountrysection,only2006dataarepresentedfortheCentralAmericancountries.
Acknowledgements:
ErichHoytandMiguelIguezfortheirfineworkcompilingtheLatinAmericanwhalewatchreportfromwhichdatafor
thisregionislargelydrawn.
References:
237
Country
AntiguaandBarbuda
TheBahamas
Belize
Bermuda
BritishVirginIslands
CostaRica
Dominica
DominicanRepublic
Grenada
Guadeloupeandislands
Guatemala
Honduras
Jamaica
Martinique
NetherlandsAntilles
Nicaragua
Panama
PuertoRico
St.KittsandNevis
St.Lucia
St.VincentandtheGrenadines
TurksandCaicosIslands
USVirginIslands
REGIONALTOTAL
1998
None
1800
339
180
200
1,227
5,000
22,284
1,800
400
None
Minimal
None
Minimal
200
None
Minimal
55,000
50
65
600
1,500
75
90,755
2008
500
3,159
368
250
100
105,617
14,500
28,000
3,390
3,650
800
Minimal
10
2,800
Minimal
8,832
17,711
51,135
Minimal
16,650
2,100
265
100
259,437
Growthbetween
1998and2008
AAGR
7.2%
5.8%
0.8%
3.3%
6.7%
56.1%
11.2%
2.3%
6.5%
24.7%
12.3%
N/A
N/A
27.3%
N/A
56.1%
53.1%
0.7%
N/A
74.1%
13.3%
15.9%
2.9%
11.1%
AAGR.
238
239
AntiguaandBarbuda
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
500
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.2%
None
None
None
3
None
None
None
$28,750
None
None
None
$18,750
None
None
None
$47,500
CapitalCity:SaintJohns
Antigua and Barbuda have no dedicated whale watching industry

despite cetaceans being regularly seen in local waters. Humpback
whales pass by the west coast of Barbuda in the months of
DecembertoApril.
Nevertheless,duetothepresenceofwhales,therearethreemain
cruise operators who offer a variety of boat cruises around the
islands,andwhenwhalesarepresent,willopportunisticallyinclude
some watching in their cruises. These activities we estimate
conservatively at around 500 tourists in 2008, in accordance with
operator responses. Pantropical spotted and bottlenose dolphins
areseenontripsmoreregularlythanwhales,especiallyinBarbuda.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
pantropicalspotteddolphin,bottlenose
dolphin
N/A
Boatbased
$115
3
DecembertoApril
Acknowledgements:
NathalieWard,EasternCaribbeanCetaceanNetworkandboatbasedoperatorEliFullerfromAdventureAntigua.
240
TheBahamas
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
1,000
1,500
1,800
3,159
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
N/A
14.5%
4.7%
5.8%
N/A
N/A
10
11
$1,500,000
$2,250,000
$2,700,000
$3,428,364
$150,000
$225,000
$270,000
$554,947
Total
Expenditure
$1,650,000
$2,475,000
$2,970,000
$3,983,310
CapitalCity:Nassau
01:GrandBahama
02:Bimini
03:AbacoIsland
TheBahamasarerenownedfordolphinwatchingbecauseofthe
largenumbersofresidentdolphinsandtheirtolerancetopeople
swimmingwiththem.Theindustryinthe80sand90sfocused
largelyondolphinswimmingnorthofGrandBahama,thenBimini
andnowalsoincludeswhaleanddolphinwatchingfromAbaco.
Therearestillfeworganisedtourismtripstospotwhalesthis
activityintheareaislargelyresearchbasedtrips.Onaverage,thenumbersofpeoplehavecontinuedto
grow,despitetherebeingasimilarnumberofoperators.Theaverageamounteachpersonispayingfora
triphasfallenduetotheincreaseindaytripsinthepastdecade.
ThereremainssubstantialuntappedpotentialforwhalewatchingespeciallyintheOutorFamilyIslands
wherethereisthechanceofspottinglargercetaceansaswellasthedolphins.However,tourismisgenerally
lessdevelopedontheseislandssothisislikelytoneedinvestmentinnewinfrastructure.
ThelargestsegmentoftheindustryisliveaboardtripsrundirectlyfromtheUnitedStates.Thesetripsare
convenientbecausesomeoftheislandsareveryclosetoUSwatersanditismostlyUScitizenswhotravelto
TheBahamas.Indeedofelevenorganisationsrunningdedicateddolphinwatching/swimwithactivities,five
pickupfromFloridabyboatandoneincludestheUStoBiminiflightinthepackage.Thesetripsare
extremelypopularandhaveveryhighoccupancyratesusuallyrunningfull.Thebenefitsofdolphin
tourismtoTheBahamasarereducedbecausethesetripsarerunbyUSoperatorsoutofFlorida.Although
theyaretaxedat4%ofgrossandpickupsuppliesfromTheBahamas,theycreatelittleotherspending
becausethetripsareallinclusiveandguestsliveonboardthevessels.
Twooftheorganisationsarenonprofitandhavepayingvolunteerswhoassistwiththeirresearch.Thereis
anemphasisonlongertripsonlythreeoperatorsrundaytripsandtheyallalsooperatemultiday
packages.Daytripsaccountforapproximately30%ofpassengernumbers,butonly5%ofdirect
expenditure.
Somedivetripsbenefitfromopportunisticwhaleanddolphinsightingsandtheirpresencecertainlyaddsto
thedrawofTheBahamas.Thisvaluehasnotbeenincludedincalculationsapartfromanestimationof
theproportionofthoselongtripswhichincludesaspecificwhalewatchingactivity.
InformallandbasedwhalewatchingoccursinanadhocmannerontheBahamas,howeverduetothehigh
levelofinformality,nonumbershavebeenincludedinthisestimate.Therehasalsobeenanintentionto
241
organisededicatedlandbasedactivitiesinAbaco,butasyetthishasnotledtoanycommercialtrips.The
threelocationswiththebestpotentialforlandbasedwatchingareHoleintheWallLighthouse,Great
Abaco;ElbowCaylighthouse,GreatAbaco;andNorthBimini.Itisestimatedthatpotentiallyhundredsof
peoplespotdolphinsfromlandtherebyaddingtotheenjoymentoftheirvisittoTheBahamasandsome
hotelsusethispossibilityintheiradvertising.
Therearethreecaptivedolphinfacilitiesontheislandswhichhavethousandsofvisitorseachyearthese
arenotincludedinthisstudy.Thesetripsarecommonlypromotedtocruiseshippassengersratherthan
shorttripstoseeandswimwithwilddolphins.
TheislandsmakeuponeofthewealthiestCaribbeancountrieswithaneconomyheavilydependenton
tourismandoffshorebanking.Tourismaccountsforapproximately60%ofGDPandhalfthelabourforce
whentourismdrivenconstructionandmanufacturingisincluded.
TourismtoTheBahamashasfluctuatedoverthelastdecade,especiallyairarrivals,withsomeverylowyears
andanoveralldecline.Mostpeoplenowvisitaspartofacruise,althoughtherearestillsome1.5million
noncruisearrivals.Numbersoncruisesstoppingattheislandsgrewstronglyuntil2004,declinedslightly,
andremain65%higherthanin1998.Thewhalewatchingsectorofthetourismindustryseemstobe
performingreasonablygiventheoverallpattern.TheUSisthesourceofmorethan80%ofvisitors.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers
Largecetaceans:
spermwhale,humpbackwhale,beaked
whales(especiallyBlainvilles).
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,Atlanticspotteddolphin,
Rissosdolphin,shortfinnedpilotwhale,false
killerwhale,orca,dwarforpygmysperm
whale
100%
0%
Boatbased,mostlyliveaboard,alsodaytrip.
Strongemphasisoneducation,photography
andresearch
$130fordaytrips
$250perdayformultidayliveaboard
11
ApriltoOctober
Acknowledgements:
ThankstotheDolphinCommunicationProject,theBahamasMarineMammalSurveyandeightoperators.
242
Belize
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
262
339
368
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
6.6%
1%
Minimal
N/A
N/A
1
Minimal
$460,000
$433,000
$155,000
Minimal
$40,000
$51,000
$39,000
Minimal
$500,000
$484,000
$194,000
CapitalCity:Belmopan
Despitethepresenceofcetaceansalongthecountryssignificant
barrierreef,thereremainsonlyalowlevelofwhalewatchinginthe
country.
OneecotourismoperatorinBelizehasruneducationaltripsthat
includedolphinsightingssince1992.Themultidayprogrammes
alsoincludebirdwatching,snorkellingandhikesthroughthe
tropicalforest.Severalothermarinenaturetourcompanies
encounterdolphins,butdonotofferdedicateddolphinwatching
trips.
Thegovernmentiskeentopromoteecotourism,andsotheremayyetbesomefurthergrowthinwhale
watchtourisminBelize.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Smallcetaceans
Atlanticspotteddolphin,
bottlenosedolphin,clymenedolphin
80%
20%
Boatbaseddolphinwatching
$500(formultidayecotourismtrips)
4
N/A
References:
243
Bermuda
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
120
150
180
250
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
7.7%
4.7%
3.3%
N/A
N/A
3
4
Minimal
$8,000
$13,000
$16,900
Minimal
$18,000
$7,000
$15,000
Minimal
$26,000
$20,000
$31,900
CapitalCity:Hamilton
Bermuda has a short season of humpback whale watching that

occursannuallyfromMarchtoApril.Althoughonlyfouroperators
are listed, some additional dive operators will also occasionally
attempt a whale watching cruise if there is tourist demand,
howeverthenumbersoftripstendtobelowandsightingscanalso
beinconsistent.
As well as dive operators, the governmentowned aquarium and

zoo also run some whale watching trips in season, as does the
Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, although in all cases,
numbersarelow.Itisestimatedin2008thatnumbersremainonly
slightlyabove10yearsprevious,at250whalewatchersacrossBermuda.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
shortfinnedpilotwhale,variousdolphin
species
N/A
Boatbased
$55(canbemuchhigherwherethewhole
vesselmustbechartered)
4
MarchtoApril
Acknowledgements:
OndrejHindl atBlueWaterDivers,WendyTuckeroftheBermudaUnderwaterExplorationInstitute,AndrewStevenson
ofWhalesBermudaandBermudaTourism
244
BritishVirginIslands
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
300+
200
100
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
9.6%
6.7%
N/A
N/A
2
1
Minimal
$10,000
$4,000
$2,000
Minimal
$25,000
$10,000
$6,000
Minimal
$35,000
$14,000
$8,000
CapitalCity:RoadTown
01:Tortola
The British Virgin Islands have regular visitation by humpback

whales in the first three months of each year. However, there is
littleinthewayofaformalwhalewatchingindustry,whichfroma
low start back in the early 1990s, now has become almost non
existent.Responsesfromdiveoperatorsandtourismofficialsinthe
country indicated that sightings of whales are too infrequent to
justify undertaking dedicated whale watching trips, despite
cetaceansbeingoccasionallyseenondivetrips.
InearlierresearchontheBritishVirginIslands(Hoyt,1999),it wasnotedthatmostwhalewatching tours

had dried up in the late 1990s, including the previously offered air charters to see whales. One captive
dolphinoperationdoesexistintheBritishVirginIslands,butisnotcountedinthisstudy.
Oneoperatorremainsaftermanyyears,runningtripstolistentothehumpbackwhalesfromTortolaIsland.
This operator runs occasional trips over the season, but doesnt charge for the privilege, beyond some
coverageofcostsandsellinghishighqualityCDrecordingsofwhales.Hereportedhisnumbersweredown
byaround50%in2008afterspendinglesstimerunningthetrips(ratherthanduetoanysignificantdropin
demand). This operator records the sounds of humpback whales, and these recordings are distributed
aroundtheworldonCD.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin
>90%
<10%
Boatbased
N/A
1
JanuarytoMarch
Acknowledgements:
PaulKnappofWhaleListeningTours,JeffMcNuttofDiveBVI,andBritishVirginIslandsTourismBoard.
245
CostaRica
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
100+
1,227
105,617
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
87.2%
74.5%
None
N/A
N/A
52
None
$200,000
$100,000
$5,318,487
None
$50,000
$118,000
$15,842,550
None
$250,000
$218,000
$21,161,037
CapitalCity:SanJos
01:BahaDrake
02:Quepos
03:Manzanillo
CostaRicaisthefastestgrowingwhalewatchareainLatinAmerica.
CostaRicaslongPacificcoastline,withnumerousgulfsandbays,
providesahabitatforcoastalcetaceansandgoodspotsforwhale
watching.Growthinwhalewatchingisbeingdrivenbyanincrease
inoveralltourism,whichisoutpacingtherestofCentralAmerica.
ThisismostlikelyduetoCostaRica'spoliticalstabilityandeffortsto
establishandpubliciseitsextensivenationalparksystem.ThegrowthintourismisbeingledbyUStourist
numbers,whichhavenearlydoubledinfiveyears.
MostwhaleanddolphinwatchingoccursonthePacificcoast,andiscentredonBahaDrakeandQuepos.
Mostbusinessesaresmallandowneroperated.Visitorscanexpecttoseehumpbackwhales,bottlenose
dolphins,pantropicalspotteddolphinsandspinnerdolphins,andfalsekillerwhales.Pricesforboatbased
tripsarearound$20BahaDrake;Queposismoreexpensive,andtourscostaround$60.
SevenoperatorshavebeguntripsontheCaribbeancoast,aroundManzanillo.Thesetripsarefocusedon
smallercetaceans,mainlybottlenoseandAtlanticspotteddolphins,shortfinnedpilotwhalesandtucuxi
(marine).Boatbasedtripsherecostaround$30.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
bluewhale,humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
falsekillerwhale,
pantropicalspotteddolphin,spinnerdolphin,
tucuxi
Mainlyinternational,fromUSA
Boatbased
$45
104
DecembertoMarch(maintouristseason)
246

References:
Dominica
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
14
1,100
5,000
14,500
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
328.3%
46%
11.2%
1
1
4
4
$14,000
$50,000
$127,000
$585,000
$0
$333,000
$843,000
$1,200,000
$14,000
$383,000
$970,000
$1,785,000
CapitalCity:Roseau
01:Roseau
02:Portsmouth
Dominicaisamountainouscountrywhosetopographycontinues
underwaterintheseasurroundingtheislands,creatingdeepocean
trenchesclosetoshore.Thesetrenches,combinedwiththewarm,
shelteredwatersoftheislandswestcoast,havemadethisareaan
idealmatingandcalvinggroundfortheanimalkingdomsmost
proficientdiver,thedeepfeedingspermwhale.Onegroupofthese
whalesisthoughttoremaininlocalwatersyearround.Dominica
alsoplaysyearroundhosttoCuviersbeakedwhalesandsevenspeciesofdolphin,includingtheshort
finnedpilotwhale,melonheadedwhale,falsekillerwhale,dwarfandpygmyspermwhales,pantropical
spotted,spinnerandFrasersdolphins,thoughsomeofthesespeciesareelusiveandseldomglimpsed.In
addition,migratoryspeciessuchasBrydesandhumpbackwhales,alsogracethesewatersfromNovember
toApril.Asaresult,thecountryisnowthepremiersiteforwhalewatchingintheeasternCaribbeanwitha
historyofwhalewatchinggoingbacktotheearly1990s(seelocalcasestudybelow).
Sincethelastglobalreviewofwhalewatching,touristarrivalstoDominicahavecomfortablydoubled,and
whalewatchinghaskeptabreastofthischange,withapproximately5,000whalewatchersin1998growing
to14,500in2008.Ticketpriceshavestayedreasonablyconstantinthistime,buttheswellinnumbershas
neverthelessresultedinagrowthindirectexpenditurefrom$127,000toapproximately$585,000.
ThetwooriginalwhalewatchingcompaniescontinuetoservicethebulkoftheDominicanwhalewatching
industry,withthetwosmalleroperatorstakingfewertouristsonslightlylongertours.Ofthesecompanies,
threeoperatefromRoseauontheislandssouthwestcoast.Thefourth,runbyFitzroyJonestheoriginal
pioneerofDominicanwhalewatchingoperatesnoninvasivewhale,dolphinandturtleresearchsafaris
alongthenorthwestcoastoutofPortsmouth.
AscruiseshipbasedtourismtendstodominateDominicasgeneraltouristinfluxbringingseventoeight
timesasmanyvisitorstoDominicain20078asarrivedbyplanetheindirectexpenditureattributableto
whalewatchersisdisproportionatelylow.Touroperatorsreportthatbetween5090%oftheirwhale
watchingpatronsarefromcruiseships.Dominicaslackofdirectairconnectionstoitsmaintouristsource
countriesdoubtlesscontinuestostronglyaffecttheseproportions.However,thisalsolimitsthe
developmentalimpactthattourismhashaduponDominicasenvironment,incontrasttomanyofits
247
neighbours,earningitthereputationofthenatureisleoftheCaribbeanandfacilitatingtheecofriendly
andresponsiblewayinwhichthewhalewatchingindustryhasdeveloped.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
spermwhale,Brydeswhale,Cuviersbeaked
whale,humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
dwarfspermwhale,pygmyspermwhale,
shortfinnedpilotwhale,falsekillerwhale,
melonheadedwhale,pantropicalspotted
dolphin,spinnerdolphin,Frasersdolphin
85%
15%
Boatbasedshorttripsgenerallyfromresorts
$45
20
NovembertoApril
Acknowledgements:
CaptainBillyLawrence,DerekPerryman,FitzroyJonesArmourandPalesaLeevyJolly
248
LocalCaseStudy:Dominica
Accordingtoapocryphallegend,whenChristopherColumbuswasaskedtodescribetheislandhehad
namedafterthedayoftheweekuponwhichheencountereditDominicaheroughlycrumpledapieceof
parchmentandtossedituponthetable,indicatingitsmountainousnatureandabsenceofflatland.
Indeed,theyoungestislandofthelesserAntilles,Dominicaisstillintheprocessofbeingformedbyvolcanic
activityasmaybeseenwithitsfamousboilinglakethesecondlargesthotspringintheworld.The
resultantverticaltopography,reflectedinthepreColumbianindigenousCaribnamefortheislandWai'tu
kubuli,meaningTallisherBodyservedtolimitcultivationanddevelopmentofthelandscapeduringthe
intermittentBritishColonialeraandconsequentlyDominicaboastsagreaterproportionofpristine
rainforestwildernessthanitsmoredevelopedneighbours,affordingittheunofficialtitleoftheNatureIsle
oftheCaribbean.
Thissametopographycontinuesunderwaterintheseasurroundingtheislands,creatingdeepocean
trenchesclosetoshorewhich,combinedwiththewarm,shelteredwatersoftheislandswestcoast,make
thisidealcetaceanterritory.
WhilstrunningdivetoursfortheAnchorageHotel,FitzroyArmourbegannoticingtheinterestdiversshowed
inthewhalessightedwhich,combinedwithFitzroysowninterestintheseanimalsasanaturalistand
photographer,ledhimtobeginwhalewatchingtoursin1988.SomefiveyearslaterDerrekPerrymanand
CaptainBillyLawrencebecameinterestedinthepromiseofwhalewatchingandbeganincludingitinsome
oftheirdivingpackages,andin1995thecompanyforwhichtheyworked,DiveDominica,beganitsfirst
commercialwhalewatchingtours.
Today,DominicahasoneofthelargestboatbasedcommercialwhalewatchingindustriesintheCaribbean,
takingnearly15,000touristsin2008.AlongwithStLucia,theDominicanRepublicandPuertoRico,ithas
firmlyestablishedwhalewatchingasasignificanttouristattractionintheregion.
Theindustryhasbeenproactiveinitsselfmanagementinamannernotfrequentlyseen,butislikelytobea
partialreasonforitscontinuingsuccessasithasauniqueabilitytoprovideaqualitytourismexperience.
AsnotedbyHoyt(1999),thedevelopmentofthewhalewatchingindustryinDominicahasmaintaineda
strongemphasisuponeducationandconservation,withmultipleworkshopsbetweenoperators,scientists
andgovernmentofficials,includingthecloseinvolvementofIFAW.
Intheabsenceoflawsregulatingwhalewatching,theDominicanoperatorshavegenerallyadoptedand
compliedwiththeirownmodifiedsystemofinternationalregulationswhichtheyhavetermedtheMarine
MammalCodeofConduct.TheDominicaFisheriesDivisionis,atthetimeofwritingthisreport,inthe
processofdevelopingregulationstoformalisethegoodmanagementofwhalewatching,whichhasbeen
submittedtoparliament.
AlthoughthereareonlyfouroperatorsundertakingwhalewatchtripsinDominica,allaremembersofthe
panCaribbeancooperativeorganisation,CARIBwhale.Thisindustryassociationwasfoundedin2000and
formallyincorporatedin2007byover15whalewatchingorganisationsfromvariousCaribbeannationsin
conjunctionwithIFAW.Theorganisationisdedicatedtofosteringanenvironmentthatwillconserve
cetaceansandtheirhabitat,promotingresponsiblewhalewatchingandsupportnoninvasivescientific
research,educationandcommunityinvolvement.
Suchastrongcommitmentfromtheentireindustryensuresacontinuinghighstandardofwhalewatchingin
thecountry.
249
DominicanRepublic
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
900
15,300
22,284
28,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
32.8%
3.8%
2.3%
N/A
N/A
N/A
33
$10,000
$500,000
$2,307,000
$5,215,000
$60,000
$3,000,000
$2,893,000
$3,712,000
$70,000
$3,500,000
$5,200,000
$8,927,000
CapitalCity:SantoDomingo
01:Saman
02:PuertoPlata
TheDominicanRepublicremainsthepremiersiteintheCaribbean
forwhalewatching,with33companiesoperating46boatstaking
approximately28,000passengerscetaceanviewingin2008.The
industryinthecountryattractsthelargestnumberofwhale
watchersintheCaribbeanowingtothelargenumbersofhumpback
whalesthatmigrateinthewintermonthstothewarmshallow
watersalongthenorthcoastoftheislandtomateandcalve.
TherearethreeprincipalareaswithintheDominicanRepublicsterritorialwatersinwhichthesewhales
congregate;SamanBay,locatedintheRepublicsnortheast,andtheadjacentSilverandNavidadBanks,
jointlylocatedapproximately100kilometresnorthwestoftheSamanpeninsula.Allthreeareasare
includedintheSanctuaryfortheMarineMammalsoftheDominicanRepublicthatwasestablishedin1999,
enlargingthepreviousSilverBankSanctuarythatwasfoundedin1986.
ThewhalewatchingseasonoccupiesthreemonthsfromJanuarytoMarch,encompassingthetimeduring
whichhumpbacksresideinthemarinesanctuary,thoughothercetaceanspeciessharethesewaterswith
theirlargerandmorepopularrelative,includingpantropicalspotted,spinnerandbottlenosedolphinsaswell
asshortfinnedpilotwhales.
TheSamanBayareaishometothevastmajorityoftheislandswhalewatchingactivity,with10whale
watchandmarinetransportcompaniesthatrunmultipleboatsand20individualsoperatingsinglevessels
totallingacombinedfleetof43vesselsrunningtripsfrom6differentportsaroundthebaySaman,Plaza
SimiBez,LasGaleras,CayoLevantado,Carenero,CaletnwithSamanportthehometomostofthese
businesses.Over95%oftheRepublicswhalewatchers(morethan27,000tourists)taketheirtripsinthe
SamanBayarea,generatingover$3.6millionindirectexpenditurein2008,ofwhich$82,000wentin
entrancefeestothemarinesanctuaryitself.
IntheSilverBankandNavidadBankareas,threevesselsrunsixday,sevennightallinclusiveliveaboard
tours,departingfromPuertoPlataontheislandsnorthcoast.Thesetoursareconsiderablymore
expensive,averaging$2600plus15%tips,andcatertoasmallergroupoftourists.SilverBankwhalewatch
companiestookapproximately500passengerswhalewatchinginthe2008season,generatingmorethan
$1.5millionindirectexpenditure,ofwhichapproximately$50,000wenttothemarinesanctuaryinentrance
fees.Theselongertripsfeaturesoftinwaterencounterswithhumpbackwhales,wherepassengersenter
thewaterandfloatpassivelynearwhalepodswithoutdivingorswimmingtowardsthem,enablingthose
whalesthatarecurioustoapproachandinteractwiththeswimmersoftheirownvolition.
250

Everyvesselenteringthemarinesanctuaryrequiresapermit.InSamantherearetwoclassesofpermit
accordingtovesselsizecategorisedasLanchasandBarcosrespectivelywiththeformercosting$200and
thelatter$400.PermitsforSilverBank,ofwhichtherearethree,are$2,500dollarseach.Thusthetotal
revenueraisedbyboatpermitsfortheMarineSanctuaryexceed$20,000eachseason,ontopoftherevenue
generatedbyparkentrancefees,pushingthetotalrevenueincludingthesefeestoover$150,000.In
addition,thereisathrivingcetaceanbasedsouvenirindustryinSamansellingtshirts,caps,jewellery,
videosandCDsofwhalesongswhichislikelytoinjectmillionsmoredollarsintothelocaleconomy.
TheCentrefortheConservationandEcodevelopmentofSamanBayanditsEnvirons(CEBSE),anNGO
focusedontheconservationofbiodiversity,sustainabledevelopmentandcommunityparticipationand
education,tookovertheorganisationandregulationofwhalewatchingin1998includingrevisingthe
guidelinesforwhalewatchingpracticesandmonitoringandpolicingthem,educatingwhalewatchoperators
andadministratingwhalewatchpermitscontinuingthepreviousworkoftheIntergovernmental
ManagementCommitteefortheSilverBankMarineSanctuary(ComisinRectora).CEBSEworks
cooperativelywiththeAssociationofBoatOwners,thedirectorofNationalParks,theSecretaryofTourism
andtheMinistryofEnvironmentandhasfacilitatedacomanagementsystemforthewhalewatching
industryinvolvingallstakeholders..CEBSEreliesheavilyuponlocalandinternationalvolunteersto
supplementitseducationandmonitoringprogrammeswherefundingisinsufficienttofullyfinancethese
operations,continuingthecomprehensiverolethatHoytnotedvolunteershavehadinmanagingthe
DominicanRepublicswhalewatchingindustry(Hoyt,1999).
WhalewatchingintheDominicanRepublichasexperiencedmodestgrowthinthedecadesinceIFAWs2001
report,expandingataslightlygreaterratethanthegrowthintourismgenerally,itisreportedtohave
reachedannualnumbersof30,000whalewatchersin2004and2005.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
pantropicalspotteddolphin,bottlenose
dolphin,shortfinnedpilotwhale
90%
10%
2to4hourboatbasedtrips,predominantly
partofallinclusivetoursfromresortsand
cruiseships,andweeklong,liveaboardtours.
$80daytour
$2,600foraweeklongliveaboardtrip.
99
OctobertoMay
Acknowledgements:
GratefulacknowledgementtoKimBeddall,afoundingmemberofCEBSEandoperator,PatriciaLamelas,thecurrent
presidentofCEBSE,andIdelisaBonnellydeCalventi,PresidentofFUNDEMAR.
251
Grenada
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
1,800
3,390
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.8
None
None
2
1
None
None
$90,000
$203,500
None
None
$180,000
$82,400
None
None
$270,000
$285,900
CapitalCity:St.Georges
Grenada,istheWindwardIslesouthoftheGrenadineschaininthe
easternCaribbean.Ithasawelldevelopedtourismindustry
attractingaround120,000visitorseachyearandanincreasingly
numberofcruisepassengers.ThewatersaroundGrenadahave
smallwhalesanddolphinsallyearroundandhumpbacksfrom
DecembertoMarch.Thehumpbackseasoncoincideswiththehigh
seasonforbothhotelsandcruisesmakingwhalewatchingtripsvery
popular.
OnecommercialoperatorrunsboatbasedtripsoutofStGeorges
forfourhourstoseewhalesanddolphinsoffthethreeislandsthatcomprisethenationofGrenada.
Anotherboatoperatorwhoonceranbothfishingandwhalewatchingnolongerrunstrips.TheKidoProject
whichalsopreviouslyincludedwhalewatchingonasmallcatamaran,nowconcentratesoneducationabout
whaleswiththelocalcommunitiesanddoesnotruntrips.
Theexistingoperatorhasgoodlinkswithhotelsandcruiseships.Duringhighseason,tripsforthecruises
willgooutfourormoretimesaweekwithover30passengerswithadditionaltripsfortouristsstayingon
theislandtwoonaverage.Outsideofhighseasonthereisusuallyonlyonetripaweek.Indirect
expendituresarelowbecauseofthehighproportionofcruiseshippassengerswhohavelittleadditional
expenditureontheislands.AtpresentthemajorityofthewhalewatchersinGrenadacomefromcruise
ships(estimatedat85%).Thisisverydifferentto1998whencruisearrivalswerenotamajorsourceof
customers.
CruisevisitstoGrenadahavenearlydoubledinfiveyearsto292,700,whereastouristarrivalsof123,770in
2008areonlyabout10%abovetheir1998levelafteraninitialstrongincrease.Halfofallvisitorscomefrom
twocountriestheUnitedStatesandUnitedKingdomwithasubstantialproportionfromotherCaribbean
countries.Atleastoneresortadvertiseswhalewatchingaspartofitsattractionsandtheirclientscangoon
onewhalewatchingtripaspartofsomeoftheirpackages.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Largecetaceans:
humpback,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin,pantropicalspotteddolphin,
bottlenosedolphin,Frasersdolphin
100%
0%
252
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Dayboattripsfromresortsandcruises.
$75fordaytrips,lessfromcruises.
1
OctobertoMay
Acknowledgements:
Thankstooneoperator,theKidoProjectonCariacouandoneresort.
Guadeloupeandislands(includingSt.MartinandSt.Barthlemy)
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
400
3,650
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.7%
None
N/A
3
2
None
Minimal
$13,000
$283,000
None
Minimal
$10,000
$548,000
None
Minimal
$23,000
$831,000
CapitalCity:BasseTerre
Two main operators undertake trips to watch whales in

Guadeloupe. Cetaceans are accessible for most of the year,
including pantropical spotted dolphins as well as sperm whales,
pygmy sperm whales, humpback whales and shortfinned pilot
whales.
Thetwomainoperatorsareresponsibleforarapidexpansioninthe
numbersofwhalewatchtouristsinthelastdecade,whenthewhale
watching activities had just begun, growing at an average rate of
25%perannumtonearly4,000touristsin2008.
Despite humpback whales travelling past St. Barthlemy, there was no indication of any operator
undertakingregularwhalewatchingtrips.Inpreviousstudies,onededicatedoperatorhadbeenidentifiedin
thislocation.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,spermwhale,pygmysperm
whale
Smallcetaceans:
Pantropicalspotteddolphin,shortfinnedpilot
whale
N/A
Boatbased
$96
2
Yearround
253
Acknowledgements:
EvasionTropicaleandHeuresSaines.
Guatemala
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
800
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.6%
None
None
None
1
None
None
None
$104,000
None
None
None
$48,000
None
None
None
$152,000
CapitalCity:GuatemalaCity
01:PacificCoast
Despitehavingsomegoodopportunitiesforwhalewatching,a
whalewatchingindustryhasbeenslowtodevelopinGuatemala.
Inlate2005,operatorsbeganofferingwhaleanddolphinwatching
onitsPacificcoast.FollowingconsiderablesupportfromNGOs,one
whalewatchoperatorisnowofferingboatbasedwhaleand
dolphinwatchingtrips.Thetripslastuptosixhoursandtarget
bottlenose,spinnerandpantropicalspotteddolphinsyearround,
alongwithhumpbackwhalesinthehighseason(DecembertoApril).
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,pantropicalspotted
dolphin,spinnerdolphin
20%
80%
Mainlyboatbased,twolandbasedsites
underdevelopment
$130
15
DecembertoApril
References:
254
Honduras
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
N/A
2
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Tegucigalpa
01:Utila
Hondurashasonlyminimalwhalewatchingactivities.Withthe
consistentsightingsofdolphins,however,someactivitiesdomake
themostofopportunitiestoobservetheseanimals.Dolphin
sightingsarearegularfeatureofdiveoperationsandsomemarine
boatoperators(nondive)marketthepossibilityofseeingdolphins
aspartoftheircruises.
Someuniversityresearchbasedtripshavealsobeenundertakento
observeandmonitorthedolphins.Aswiththetouristcruises,this
isbasedpredominantlyintheBayofIslands.TheresearchtripswereofferedaroundtheislandofUtila.The
2008reportbyHoytandIguezstatedthatin2006,12studentspaidapproximately$2,400indirectand
$15,600inindirectexpendituretoworkwiththewilddolphins.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,tucuxi(marine),various
tropicaldolphins
90%
10%
Boatbased
N/A
2
Yearround
References:
255
Jamaica
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
10
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
1
None
None
None
$1,000
None
None
None
$1,500
None
None
None
$2,500
CapitalCity:Kingston
01:Negril
An operator in Jamaica, based in Negril, has recently begun taking

dedicated whale watching trips to see sperm whales around 12
milesoffshore.In2008thecompanyexperimentedwiththetours,
usingafishingchartervessel,aftertheownerhadexperiencedclose
up interaction with sperm whales on his own fishing trips. The
same operator reports regular opportunistic sightings of dolphins
arounddivesites,withdolphinsencounteredonaveragetwiceper
week.
Jamaicahasnotpreviouslybeenidentifiedasawhalewatchinglocation,butwithsomefurthermarketingof
theopportunityhere,thereiscertainlyroomforgrowthinlinewithsomeoftheotherCaribbeanislands
significantindustries,particularlyinlightofthelargeexistingtourismindustry.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
dolphinsvariousspecies
N/A
Boatbased
$100
1
yearround
Acknowledgements:
DavidWallaceatNegrilScuba.
256
Martinique
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
100+
Minimal
2,800
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.3%
N/A
N/A
N/A
~2
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
$191,000
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
$421,000
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
$612,000
CapitalCity:FortdeFrance
Despitetheopportunitiesofthematuretourismindustry,themany
diveoperators,andthepresenceofwhalesanddolphinsespecially
offthewestcoastofMartinique,thereremainsonlyasmallwhale
watchingindustry.
However, one dedicated dolphin and whale watch operator

undertakes trips to see a variety of cetaceans, most commonly
seeing Atlantic spotted dolphins, Frasers dolphins, humpback and
sperm whales, guaranteeing sightings for passengers. These trips
are in a small vessel, with an average ticket price of $68. Other
cetacean sightings occur frequently as part of dive trips, with
dolphinsmostcommonlyseen.
EarlierresearchonMartinique(Hoyt,1999)foundgreatpotentialforwhalewatching,withcetaceansbeing
accessible to the islands, especially from the coastal village of Le Prcheur. Sperm whales have been
recordedoffthecoast,andspinnerdolphinsarecommonlyseen.Infact,14speciesofcetaceanhavebeen
recordedaroundtheisland.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Humpbackwhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin,Atlanticspotteddolphin,
Frasersdolphin
>95%
Boatbased
$68
2
N/A
Acknowledgements:
EvasionTropicale
References:
Hoyt,E1999,ThePotentialofWhaleWatchingintheCaribbean:1999+.WhaleandDolphinConservationSociety,Bath,
UK,81pp.
257
Maillard,J2004,OrientationsRgionalesdeGestiondelaFaunesauvageetdamliorationdelaqualitdeses
HabitatsRgionMartiniqueEtatdesLieux,OfficeNationaldelaChasseetdelaFauneSauvageetDirection
RgionaledeLEnvironnementMartinique
NetherlandsAntillesAruba,Bonaire,CuraaoandSt.Maarten
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
200
Minimal
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
1
N/A
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Willemstad
01:Bonaire
In 1998, Bonaire was identified as having an estimated 200 whale

watchers who interacted with whales and dolphins purely in an
opportunistic manner as part of dive trips. There was no formal
dedicatedwhaleordolphinwatchingindustry.Largelythisremains
thecasetoday,apartfromasmallnumberofcruisesthatfocuson
dolphinwatchingasahighlight.Oneoperatorinparticularoffersa
sunsetcruisetowatchthedolphins,howeverthetotalnumbersof
touristsforthesecruisesremainminimal.
Researchfor2008indicatesnoincreaseinwhalewatchnumbersacrosstheNetherlandAntillesincludingthe
ABCislandsofAruba,Bonaire,Curacao(nearVenezuela)andSt.Maarten(aswellasthesmallislandsofSaba
andSt.Eustatius)partofthebroaderAntillesintheeasternCaribbean.Thereremainssomeopportunistic
watchingofdolphinsbutnoformalindustryhasdevelopedinthepast10years.
Responsestothisresearchindicatedthatcetaceanscontinuetobeoccasionallyseen,particularlyinBonaire,
andifseenonroutetoadivesite,operatorswillslowdowntowatchthedolphins.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin,longbeakedcommondolphin
N/A
Boatbased
$33
N/A
yearround
Acknowledgements:
JackChalkatHabitatBonaire,RamndeLenoftheBonaireNationalMarinePark,TourismBonaire,CuraaoTourism.
258
Nicaragua
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
8,832
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
56.1%
None
None
None
30
None
None
None
$719,808
None
None
None
$1,324,800
None
None
None
$2,044,608
CapitalCity:Managua
01:SanJuandelSur
WhaleanddolphinwatchingisnewtoNicaragua,butseveraldiving
andnaturecruisecompaniesarenowofferingtripsthatinclude
cetaceanviewing.Manylocalfishermenarealsotakingadvantage
ofincreasedtourismonthePacificcoastbyrunninginformaltrips.
TheseactivitiesarebasedatSanJuandelSur,oneofthemain
tourismtownsonthePacificcoast.Humpbackwhalesaretargeted
duringthewinterseason,whiledolphinsaresightedyearround.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
pantropicalspotteddolphin
Mainlyinternational
Boatbased
$81
30
SeptembertoMarchforwhales,yearround
fordolphins
References:
259
Panama
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
Minimal
17,711
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
70.3%
None
None
Minimal
81
None
None
Minimal
$448,025
None
None
Minimal
$2,692,350
None
None
Minimal
$3,140,375
CapitalCity:PanamaCity
01:ArchipelagoBocasdelToro
02:IslaIguana
Panamascetaceanwatchingindustrywasestablishedinthelate
1990sandhasgrownquickly,alongwithbothgeneraltourismanda
focusonnationalparksandecotourism.Mostcetaceanwatching
activityoccursontheArchipelagoBocasdelToroofftheCaribbean
coast,wheresome16,000visitorsayearwatchbottlenosedolphins.
Theareahasover200boatsthatoffersnorkelling,sceniccruises
anddolphinwatching.
SeverallocationsonthePacificcoastofferboatbasedwhaleanddolphinwatchingtrips.Tripsencounter
bottlenose,pantropicalspottedandspinnerdolphins,alongwithhumpback,sperm,Cuvier'sbeakedand
shortfinnedpilotwhalesandoccasionallyorcas.ThemainlocationsareIslaIguana,where15fishermen
offerwhalewatchtours,andIslaCoiba,aformerprisonislandthatnowattractstouristsontoursthat
includedolphinwatchinginthesurroundingnationalpark.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Smallcetaceans:
Cuvier'sbeakedwhale,pantropicalspotted
dolphin,shortfinnedpilotwhale,spinner
dolphin
Mainlyinternational
Boatbased,shorttrips
From$15to$150dependingonlocationand
natureofthetour
81
DecembertoApril(maintouristseason)
References:
260
PuertoRico
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
55,000
130,000
51,135
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
N/A
N/A
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
Minimal
Minimal
0.7%
$56,750
$920,250
$977,000
CapitalCity:SanJuan
01:Rincn
Puerto Rico is in the fortunate position of being an important

highway for migrating humpback whales that pass through the
MonaPassageatthewesternendofthecountryeachyearbetween
JanuaryandApril,coincidingwiththepeaktourismseason.
Making the most of this good fortune, many of the guesthouses

located along the coast in this region, particularly around Rincn,
advertise that fact that they can see whales from their front
doorsteps.Inthisregion,asmallnumberofboatbasedoperatorsincludewhalewatchingintheircruisesat
thistimeofyear,particularlyonsunsetcruises.Theseoperatorstookanestimated1,135touristsonwhale
watchingcruisesin2008withanaverageticketpriceof$50.
The larger numbers of whale watchers for Puerto Rico come to watch these marine mammals from the
various landbased locations where whales are easily seen, in particular, the Rincn Lighthouse and
ObservationPark(ParqueElFarodeRincn).Situatedatanideallocation,overlookingtheMonaPassage,
thevantagepointisperfectforwatchingthepassinghumpbacksinthewintermonths.Earlierreportson
this regions whale watching industry indicated up to 500,000 people visit this lighthouse each year, with
landbased whale watchers over the four key months being estimated at 50,000 to 125,000. Research
undertakenfor2008findsthelighthousestillapopularwhalewatchinglocationforlocalsandtouristsalike,
and,combinedwithsomenumbersforotherlocationsnearRincn,wemaintainestimatesof50,000land
basedwhalewatchersin2008.
Mainspecies:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
50%
50%
Boatbasedandlandbased
$50(forboatbased)
2
JanuarytoApril
Acknowledgements:
SteveLantz,PresidentoftheTourismAssociationofRincn,KatarinaChartersandCoconutPalmsInn
261
St.KittsandNevis
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
50+
Minimal
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
1
1
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Minimal
Minimal
CapitalCity:Basseterre
01:Nevis
Smallscalededicatedwhaleanddolphinwatchingtripshavebeen
offeredfromtheislandofNevis,formorethantenyears.These
tripstakeadvantageofhumpbackmigrationfromJanuarytoApril
nearNevisaswellasresidentpopulationsofdolphinsandother
whales.Whilstthesetripsarestilloffered,2008throughintoearly
2009wasaverypoortimefortourismontheislandandsono
dedicatedwhalewatchingtripswererun.Theoneoperatorinstead
concentratedonitscorebusinessofscubadriving.
Inagoodyear,suchas2006,acouplehundredtouristsbookontospecialisedhalfdaywhalewatchingtrips.
Thesearea3houreducationaltour,includingtheuseofahydrophone,onsmallboats(capacityofeither
14or25)andareaimedatthehumpbackmigrationseason.
ThereisalsoatelescopeespeciallymadeforwhalewatchingonSaddleHill,butthisisnotpartoforganised
toursorformalmonitoring.NoneofthediveorchartercompaniesbasedatSt.Kittsofferdedicatedtrips,
althoughwhalesanddolphinsareoftenspottedduringtheirothertrips.
BothSt.KittsandNevishavepotentialforwhalewatchingbutthiswilldependonthedevelopmentof
tourismmoregenerally.Nevisisnotacruisedestination,althoughSt.Kittsis(150,000arrivalsin2004)and
stopoverarrivalsforthenationarelowincomparisontootherdestinations(91,700in2004).Howeverthis
comparativeisolationcouldprovideitsownopportunitiesifwhalewatchingwasmarketedaspartofaneco
tourismtriptothosewillingtopaymoreforanexclusivevisit.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale,finwhale
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin,bottlenosedolphin
100%
0%
Boatbaseddaytrips
$50
1
JanuarytoApril
262
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoEllisChaderton,operator.
St.Lucia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
65
16,650
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
TotalExpenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
2
4
None
None
$4,500
$832,500
None
None
$3,500
$744,510
None
None
$8,000
$1,577,010
CapitalCity:Castries
01:SoufrireBay
St.LuciaisoneoftheWindwardIslesintheEasternCaribbeanand
hasdolphinsandwhalespresentnearitscoaststhroughoutthe
year.TherearehighernumbersofspermwhalesbetweenOctober
toJanuaryandhumpbackwhalesonlyfromJanuarytoAprilandthe
drierweatherformuchoftheseperiodsmakesitagoodtimefor
trips.SomeofthebestlocationsareSoufrireBayoffthe
southwestoftheislandandthewatersnorthwestofSt.Lucia
towardsMartinique.Thesearereadilyaccessibletothemain
touristareasontheisland.
Thewhalewatchingbusinesshasgrownrapidlyfromitsstartabouttenyearsagoandnowisoneofthe
largerintheCaribbean.TheSt.LuciaWhaleandDolphinWatchingAssociation,formedin1997,encouraged
operationswithitsgoaltoensurethewellbeingofboththewhalesandsmallboatoperators.
Fouroperatorsofferdedicatedwhalewatchingtrips,butthesearenottheirsolebusiness.Insteadthetrips
areofferedaspartofarangeofboattrips,chartersandfishing.Thelargertwooperatorsareequippedto
offerlargecapacitytripstothecruiseshipsandalsoruntripsaimedatthehoteltrade.Thedevelopmentof
theindustryhashappenedalongsideamajorincreaseintourismsincethe1980s.Cruisearrivalsarestill
increasingandaremorethandoublethoseofadecadeago,with622,680arrivalsin2008.Touristnumbers
arenearly20%upon1998at295,760,althoughthisisaslightfallfromapeakin2005.
TheabilitytocaterforcruisepassengersalongwiththegrowthofthecruisemarketinSt.Luciahasbeen
excellentforthedevelopmentofthewhalewatchingindustry.Cruisenumbersareexpectedtoremainata
highlevelatleastthroughthenextfewyearswhichbodeswellforthebusiness.
263

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
spermwhale,humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
shortfinnedpilotwhale
100%
0%
Daytrips
$50
4
OctobertoMay
Acknowledgements:
Thankstotwooperators.
StVincentandtheGrenadines
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
800
600
2,100
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
N/A
6.7%
13.4%
Minimal
2
2
2
Minimal
$24,000
$34,000
$88,200
Minimal
$129,000
$66,000
$118,200
Minimal
$153,000
$100,000
$206,400
CapitalCity:Kingstown
01:ArnosVale
02:Kingstown
St.VincentandtheGrenadineshavetwocommercialoperators
runningdedicateddaytripstowatchdolphinsandwhalesoutof
ArnosValeandKingstownonSt.Vincent.Bothoperatorshavenow
runtripsformanyyearsbutnumbershaveincreasedsubstantially
thelastdecadewithanaverageannualincreaseof13.4%.Dolphins
andwhalesarefoundinthewatersofSt.Vincentandthe
Grenadinesallyearround,whilespermandhumpbackwhalesare
seasonalvisitors.Thetripshaveanexcellent80%sightingsuccessratefordolphinsfromApriltoSeptember.
St.VincentandtheGrenadinestendstoappealtothemoreexclusivetouristpartlybecausethereareno
directflightsfromtheUSorEurope,withaboutathirdofvisitorstotheislandsarrivingbyyacht.Tourist
staysontheislandchaininitiallyincreasedintheearlypartofthedecade,butthenfellbacktolowerlevels
withairarrivalsaround65,000in2008(CaribbeanTourismOrganisation).AswithmanyCaribbeanislands,
cruisesareanimportantsectionofthetourismmarket.InSt.Vincentcruisearrivalsfellfromapeakin2006
of106,474to67,537lastyearpartlyduetohurricanedamagetothecruiseterminal.
264
OnewhalewatchoperatorhascapitalisedonthecruisemarkettoSt.Vincentupuntil2006byusingalarge
capacityboatforupto65peopleatatime.Theotheroperator,havingsmallerboats,hasbeenmore
successfulwiththehotelmarket.Thefocusonthecruisemarkethasresultedinexcellentgrowthwithan
estimated3cruisepassengersforevery1hotelguest,despitethedeclineincruiseslastyear.Asforall
destinations,thecruisemarketbringsinlowperpersonindirectexpendituresohasalowerbenefittotheSt.
Vincenteconomy.
Thereisstillplentyofroomforgrowthfortripsaimedatthecruisemarketifnumbersreturntotherecent
highs.Apossibledifficultyforexpandingoutofthedaytripmarketortootherislandsmayarisefromthe
existenceofsmallscalecommercialwhalingofshortfinnedpilotwhalesandtheallowancebythe
InternationalWhalingCommissionofanindigenoushuntforfourhumpbackwhaleseachyearbyislanders
ofBequia,onefromtheGrenadines.However,aprowhalingstancehasnotpreventedwhaleanddolphin
watchingindustriesdevelopinginJapan,NorwayandIceland.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,Frasersdolphin
100%
Shorttripsforhotelandcruises
$3050fordaytrips
2
OctobertoMay
Acknowledgements:
Thankstotwooperators.
References:
Hoyt,E1999,ThePotentialofWhaleWatchingintheCaribbean:1999+.WhaleandDolphinConservationSociety,Bath,
UK,81pp.
265
TurksandCaicosIslands
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
100+
1,500
265
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
96.8%
15.9%
N/A
N/A
2
3
Minimal
$10,000
$43,000
$16,600
Minimal
$25,000
$107,000
$16,000
Minimal
$35,000
$150,000
$32,600
CapitalCity:GrandTurk(Cockburn)
01:SaltCay
02:Providenciales
TourismintheTurksandCaicoshasbeenseverelyaffectedbythe
hurricane of Sept. 2008, including an operator who had his boat
destroyed.Thishashadadirectimpactonwhalewatchingin2009
with more general cruise and dive operations on the islands
reporting some vessel damage. As a result, numbers of whale
watchers may temporarily drop as compared to 1998. However,
theindustry,asof2008beforethestorm,seemedinfactmuchthe
sameasadecadeago,withafewoperatorsundertakingdedicatedwhalewatchingtrips,andmanyother
diveoperatorswhowilltaketripstoseewhaleswhenthereisdemandwithnumbersreportedbyoperators
atamuchlowerlevel.
2007washoweverreportedlyamuchbiggeryearforwhalewatchingcomparedtothe2008season.Itis
likely therefore that future seasons will see numbers increase again. As identified in previous research
(Hoyt,1999),thereisgreatopportunityforwhalewatchingintheTurksandCaicos.
Humpback whales are present in the waters around the islands in January to March, with most whale
watchingtripsbeingundertakenfromSaltCayandGrandTurk,andlessfrequentlyProvidenciales(Provo).
One particularly friendly dolphin by the name of JoJo is resident in and around Provo where he regularly
entertainstouristswithhisfriendlyways.NowhalewatchinghasbeencountedforJoJo.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin
100%
Boatbased
$65
3
JanuarytoMarch
Acknowledgements:
SaltCayDivers,GreenFlashToursandPiratesHideaway.
266
USVirginIslands
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
Minimal
500
75
100
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
37.8%
2.9%
N/A
N/A
2
1
Minimal
$23,000
$3,500
$6,500
Minimal
$57,000
$4,500
$12,000
Minimal
$80,000
$8,000
$18,500
CapitalCity:CharlotteAmalie
01:St.Thomas
TheUSVirginIslands,inmuchthesamemannerastheBritishVirgin
Islands, have regular visitation by humpback whales over a few
shortmonthsof theyear, howeverno established whalewatching
industryexists,despitethemajortourismindustry.
Onenongovernmentorganisationcontinuestotakeafewtripsper
yeartoseethewhalesfromSt.Thomas,howeverinsomeyearsno
whalesareseenonthesetrips.Inrecentyearsitappearstohave
been more difficult to find whales. No further established whale
watching industry is active on the islands. There are occasional sightings of cetaceans on dive trips, from
bothSt.ThomasandSt.Croix,andrecreationalboatsalsooccasionallyreportsightingsofwhales.Aswellas
humpbacks,sightingshaveincludedspermwhales,orcaandshortfinnedpilotwhales.
InearlierresearchontheUSVirginIslands(Hoyt,1999),itwasnotedthatanotheroperatorwhichhadbeen
taking whale watch trips dropped out of the business due to the short season and the irregularity of
sightings.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,spinnerdolphin,short
finnedpilotwhale
N/A
Boatbased
$65
1
JanuarytoMarch
Acknowledgements:
DalmaSimonfromtheEnvironmentAssociationofSt.ThomasandSt.John(EAST)andPaulJobsis,marinebiologistat
theUniversityoftheVirginIslands.
267
SouthAmerica
Year:
1991
1994
1998
2006
2008
Projection
Numberof
whale
watchers
22,418
231,530
266,712
582,547
696,900
AAGR
Numberof
countries
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
117.8%
3.6%
10.3%
10% 72
5
8
8
11 71
11
$15,447,000
$19,117,000
$25,667,000
$63,614,528
$84,210,754
$11,245,000
$43,464,000
$69,141,000
$102,367,103
$127,576,320
$29,692,000
$62,581,000
$94,808,000
$165,981,631
$211,787,074
Nearlyallcountriesonthecontinentareinvolvedinwhalewatching.SouthAmericahasnumerousresident
andmigratorycetaceansincoastalandinlandwaters.Thelargestindustries areinArgentinaandBrazil,both
withwellover200,000whalewatcherseachin2008.AttheotherendofthescaleareBolivia,Peruandthe
FalklandIslands,withjustafewhundredwhalewatchers.
Itisclearfromrecentresearchthatcetaceanwatchingacrossthecontinentisamajorgeneratorof
economicactivity;theindustrygeneratedatotalexpenditureofover$200millionandtooknearly700,000
peoplewhalewatchingin2008.
AdetailedstudyofwhalewatchinginLatinAmericabasedon2006datawasreleasedin2008.Thereport
71
HoytandIguezdidnotincludeFalklandIslandsintheir2006study,howeveritisassumedtohavehadminimal
whalewatchersin2006.
72
AAGRfortenyears1998to2008is10%,for20062008is9.2%
268
wascommissionedbytheWhaleandDolphinConservationSociety,IFAWandGlobalOcean.Duetothe
comprehensivenatureofthisrecentreport,wehavereliedonthe2006numbersinthefollowingsectionfor
allSouthAmericancountries.
Inthetableabove,wehavealsoestimatedthesizeofthewhalewatchingindustryin2008.Weused
previousgrowthratesandtourismarrivalgrowthfiguresfromtheWorldTourismOrganisationtomakean
estimateforeachcountry.However,inthefollowingsection,only2006dataarepresented.
Acknowledgements:
ErichHoytandMiguelIguezfortheirfineworkincompilingtheLatinAmericanwhalewatchreportfromwhichthese
dataarelargelydrawn.
References:
Country:
Growthbetween
1998and2006
1998
2008
AAGR
Argentina
84,164
244,432
14.3%
Bolivia
None
400
6.1%
Brazil
167,107
228,946
4%
Chile
3,300
13,720
19.5%
Colombia
Minimal
35,000
27.5%
Ecuador
11,610
42,900
17.7%
FalklandIslands
Minimal
100
N/A
Peru
531
586
1.2%
Suriname
None
1,906
28.9%
Uruguay
None
4,800
44.7%
Venezuela
Minimal
9,757
58.1%
REGIONALTOTAL:
266,712
582,547
10.3%
AAGR.
269
270
Argentina
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
Numberof
whale
watchers
17,371
44,580
84,164
244,432
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
37.0%
17.2%
14.3%
N/A
N/A
N/A
32
$347,000
$892,000
$1,638,000
$2,218,339
$14,245,000
$35,218,000
$57,746,000
$59,346,765
$14,529,000
$36,110,000
$59,384,000
$61,565,104
CapitalCity:BuenosAires
01:PennsulaValds
02:PuertoSanJulin
03:LasGrutas
04:PuertoDeseado
05:Ushuaia
Argentinaslargeandwellestablishedwhalewatchingindustryis
basedmainlyaroundPennsulaValds,intheChubutprovince.
Whalewatchingbeganaroundthisareainthe1980sandhasbeen
increasingsteadilysince.Theareaismostfamousfororcasand
southernrightwhales.Landbasedwhalewatchingispopularhere,particularlyfromFebruarytoearlyMay
whenorcashuntyoungsealionsandelephantsealsclosetoshore,attimesbeachingthemselvestocatch
theirprey.Theorcasarepresentyearroundandcanbeseenpracticingtheirhuntingroutinesalongthe
shorefromapathalongthecliff.
SixoperatorsatPennsulaValdsrunboatbasedtoursfocusedonsouthernrightwhales.Thetripslastfor
abouttwohours.The17boatsinthefleettakeupto84passengersperboat,andregulationsareinplaceto
managethewhalewatchingfleetandmaintainthesustainabilityoftheindustry.
OtherlocationswithcetaceanwatchinginArgentinaincludePuertoSanJulin,LasGrutasandPuerto
DeseadoinSantaCruzprovince.InPuertoDeseado,threetouroperatorsofferonetotwohourrivertrips
insmallinflatablesandfiberglassboats(capacity27persons),whichencounterCommerson'sdolphins.
Approximately20ofthetotal32operatorsworkoutofthesouthernportofUshuaiawherejourneysdepart
forAntarctica.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
southernrightwhale
Smallcetaceans:
Commerson'sdolphin,duskydolphin,orca,
Peale'sdolphin
Mainlydomestic
Boatbased.Landbasedviewingfrom
PennsulaValds
$17(boatbasedtrips)
45
FebruarytoMay
271

References:
Bolivia
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
None
None
400
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
3
None
None
None
$76,000
None
None
None
$90,000
None
None
None
$166,000
CapitalCity:LaPaz
01:MamorRiver
LandlockedBoliviahasriverbaseddolphinwatchingopportunities
initscentralAmazonregion.
FormerlyconsideredasubspeciesoftheAmazonRiverdolphin,the
recentlydesignatedriverdolphinofBoliviahasthehighest
encounterratesrecordedintheAmazon.Atthemoment,theonly
dolphinwatchingtripsareopportunisticwithsmallboattripsinthe
MamorRiveranditstributaries.Pricesvarybut$190per
passengerisreportedlyaminimumpriceforatourthatcanlastfromonetoseveraldays.Figuresfromthe
previousLatinAmericareporthavecountedonly10%oftheestimatedtourparticipantnumbersas
opportunisticriverdolphinwatchers.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
Amazon(Bolivian)riverdolphin
Mainlyinternational
Boatbased,rivercruises
$190
4
N/A
References:
272
Brazil
Year Numberof
whale
watchers
1991
Minimal
1994
175,000
1998
167,107
2006
228,946
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
1.1%
4.0%
Minimal
N/A
N/A
44
Minimal
$2,500,000
$4,071,000
$6,316,288
Minimal
$6,250,000
$7,243,000
$25,190,550
Minimal
$8,750,000
$11,314,000
$31,506,838
CapitalCity:Braslia
01:Anhatomirim
02:FernandodoNoronha
03:Amazonas
Brazilhasalargeandvariedcetaceanwatchingindustry.Themain
areasareAnhatomirim,offSantaCatarinainthesoutheast;
FernandodeNoronha,anislandofftheStateofPernambucointhe
countrysnortheast;andtheAmazonbasin.
Approximately130,000peoplegodolphinwatchingaroundBahia
NortedeSantaCatarinaandtheprotectedareaatAnhatomirim.
Thesearenotdedicatedcetaceanwatchingtrips,althoughthetucuxidolphinsfeatureinmanyoperators
promotionalmaterials.Arangeofcraft,oftenschoonersailboats,takesvisitorsforcruisesaroundtheisland.
Concernshavebeenraisedinthisareaabouttheimpactofmanyboatsonthedolphinpopulation.
FernandodoNoronhaisanisolatedisland350kmofftheStateofPernambuco.Thepopularbeachresort
hasaround70,000peoplewatchingspinnerdolphinseachyear.
WhiletherearefewdedicateddolphinwatchingtripsintheAmazonregion,manytouristsseethemduring
visitstojunglelodgesoncruiseships,trekkingorcanoeing.HoytandIguez(2008)estimatethat10%of
the100,000foreigntouristsgoingtoAmazonasandtherestoftheBrazilianAmazonwatchdolphins.
LargercetaceanscanbewatchedatPraiadoForte,Bahia,nearSalvadorandImbituba,SantaCatarina.Each
oftheselocationhostseveralthousandwhalewatchersperyear.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Largecetaceans:
Humpbackwhale,minkewhale,southern
rightwhale
Smallcetaceans:
AmazonRiverdolphin,bottlenosedolphin,
spinnerdolphin,tucuxi
abou25%
about75%
Landandboatbased,daytripsandlonger
cruises.
$28
273
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
62
Manydolphinspeciescanbeseenontours
yearround,butJulytoNovemberisbestfor
largewhales..
References:
Chile
Year Numberof
whale
watchers
1991
Minimal
1994
300+
1998
3,300
2006
13,720
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
82.1%
19.5%
N/A
N/A
N/A
59
Minimal
$15,000
$194,000
$1,169,443
Minimal
$38,000
$485,000
$1,284,383
Minimal
$53,000
$679,000
$2,453,826
CapitalCity:Santiago
01:IslaChorosDamas
02:PuntaArenas
Chilehasdiversewhaleanddolphinwatchingopportunities:from
dolphinwatchingaroundrockyislandsinthedesertnorthtolarge
baleenwhalesleapingagainstthebackdropofthesouthernfjords.
However,thevastbulkofcommercialanddedicateddolphin
watchingoccursatIslaChorosDamas,inthenorthcentralpartof
thecountry,500km(300miles)northofSantiago.Localfishermen
offertoursusingsmallfishingboats(capacity12passengers).
Inthesouthofthecountry,manycruisestoAntarcticaencountercetaceansinChileanwaters,particularlyin
PuntaArenas,theStraitofMagellanandPatagonianChannels.
EarlierreportsnotedthatdespitethestrongpresenceofmanydifferentcetaceanspeciesinChileanwaters,
thewhalewatchingindustryhadbeenslowtotakeoff.SpeciessightedoffChileincludethethreebiggest
cetaceanspecies:theseiwhale,thefinwhaleandthelargestofall,andmostcommonintermsofsightings,
thebluewhale.Itappearsnowthattheopportunitiesarebeingseizedandtheindustryisinastronggrowth
phase.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Largecetaceans:
bluewhale,humpbackwhale,
southernrightwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,Commersonsdolphin,
Chileandolphin,orca,Pealesdolphin,
longfinnedpilotwhale,Rissosdolphin
Mainlyinternational
274
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Arangeofboatandlandbasedviewing
opportunities
From$12to$5714
83
NovembertoAprilforsmallcetaceans(inthe
south);forlargecetaceans,bluewhalescan
beseenbetweenJanuaryandMarchand
otherlargecetaceansbetweenDecember
andMarch.
References:
Colombia
Year Numberof
whale
watchers
1991
Minimal
1994
5,000
1998
Minimal
2006
35,000
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.6%
N/A
N/A
N/A
36
Minimal
$250,000
Minimal
$3,125,000
Minimal
$1,668,000
Minimal
$5,400,000
Minimal
$1,918,000
Minimal
$8,525,000
CapitalCity:Bogot
01:Leticia
02:ValledelCauca
03:GolfodeMorrosquillo
04:SantaMarta
05:Cartagena
Colombiahasthreedistinctareasforcetaceanwatching:the
Amazon,thePacificcoastandtheCaribbeancoast.TheAmazonis
thebusiestdolphinwatchingarea,witharound24,000people
takingboatbasedtripswiththe22operatorsbasedinLeticia,near
theborderswithBrazilandPeru.ThesetripsencounterboththeAmazonRiverDolphin,orboto,andthe
tucuxi.
TheoperatorsonthePacificcoastrangefromfishermenwithsmallboatstohotelsthatruncruisesusinga
rangeofcraft.Daytripsareoffered,aswellasmultidaypackagetrips.MostactivityisbasedoutofValle
delCauca,withapproximately10,000visitorsreportedin2006.
DolphinwatchingintheColombianCaribbeanismainlyopportunistic,withothercruisesmakingregular
sightingsofmarinetucuxiandbottlenosedolphinsfromlandandboatsinGolfodeMorrosquillo,Santa
MartaandCartagena.
275

Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Brydeswhale,humpbackwhale
Smallcetaceans:
spinnerdolphin,tucuxi
Mainlyinternational
Mainlyboatbasedshorttrips
$17onthePacificcoast,$125intheAmazon
51
DecembertoMarchisthemaintourist
season;humpbackwhalesvisitthePacific
coastbetweenJuneandNovember
References:
Ecuador
Year
1991
1994
1998
2006
Numberof
whale
watchers
5,020
6,650
11,610
42,900
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
9.8%
15%
17.8%
N/A
N/A
N/A
119
$15,060,000
$15,100,000
$19,700,000
$50,229,000
Minimal
$200,000
$3,650,000
$10,053,700
$15,060,000
$15,300,000
$23,350,000
$60,282,700
CapitalCity:Quito
01:GalapagosIslands
02:MachalillaNationalPark
03:Amazonbasin
CetaceanwatchinghasbeenapartofecotourismontheGalpagos
Islandsforover30yearsandcontinuestoattractvisitorstoday.
However,thebiggestcetaceanwatchingareainEcuadoris
MachalillaNationalParkonthemainlandcentralcoast,which
attractsaround20,000visitors.Daytripstoseehumpbackwhales
runfromJunetoSeptemberaboardarangeofsmallboats,with
capacitiesofupto16passengers.
TwooperatorsofferdedicatedtripstoseeriverdolphinsintheEcuadorspartoftheAmazonbasin.Amazon
Riverdolphinsandsometimestucuxiareseen.SmallgroupsaretakentotheconfluenceoftheAguaricoand
NaporiversandtheYasuniandNaporivers,aswellastoLagartoCochaLake.
Atleast80operatorsoffertripstotheGalpagos.Thesearetypicallyjourneysofsevendaysormoreaboard
arangeofvesselscarryingfromsixto90passengers.Thesearenotdedicatedwhalewatchtours,but
276
naturetoursthatincluderegulardolphinsightingsbetweentheislands.WhalesarealsoseenintheCanal
BolvarbetweenFernandinaandIsabelaandintheareawestofIsabelaIsland.Severalcruiseshipsoffer
specialwhalewatchingoptionsandwillspendadayormorelookingforwhales.
OtherlocationswithcetaceanwatchingincludeSalinasnearGuayaquilandlandbasedviewingatGuayas
andSalango.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Bryde'swhale,humpbackwhale,spermwhale
Smallcetaceans:
orca,pantropicalspotteddolphins,
shortfinnedpilotwhale,tucuxi
Mainlyinternational.AtMachalillaNational
Park,75%internationaland25%domestic
Boatandlandbasedviewingonthemainland
andAmazon.Arangeoftripstothe
Galpagos,somemultipleday
$25to$30formainlandboattrips.Cruisesto
GalapagosandAmazontrekscancostseveral
thousanddollars
168
Yearrounddependingonthelocationbut
humpbacksarehighlyseasonalfromJuneto
SeptemberOrctober
References:
277
FalklandIslands(LasMalvinas)
Year
1991
1994
1998
2008
Numberof
whale
watchers
None
Minimal
Minimal
100
AAGR:
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditures
Indirect
Expenditures
Total
Expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
None
None
None
2
None
None
Minimal
$5,500
None
None
Minimal
$19,000
None
None
Minimal
$24,500
CapitalCity:Stanley
01:Stanley
02:SeaLionIsland
TheFalklandIslands,alsoknownasLasMalvinas,arelocatedoffthe
southerncoastofArgentinabutgovernedbyBritain,arerenowned
fortheirdiversewildlifeincludingseabirds,sealsandsealions,
penguins,whalesanddolphins.Despitethis,theislandlacksa
formalwhalewatchingindustry.Ourdatafor2008indicatesthat
fewpeopleundertakeformalwhalewatchingwhilstvisitingthe
islands.
Whiletwocompaniesofferedwhalewatchingin2008onlyoneoperatorconductedanytrips.Thetours
viewseiwhalesthatpassbythecapital,Stanley,inFebruaryandApril.OnSeaLionIsland,landbasedtrips
seecoloniesofsealions,aroundwhichorcasarefrequentlyseen.
Thelownumberofwhalewatchersreportedhereissomewhatmisleading,asthereissubstantial
opportunisticwhaleanddolphinwatchingonthemanyboatbasedandlandbasednaturetours.Whales
anddolphinsareusedinmarketingmaterialsforthesetours,butduetothefocusonotherwildlifewehave
includedonlyasmallnumberaswhalewatchers.
MostvisitorstotheFalklandsarrivebyship.Anestimated35cruiseshipcompaniesvisittheislands,often
aspartoftripstoAntarctica.Numbersofcruiseshiparrivalsinthelastfullseasonof2007/08was62,203.Of
thesetourists,manywouldseecetaceansaspartoftripsininflatabledinghiesaroundtheouterislands.This
opportunisticviewingispartofbroadernaturewatchingexpeditionsandhasnotbeencountedinthisstudy.
Onlyasmallnumberofvisitorsarrivebyair,withovernightvisitorsestimatedatjustover6,000for2008.
Cetaceansareanimportantpartoftheattractiontothisremotepartoftheworld.Whalesarecommonin
localwaters,especiallyorcasandCommersonsandPealesdolphins.NewIslandhasbeennotedintourism
literatureasacommonsitefordolphinsightingsbyshipsonlongercruises.Otherislandsnotedforshort
beakedcommondolphinsightingsincludeSaunders,WeddellandWestPointIslands.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Largecetaceans:
seiwhale,minkewhale
Smallcetaceans:
Commersonsdolphin,Pealesdolphin,orca
90%
10%
278
Typesoftours:
Averageticketprice:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Boatbased,landbasedviewing
N/A
2
Yearround
Acknowledgements:
ThankstoPeterCareyoftheSubAntarcticFoundationforEcosystemsResearch,IanStrangeofNewIslandConservation
Trust,KarenNeelyoftheShallowMarineSurveysGroup,JakeDowningoftheFalklandIslandsTouristBoardand
operatorsincludingSouthAtlanticMarineServicesandFalklandIslandsCompany.
References:
FalklandIslandsTouristBoard,FalklandIslandsAirVisitorSurvey:ReportfortheperiodDecember2008toMarch2009.
FalklandIslandsTouristBoard,FalklandIslandsCruiseSurvey:Reportfortheperiod31stOctober2008to12thFebruary
2009.
Peru
Year Numberof
whale
watchers
1991
27
1994
150
1998
531
2006
586
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
77.1%
37.2%
1.2%
N/A
N/A
N/A
10
$40,000
$360,000
$64,000
$120,632
None
$90,000
$17,000
$114,800
$40,000
$450,000
$81,000
$235,432
CapitalCity:Lima
01:AmazonBasin
CetaceanwatchingisasmallindustryinPeru.Initialeffortstostart
theindustrymetwithdifficultiesduetotheprevalentdolphin
huntingandlocalcustomsofeatingdolphinmeat.Whilehuntingof
dolphinshasnowbeenbanned,theindustryhasbeenslowto
develop.Someoperatorsarenowincludingdolphinwatchingin
toursonthecoast,includingsomededicateddolphinwatchingtrips.
Themainspeciesviewedincoastalwatersisthebottlenosedolphin
whiletheAmazonRiverdolphinandtucuxiareseenonrivercruises.
Inthemid1980s,anAmericanecotouroperatorofferedresearchtripsopentothepublicinthePacaya
SamiriaNationalReserveareaofthePervianAmazon.Thesetoursarereportedtohavestopped,butmay
restartin2009.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
AmazonRiverdolphin,tucuxi,bottlenose
dolphin
Mainlyinternational
boatbased,dedicated,opportunistic
$125
14
JunetoAugust(peaktouristseason)
279

References:
Suriname
Year Numberof
whale
watchers
1991
None
1994
None
1998
None
2006
1,906
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.9%
None
None
None
N/A
None
None
None
$88,292
None
None
None
$9,530
None
None
None
$97,822
CapitalCity:Paramaribo
01:SurinameRiver
SomesmallscaledolphinwatchingoccursontheSurinameRiver
nearParamaribo.AlocalNGO,GreenHeritageFundSuriname,runs
datacollectingboattripsintheSurinameRiverandthesurrounding
estuarythroughitsDolphinProgramme.ThroughthisNGO,locals
andtouristscanparticipateintoursforafeeandseethelocal
tucuxidolphins.Localboatownersalsooffertripsonacasualbasis.
Moreformaltouroperatorsarealsosaidtooccasionallyundertake
boatcruises.
AreportfromanenvironmentalgroupthatrunssomedolphintoursinSurinamesuggestedinearly2009
thattherehasbeenconsiderablegrowthsince2006,claimingthattripshavebeenrunningmostdaystaking
upto50peopleontrips.ThepotentialnumberofwhalewatchersinSurinamecouldthereforenowbe
severalthousand(estimatedaround4,500whalewatchersbasedon300dayswithanaverageoccupancyof
15passengers),but,forconsistencywithothercountriesinthisregion,wereportabovethe2006figure.In
theregionaltotalsatthestartofthissection,wehaveincludedaprojectedrateof4,500forSuriname.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Smallcetaceans:
marinetucuxi
N/A
N/A
boatbased,rivercruises
$45
6
N/A
Acknowledgements:
MoniquePoolofSurinameEnvironmentalAdvisoryServices.
References:
280
Uruguay
Year Numberof
whale
watchers
1991
None
1994
None
1998
None
2006
4,800
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
44.7%
None
None
None
5
None
None
None
$26,000
None
None
None
$99,750
None
None
None
$125,750
CapitalCity:Montevideo
01:PuntadelEste
02:Maldonado
03:Rocha
Uruguayhassomegoodofferingsofcetaceanviewingfromboth
seaandland,withamixofcommercialtoursandresearchtrips.
FromAugusttoOctobersouthernrightwhalescanbeseencloseto
Uruguayscoast.FiveoperatorsrunboatbasedtripsfromPunta
delEste,eastofthecapital,Montevideo.Eightplatformsforland
basedwhalewatchinghavealsobeenbuiltalongthecoastin
MaldonadoandRocha.
Althoughasmallandnewindustry,thereremainssignificantpotentialforfurtherdevelopment.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
southernrightwhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,franciscana
40%
60%
Boatbased,landbased
$35(boatbasedtrips)
7
AugusttoOctober
References:
281
Venezuela
Year Numberof
whale
watchers
1991
Minimal
1994
Minimal
1998
Minimal
2006
9,757
AAGR
Numberof
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
N/A
N/A
N/A
58.1%
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
130
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
$240,034
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
$758,625
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
$998,659
CapitalCity:Caracas
01:MochimaNationalPark
02:MargaritaIsland
03:PuertolaCruz
Venezuelahastoursthatincludedolphinandoccasionallargewhale
watchinginmanyareasofitsbroadcoastlineandinlandwater
coursesfromtheCaribbeancoast,AmazonandOrinocobasinsto
LakeMaracaiboandtheGulfofVenezuela.
ThemostpopularlocationfordolphinwatchingisMochima,a
nationalparkontheCaribbeancoastinthenortheastofthecountry.
Over5,000tourists,mainlydomestic,takepartinsmallboattourstoseelongbeakedcommondolphinsand
occasionallyBrydeswhalesinthisregion.
OtherlargerlocationsincludeElGuamache,MargaritaIslandandLechera,PuertolaCruz,AnzoteguiState.
NaturecruisesintheAmazonbasinandOrinocoalsosometimesencountercetaceans.
Mainspecies:
Tourists:
International
Domestic
Typesoftours:
Estimatedemployment
numbers:
Largecetaceans:
Bryde'swhale
Smallcetaceans:
bottlenosedolphin,
longbeakedcommondolphin,Atlantic
spotteddolphin,tucuxi
Mainlydomestic
Boatbasednaturetrips.Somededicated,
someopportunisticwatching
$12atMochima,themostpopularlocation.
173
NovembertoFebruary
References:
282
AfterwordbyErichHoyt
ErichHoytisResearchFellowwiththeWhaleandDolphinConservationSocietyandleadstheirCritical
Habitat/MarineProtectedAreaswork.Heisauthorof17booksandsome500articles,papersand
reports.HisworkforIFAWincludesthewidelycitedWhaleWatching2001,aswellascontributionsto
anumberofotherkeywhalewatchworkshopsandreports.HeisamemberoftheIUCNSpecies
SurvivalCommissionsCetaceanSpecialistGroupaswellastheIUCNHighSeasMPATaskForce.
Everythingthatyouhavereadsofarthedetailedaccountsof13millionpeoplespending$2.1billion
dollarsin119countriesgoesbacktoasmallfishingboatoffthesouthernCaliforniacoastin1955.
Imaginethescene.InthelowlightofwinteroffSanDiegoharbour,ahuge,spouting,airsuckingmammal
approachestheboat.Itislonger,larger,granderineverywaythananythingthefishermanhaseverseen.
Wait!Twoofthem,acalfintowbreaksthesurface.Thereisnothingthefishermancandobutsitthereand
watch,waitandlistenastheyswimpast.Laterthatevening,glowingfromtheday,themanmakesasign
andthenextdayhangsitonhisboatonthewharfintheharbour:Seethewhales$1.
Withthisactionofaputtingvalueonseeingawhale,fishermanChuckChamberlinstartedsomething.
Morethan50yearslater,wearestillconsideringtheimplicationsofhisactions.Whatarethebenefits
andthecostsofputtingamonetaryvalueonawildlifeexperience?Howdidtheglobalindustryofwhale
watchinggetfromasmallfishingboatofftheCaliforniacoasttowherewearetoday,andwherewillitgo
next?Canwhalewatchingcontributetosavingwhalesandprotectingthesea?
Readingthe119countryandterritoryaccountsinthisreport,Icanthelpbutrecallthewhalewatch
experiencesthatIhavehadovertheyearsinsome40countries.Everythingfromtheeyepoppingsightof
shortfinnedpilotwhalesswimmingunderwateragainstthebackdropofacoralreefandpeeringupatus
throughaglassbottomboattosmellingthekrillladenbreathsofseven80footbluewhalesallaroundusin
theNorthAtlanticastheyturntheirfirehosespoutsonthesky.Yetilluminatingandequallyrelevanttothis
reportarethemanydiscussionsandargumentsaboutwhalewatchingIhaveheard.Iwillneverforget:
thetourboatoperatorwhowonderedwhethertherewouldeverbeanywhalewatchingin
Europe;itstartedmuchlaterthaninNorthAmerica,buttodaytherearemorethan800,000peopleayear
watchinginEuropeanwaters;
theyoungfishermaninBaja,Mxico,intheearly1980swhoaskediftherewasenoughofafuture
ingraywhalewatchingtoriskbuyingasmallboat;hedidandhesstillinbusinesstodaywithastrongsense
ofprideabouthiscountryslegacyofwhalewatchingandmarineprotection;
thestudentinJapanwhodesperatelywantedtomeetdolphinsbutwassurethatthiswouldnever
bepossibleinawhalinganddolphinhuntingcountrywhaleanddolphinwatchingisnowaregular
occurrenceinmorethan20Japanesecommunities,anditsgrowing;thestudentisnowamemberofa
dolphinclub;and
theminkewhalerImetinIcelandin1996whowhentoldthat2000peoplewerepayingtowatch
localwhalessaiditsjustafadwhalingwatchingwouldprobablybemorepopular.Fortherecord,
whalewatchinginIcelandnowattractsannuallymorethan100,000participants,with1in8visitorstothe
countrygoingwhalewatching,abusinessworthnearly$17milliondollarsayear.
Inmy1984bookTheWhaleWatchersHandbook(Penguin/Doubleday,NewYork)only12countriescould
claimwhalewatchingactivities,andthetotalnumbersofwhalewatchersthenwereinthelowtensof
283
thouands.Throughthe1990s,tworeportsfortheWhaleandDolphinConservationSocietychartedthis
growthasitspreadaroundtheworld,culminatinginIFAWsWhaleWatching2001report(Hoyt1992,1995,
2001).Thenumberofwhalewatchersgrewfrom4millionin1991to5.4millionin1994to9millionin1998.
Now,inthislatestIFAWreportfromEconomistsatLarge,wecanchartevenfurthergrowthwith13million
participantsperyear.Howdiditallhappen?Perhapsthebestwaytounderstandthisgrowthistosurveyit
broadlyoverthefivedecadesofthisindustrysfairytaleblossomingduringwhichithasexpandedinsize,
diversityandvalue.
AfterfishermanChuckChamberlinstripstoseethegraywhalemigrationin1955,whalewatchinggrew
slowly.Throughoutthelate1950sand1960s,whalewatchingfocussedonthissinglepredictablecoastal
whalespecies,expandingslowlynorthalongtheCaliforniacoastasthegraywhalesthemselvesmigrated
andfinallysouthtothegraywhalebreedingandcalvinglagoonsofBajaCalifornia,Mxico.TheMexican
excursions,departingfromSanDiegoastheydotothisday,werethefirstlongrange,multidaywhale
watchtrips(Hoyt2008).
ThesavethewhalesmovementwhichstartedinCaliforniaandthefirstsignoftheendofwhalinginthe
early1970s(astheUS,Canada,UK,NewZealandandAustralialaydowntheirharpoons)washelpingto
precipitatewhalewatchinggrowth.Aswhalesbegantoreturntocoastalwatersingreaternumbersafter
whalingended,peopleincreasinglywentouttomeetthem.In1971,whalewatchingjumpedtotheeast
coastofNorthAmerica,initiallywitheducationalfieldtripstotheSt.LawrenceRiverinQubecand,by
1975,toCapeCod,Massachusetts.NewEnglandwhalewatchingprovedtobeakeytransitioninthehistory
ofwhalewatching.Forthefirsttime,scientistsworkedwithexfishermenandboatskipperstocreatehigh
quality,narratedwhalewatchtoursthatgeneratedconsiderablerepeatbusiness.Overa56monthperiod
fromspringtoearlyautumneveryyear,anaccessibleoffshoreareacalledStellwagenBankprovedtobea
reliablefeedinggroundforwhalewatcherfriendlyhumpbackwhalesandseveralotherwhaleanddolphin
species.Withalongseasoncoincidingwithpeaksummertradeandreadyaccesstohighvolumesoftourists
thatcametoCapeCod,Bostonandnearbytownsandcities,whalewatchingtookoff.Bythemid1980s,
morethanadozencompanieswereinfulloperationandinvestinginpurposebuiltboats.Thenumbersof
whalewatcherssurpassedCaliforniaandMxicocombinedandsoonclimbedtoward1millionperyearin
NewEnglandalone.Bigbusiness.
NewsofNewEnglandswhalewatchingsuccessspreadaroundtheworld,recallingthewaythatNew
Englandwhalinghadcaughtonacenturyormoreearlier.Bytheearly1990s,whalewatchinghadreached
31countriesandwaspoisedforsteepgrowth.Whalewatchingevenspreadtothewhalingcountriesof
JapanandNorway.Whalewatchingwasyoung,excitingandthebestwhalewatchingwasbuildingcustomer
satisfaction,throughpartnerships,foralongtermsuccessfulbusiness.Ofcourse,somewhalewatchingwas
startedwithoutmuchplanning,withpoorornoguidesanddismalcustomercare,butitwaspartofafast
learningcurve.The1990sprovedtobeadecadeofexplosivegrowthinwhalewatching12%average
annualgrowthrate,about34timestherateofoveralltourismarrivals(Hoyt2001).IFAWsWhaleWatching
2001reportchartedthisgrowthandlookedforwardtoastrong,brightfutureinwhichthevalueofwhale
watchingwouldsurelygrowbeyondallrecognitionfromitsearliestroots,providingastrongeconomic
incentiveforconservationwiththerealizationthatwhaleswerenowworthfarmorealivethandead(Hoyt
andHvenegaard2002).
Thefirstdecadeofthe21stcenturyhasindeedproducedsubstantialgrowthbutithasalsotakenusby
surprisewithconsiderableupsanddownsfromoveralltourismduetoworldevents.TheSept.11th,2001
hijackingsandsubsequentdestructionoftheWorldTradeCenterledtoaslowdowninworldtravelwith
repercussionsfeltparticularlyinlonghauldestinations.Insomecasesdomesticwhalewatchingtoursmay
havebenefittedbutoveralltourismnumbersdeclineduntil2003coincidingwiththesuddentravel
concernsgeneratedbytheSARS(SevereAcuteRespiratorySyndrome)nearpandemic.Fearswereshort
livedand,by2004,tourismarrivalswerebackontrack,althoughseriousconcernshavesincearisen
regardingBirdflu,orAvianinfluenza,andthelatestpandemic,swineflu.
284

Potentiallymoreserious,however,hasbeentheslowdownduetotheworldcreditcrisisbeginningin2008.
Thiscrisisworsenedinearly2009andtheimpactsmaybefeltwellinto2010.Onebigimpacthasbeenon
longhaultours,butshorthaulandevendomestictourism,thistime,mayalsosufferconsiderably.This
reportisbasedmainlyon2008numbers,sosomeofthismayalreadybehintedatinthestatistics,although
overall,2008internationaltouristarrivalsgrewby2%overwhathadbeenarecordyearin2007.Butitwill
notbesurprisingtofinddeclinesin2009astheglobalrecessionbites.Inanycase,however,thereis
considerableevidenceinsidethisreportthatwhalewatchinghasnotsufferedasmuchasothertourism
sectorsduringthesevariousevents.Despitealltheupsanddownsofthelastdecade,whalewatchingstill
manageda3.7%averageannualgrowthratebetween1998and2008.
Anothermajorchangewithwhalewatchingoverthepast10yearsisakindoflossofinnocenceintermsof
theperceptionofitasapositiveonlyforceforconservation.In1995,theIFAWWorkshopontheScientific
AspectsofManagingWhaleWatching,heldinItaly,acceleratedthestudyoftheimpactofwhalewatching
boatsonwhalesanddolphinsintheirnaturalhabitattotrytodetermineifwhalewatchingharmswhaleand
dolphinpopulations(IFAWetal.1995).Subsequentworkshopsandstudieshaveapproachedthetopicfrom
manydifferentangles.Whalebehaviourhasbeeninvestigatedonthefeedingandthematingcalving
grounds,withandwithoutwhalewatchingboatspresent.Researchershavestruggledtodeterminewhether
observedshorttermeffectsonwhalesanddolphinsfromwhalewatching(approachingoravoidingboats,
stayingdownlonger,interruptingnaturalbehaviour)mightbeleadingtolongtermnegativeimpacts
(displacement,reducedreproductivesuccess,orreducedsurvivalrate).Concernshavecentredaroundthe
presenceofboatsoncriticalmating,calving,feeding,andrestingareas;theamountoftimeandthenumber
ofboatsapproachingclosetothesamewhales;andtheintensivewhalewatchingofcertainrareor
endangeredspecies(Hoyt2008).Theproblemshavebeenmostevidentwithsmall,inshorepopulationsof
dolphinslivinginrestrictedareassuchasDoubtfulSound,NewZealand;offeasternandsouthernVancouver
Island,Canada;andSharkBay,Australia.Inthesepopulations,repeatedexposureofindividualstoboat
basedwhalewatchinghasbeenleadingtolongtermimpacts(ReportoftheWorkshopontheSciencefor
SustainableWhalewatching2004;Bejderetal.2006;Lusseauetal.2006).Thesestudieshighlightthe
sensitivityofsmalldolphinpopulationsexposedtoconstantwhalewatching.Yetevenlargewhales
sometimesshowbehaviouralchangesasaresultofwhalewatchingwhich,forsomepopulations,may
representathreat(Hoyt2008).
Theresultsofthesestudieshaveproducedfindingsthatcallformorerestrictivemanagementparticularly
fortourismdirectedatwatchinglocalizeddolphinpopulations.Butevenmorethanthis,theseresultscallfor
precautionarymanagementofwhalewatchingeverywhere,sothatwhalewatchingdoesnotbecomeyet
anotherproblemaffectingwhaleanddolphinpopulations.
Thesefindingscarryconsiderableimportancebecausenearlyaquarterofallwhaleanddolphinspecies
remaininoneofthethreatenedornearthreatenedcategories,withtheoverallpopulationtrendoften
decreasing(IUCN2008).In2008,theIUCNSpeciesSurvivalCommissionsCetaceanSpecialistGroupupdated
thestatusofwhale,dolphinandporpoisespecies,findingthat5speciesareNearThreatened,5species
Vulnerable,7speciesEndangered,1speciesCriticallyEndangeredand1specieseitherCriticallyEndangered
orExtinct.Whenevaluatedatthesubspeciesorsubpopulationlevel,anadditional14areratedCritically
Endangered,9Endangeredand4Vulnerable.Only21speciesareratedLeastConcern,thereasonablysafe
category.Perhapsmostworrisomeisthat45speciesareDataDeficientwestilldontknowenougheven
toratethem.
Partlyduetothefindingsaboutwhalewatchingandthecontinuedpoorprospectsformanywhaleand
dolphinspecies,ablueprintforsustainablehighqualitywhalewatchingwasdevelopedthroughtheHumane
SocietyInternationalaspartofaplanforwhalewatchingincoastalPeru(Hoyt2007).Thisblueprinthas
sincebeenusedinseveralLatinAmericancountries,inIndonesia(withanIndonesiantranslation)andis
plannedforuseinQubec,Canada,aspartofacheckuptool.Theblueprintsetsoutastepbystepmethod
285
forstartingupsustainablewhalewatchingsustainablebothintheeconomicandtheenvironmentalsense.
Amongothermeasures,itcallsforprecautionaryspaceandtimeruleswherebyonethirdofeverywhaleand
dolphinareaandonethirdofdaylighthoursarekeptfreefromwhalewatching(Hoyt2007).
Willthesemeasureseliminateallconcerns?No,buttheyhelp.Inthisregard,wemustkeepasenseof
perspectiveabouttwothings.First,thereistheeverpresentthreatofincreasedhunting,whaling,cullingor
allowingcasualbycatchtofisheries,aswellastheworldwideshippingindustrywhichmaybeincreasing
evenfasterthanwhalewatchingandislargelyresponsiblefortherisingnumberofwhaleshitbyships.With
a34dBincrease(adoubling)ofbackgroundnoiseeverydecadesincethe1950s,thereisevidencethatin
somecaseswhalesarehavingtoyelltobeheardoverthenoiseofspeedingships,andthismayaffecttheir
abilitytogetoutofthewayifthesoundsaremaskedorthewhalesaredeafened(e.g.,Agardyetal.2007).
Eventhosewhocriticizewhalewatchingforitsencroachmentonwildwhalepopulationsarequicktopoint
outthatitisfarlessathreatthanwhalingintermsofauseforwhales.Still,whalewatchingmustnotbe
allowedtoaddtotheproblemsofwhalesanddolphins,butmusthelpandbepartofthesolution,tobuild
awarenessandcontributeactivelytowhalesurvival.Wecansaythatwhalewatchingisapositiveforcein
mostoftheworld,butitmustbecarefullymanaged.
Thesecondthingissimplyarecognitionthatwiththehugeworldwideextentofwhalewatching13
millionpeopletakingtensofthousandsofwhalewatchtripseveryyeartherearegoingtobeaccidents,
collisionswithwhales,impactsoncertainpopulations,andotherproblems,inshort,coststowhalesandthe
marineenvironment.Thisissimplyafactorofthehugenumbersofpeopleinvolved.Whenwhalewatching
wasafewthousandpeopleventuringoutinsmallboatsalongtheCaliforniacoast,thiswasnotanissue.Of
course,whenweknowtheproblems,wemuststrivetosolvethem,toincreasethebenefitsandreducethe
coststoasclosetozeroaswecan.
Whalewatchingisnotperfect,butIfirmlybelievethatwhalewatchingin2009withitseducational,
scientificandcommunitybasedeconomicbenefitsremainslargelyapositiveforceforconservation.
Peoplemustcometoknowtheanimalsiftheyaretrulytocareforthemandaboutthem.Aneconomic
incentivehelpsmakethathappen.
Thefutureofwhalesanddolphinsmaywelldepend,toasurprisingextent,onthefutureofwhalewatching.
CaliforniafishermanChuckChamberlincouldnothaveimaginedthathis$1whalewatchtoursonathen
endangeredspecieswouldsomedaybecomeaworldwidephenomenoncrucialtogettingpeopletocare
aboutmarinemammalsandthesea.Whenwemeetwhalesanddolphinsintheirnaturalhabitat,we
becomeinvolvednotonlywithindividualsbutwithextendedfamilies,thethreatstheyfaceandtheirneed
forhabitat,safehavensorhomesinthesea(Hoyt2005).Inthefuture,weneedaneverhealthier,higher
quality,fullyengagedwhalewatchindustry.Withsuchanindustry,wecouldhavethechancetoshowthat
wecanhaveasustainablerelationshipwithwildlifethatismutuallybeneficial.
Whatisthetruevalueofwhalesanddolphins?Theexpenditure,ascompiledinthisreport,onlyhintsatthe
answertothisquestion,anddoesntbegintotellusthetotalvalue.Some3,300whalewatchoperatorsin
hundredsofcommunitiesworldwidehavecometodependonwhalewatchingfortheirlivelihoodaswellas
theirdevelopingrelationshipwiththesea.Communitieshavegainedasenseofmissionwithastrong
educationalmandatethatbranchesoutfromtheoperatortothecommunity,tochildrenandadults,tothe
visitorswhogowhalewatchingandtakethemessageshome(IFAWetal.1997).Whalewatchoperators
havecontributedmillionsofdollarstowardwhaleresearchintermsofrawdata,substantialfreeboattime
forresearchers,aswellasfinancialcontributions(Hoyt2008).Thebestoperatorshavecreatedfloating
classroomsfromwhichtolearnaboutthesea.
Yet,anevengreaterindicationoftruevalue,perhaps,comesfromthedegreetowhichmanyofusdepend
onwhalesforoursenseofwonderourhopeaboutthefutureoftheseaitself.Wewantaworldalivewith
possibility,aworldinwhichwhalesswimfreeinthesea.Evenforthoseofuswhomayneverseewhales,we
286
wanttoreservethepossibilitythatwecouldseethemonedaysomethingthateconomistsseekto
measureastheelusivebutimportantsocalledexistencevalueandoptionvalue.Wewanttoensurethat
whalesarenotjustpartofourwhalingpast,butintegraltoourfutureourwhalewatchingfuture.
Itistrulymagicaltorealizethatweyetliveonaplanetwithlargebrained10to60tonormorewildanimals
thatnurturetheiryoungjustaswedoyetmigrateupto5,000miles(8,000km)inamatterofweeks,sing
songsontheirmatinggroundsandhavethecapacitytoenchantuswiththeircuriosity,joiedevivre,andat
timestagalongfriendliness.
Mayitlongbeso.
ErichHoyt,NorthBerwick,Scotland,June2009
287
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292
Appendix1:SurveyForm
WorldwideWhaleWatching:Aneconomicevaluation
Operator Survey
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has commissioned Economists at Large to undertake a
global study of the whale watch industry in 2008. This study will estimate the total numbers of whale watch
tourists in 2008, and the economic value of the industry.
The following document is a survey for whale watch operators around the globe. Whale watching includes all
cetaceans, large and small, including whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Importantly, we are seeking
information from businesses who undertake whale or dolphin watching either full time, part time or only
occasionally as part of other business. Whether you are a full time or an occasional whale watch operator,
your response is crucial to the success of this project.
This forms important industry research at a global level, and the results shall be made available to your
company when complete. As an outcome of this research, there are plans to develop an international whale
watching website, including a database of all global whale watch businesses that tourists can search to find
whale watching tours anywhere in the world we invite your company to be a part of this initiative. If you do
not want to be part of this international directory, please indicate this at the end of the survey.
All data collected for this project is held in confidence, and only reported in aggregate form across your
country in order to protect the confidentiality of your business.
Your response to this short survey would be most appreciated. Please return this survey as soon as
possible.
Many thanks for your assistance

EconomistsatLarge&Associates
Melbourne, Australia
www.ecolarge.com
This survey comprises 16 questions and will take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete. Please complete as
much as possible and If you are unable to complete all sections, we kindly request that you fill in any
questions which are highlighted in bold text (Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9 and Q11). These are the most valuable
questions to the study.
Company and Tour Details

1. Company contact details:
293
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Business name:
Contact name:
Website address:
Email:
Phone number:
Fax:
Address:
2. Please describe your business:

A. Please tick those that apply (if replying via email, just indicate with a yes or no answer and details
if required)
Whale watching
Dolphin watching
Porpoise watching
Sea-based
Land-based
Other (please describe):
B. On average, how many whale/dolphin/porpoise watching trips do you take per week?
period
trips per week
number of weeks
During peak season:

Outside of peak season:
C. Does your business offer any other tourism experiences aside from whale/dolphin/porpoise
watching?
Scuba diving
Fishing
Yacht Chartering
Snorkling
Bird watching
Other (please describe):
3. How many people are employed by your business?

period
Full-time
During peak season:

Outside of peak season:
Rest of the year:
Part-time (xx - days a wk)

(
- days a wk)
(
- days a wk)
(
- days a wk)
4. How many vessels does your business operate and what is the capacity of each of these vessels?
Vessels name
Capacity (pssgs)
Vessels name
Capacity (pssgs)
5. On average, what is the occupancy rate (percentage of total tickets or capacity sold) on your tours?
_ (%)
Tourism and Industry Info (IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO OUR STUDY)

6. In the most recent season (2007 or 2008), how many people did your business take on
whale/dolphin/porpoise watching tours?
Season (year)
Number of tourists
7. Can you estimate how many people undertook whale or dolphin watching tours in your region in the
most recent season (2007 or 2008)?
Season (year)
Number of tourists
Region
8. How many businesses run whale/dolphin/porpoise watching tours in your region?
_.
9. Can you please provide an estimate of average daily expenditure for tourists undertaking your tours?
e.g. food, accommodation, souvenirs. (USD or local currency/day):
_(
/day)
294
Ticket Info
10. On average, what percentage of your whale watch tourists are:
International
Domestic
%
%
11. On your whale/dolphin/porpoise watch tour, what is the average price for:
A. Adult or full price ticket (USD or local currency /adult)
B. Child ticket price (USD or local currency /child)
c. What proportion of customers pay full ticket price?
(
(
/adult)
/child)
Species Info
12. What percentage of total tours do you see whales/dolphins?
_ (%)
13. When is your local whale/dolphin watch season? (please state which months, and how many days for
an average season):
__ (days)
14. What are the target species for your whale/dolphin watch tours (if any)? (please name them):
Other Info
15. Could you please list any contacts that you think would be useful to speak to further regarding this
project (tourism organisations, non-government organisations, other whale watch businesses etc.):
16. To your knowledge, have there been any studies undertaken on the whale/dolphin watching industry
in your region? Could you please provide a reference for these?
_
Upon completion of this global industry review, IFAW aims to create an online database of all whale watch
businesses worldwide. This will serve as a central resource for tourists to search for whale watching
around the world. Every operator surveyed will be included in the database free of charge. Please
indicate below if you do not want to be included in the database.
NO, dont include my business in the worldwide whale watching directory.
Would you like a copy of the final report emailed to you upon completion?
YES
NO
Thank you for your time and assistance with this work.
295

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GEORGIA,UKRAINEANDRUSSIABLACKSEA ........................................................................................................ 130

SOLOMONISLANDS ........................................................................................................................................... 195

ST.LUCIA ........................................................................................................................................................ 263

populations continues, and that the industry is

The Canary Islands, administrated as part of Spain, attract the

Cetacean sightings in Wales are mainly located around Cardigan

Encompassing842squaremiles,StellwagenBankNational MarineSanctuaryisoneof13 National Marine

Florida has the longest running and most established cetacean

Antigua and Barbuda have no dedicated whale watching industry

Bermuda has a short season of humpback whale watching that

As well as dive operators, the governmentowned aquarium and

The British Virgin Islands have regular visitation by humpback

InearlierresearchontheBritishVirginIslands(Hoyt,1999),it wasnotedthatmostwhalewatching tours

Two main operators undertake trips to watch whales in

An operator in Jamaica, based in Negril, has recently begun taking

However, one dedicated dolphin and whale watch operator

In 1998, Bonaire was identified as having an estimated 200 whale

Puerto Rico is in the fortunate position of being an important

Making the most of this good fortune, many of the guesthouses

Importantly, we are seeking

Many thanks for your assistance

Company and Tour Details

2. Please describe your business:

trips per week

During peak season:

3. How many people are employed by your business?

During peak season:

Part-time (xx - days a wk)

Tourism and Industry Info (IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO OUR STUDY)

8. How many businesses run whale/dolphin/porpoise watching tours in your region?

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