Embracing Responsible Ecotourism to Safeguard Ocean Wildlife
By Serge Dedina, Ph.D., Heidi Dewar, Ph.D. and Captain Russell Moore
San Diego’s stunning coastline along with the allure of rich ocean ecosystems and diverse marine life have long captivated residents and visitors alike. With everything from playful white-sided dolphins to majestic gray, blue, and humpback whales, our coastal waters have been called the blue Serengeti. As interest in ocean tourism grows, it is crucial that we ensure our marine wildlife is protected.
The whale watching industry began in the 1950s thanks to whale conservation pioneer Dr. Ray Gilmore of the San Diego Natural History Museum. Although whale watching and ocean wildlife viewing brings vital economic benefits, it also presents challenges in balancing the needs of the animals versus economic interests. Fortunately, there’s a path forward that embraces responsible tourism while safeguarding marine wildlife.
The nature of whale watching has changed since 1958. In recent years, the number of vessels has increased and small vessels, often referred to as 6-pack charters, have become popular among tour operators. These boats are fast and maneuverable, allowing for close encounters that, while exciting, have the potential to stress and harass the whales.
A whale, or group of whales, can be passed among operators over the course of the day. Thus, every time the whales surface to breathe, they are greeted by noisy vessels, some of which aggressively chase them. Scientific research has shown that whale watching boat traffic can alter important behaviors such as feeding and resting and negatively impact reproductive rates.
Whales have been protected by the federal government since 1972 when the Marine Mammal Protection Act was passed due to concerns about whale populations after decades of hunting. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guidelines state that vessels must keep a 100-yard minimum distance between them and marine mammals, and also provide guidelines as to the positions of vessels and the duration of the viewing encounter.
While the United States Coast Guard used to monitor whale watching operations with some regularity, this is no longer the case and thus, vessels operate with little to no supervision likely due to limited federal resources for enforcement. Unfortunately, the lack of enforcement, combined with a competitive environment, helps to create the perfect storm of aggressive viewing and a disregard for the whales’ well-being. Additionally, there is currently no system to reduce encroachment, penalize offenders, or assist the well-intentioned boater/operator.
One factor that compounds the challenges mentioned above is social media. Commercial operators and their guests regularly post their close encounters, and the closer the better. With the current algorithms, the more dramatic the post the more exposure and “likes” they receive. The pressure on the tour operators to provide intimate interactions for social media can increase the frequency and severity of vessel transgressions.
As a starting point, there are three steps to move us along the path toward respectful, sustainable marine tourism. The first is the education of both private and commercial tour operators to ensure they understand whale watching regulations and why they are in place. The second is examining options for enforcement either with federal or state agencies or through a program of self-enforcement used in some areas. The third step is up to you. Choose a tour company that prioritizes the well-being of ocean animals above profit. You can check the social media of outfitters to gauge their approach to whale watching and adherence to regulations.
So let’s celebrate our ocean’s rich biodiversity and commit to preserving it for generations to come. By adhering to NOAA guidelines and respecting the natural behaviors of marine mammals, tour operators can create meaningful and sustainable experiences for their guests while minimizing disturbance to wildlife.
By following the lead of hotspots like Monterey and the Pacific Northwest and embracing responsible ocean tourism, we can create a win-win scenario where wildlife, tour operators, and visitors thrive in harmony. Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure a brighter future for our marine ecosystems.
Dedina is the Executive Director of WILDCOAST, the author of Saving the Gray Whale, and lives in San Diego. Dewar recently retired as a biologist with NOAA, is a board member of WILDCOAST, and lives in Solana Beach. Moore is the owner and operator of Xplore Offshore and lives in La Jolla.
