To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Whale-watching tour.
Journal articles on the topic 'Whale-watching tour'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 24 journal articles for your research on the topic 'Whale-watching tour.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse journal articles on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Guidino, Chiara, Elizabeth Campbell, Belen Alcorta, et al. "Whale Watching in Northern Peru: An Economic Boom?" Tourism in Marine Environments 15, no. 1 (2020): 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/154427320x15819596320544.
Full textAbstract:
Whale-watching tourism is growing rapidly worldwide. Currently, it occurs in more than 119 countries and is estimated to produce more than US$2.5 billion in annual revenue. In northern Peru, this industry is relatively new, and the economic impact generated from whale watching remains unknown. This study was designed to provide an assessment of the economic impact of whale-watching activity in northern Peru. In this area the activity is focused on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). In 2018, we conducted surveys to 199 whale-watch tourists and six tour companies to estimate the economic impact of the activity. Our results indicate that whale watching of humpback whales is currently worth an estimate of US$3 million annually as a tourist attraction, an economic input that did not exist in the region 10 years ago. This activity has a significant potential for further growth; however, there is an urgent need for guidelines and regulations to ensure a sustainable and well-managed whale-watch tourism industry.
2
Stokes, T., K. Dobbs, and C. Recchia. "Management Of Marine Mammal Tours On The Great Barrier Reef." Australian Mammalogy 24, no. 1 (2002): 39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am02039.
Full textAbstract:
Of the more than 30 species of marine mammal occurring within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), three are the focus of wildlife-based tours: humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), dwarf minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and dugongs (Dugong dugon). Currently (April 2001), 19 permits, comprising 31 ships and two aircraft, allow whalewatching in the GBRMP. The combined passenger capacity of these craft is 3,238 at any one time (e.g., per day). However, fewer than 15,000 persons were recorded in ?dedicated? whalewatching tours each month during the May - October ?whale-watching? season between 1998 and 2000. Watching M. novaeangliae occurs primarily in the Central and Cairns Sections of the GBRMP, with most activity focused in the Whitsundays. Permitted levels of whale-watching are capped at eight permits in the Cairns Area, and at 11 permits in the Whitsundays. Other tours include: a specialised form of whale-watching involving swimming with B. acutorostrata which is being brought within a limited-entry management regime; one dolphin-watching tour in the Central Section of the GBRMP north of the Whitsundays; and one dugong-watching tour in the Hinchinbrook Region. Because of reported declines in the number of D. dugon on the Great Barrier Reef, this activity is being monitored closely before further permits are granted. Marine mammal watching activities in the GBRMP are managed through a combination of best practices guidelines, codes of conduct, regulations, zoning, wildlife protection areas and permits. The potential for the commercial whale-watching industry to become self-regulating is acknowledged.
3
Castro, Cristina, Juliana Castrillón, and Wendy Gómez. "Whale-watching tourism as a driving force for socioeconomic development in Puerto López, Machalilla National Park, Manabí, Ecuador." Mammalia aequatorialis 4 (December 30, 2022): 67–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.59763/mam.aeq.v4i.51.
Full textAbstract:
We aim to analyze the socioeconomic impact of the whale-watching industry in one of the poorest areas in Ecuador. Puerto López, in Manabí, went from being a fishing village to leading the whale-watching industry in Ecuador. Thanks to the tourist attraction of humpback whales, the number of tourists in the area has increased by 15,000% since 1980, concentrated mainly around the whale season months of June to September. As a result, tourism services and employment opportunities also increased, bringing development and a better lifestyle to the region. The industry has become so important to the region that its value was estimated at USD 4.5 million in 2019. However, we consider this to be a conservative estimate and suggest that the real value may be even greater. Whale-watching benefits are not only economic: whales have brought a sense of identity to the region, which has worked to promote whale conservation laws at the national level. In recent years, the emergence of illegal whale-watching tour operators has become a threat to the industry, the region's economy, and the protection of the species, necessitating immediate action by the authorities.
4
Foucart, Thomas, and Alice De Moura Lima. "Short Communication: Rare record of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis Desmoulins, 1822) with calf in Ilhéus, Bahia, northeastern Brazil." J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 24, no. 1 (2023): 7–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.47536/jcrm.v24i1.367.
Full textAbstract:
This note reports an unusual observation of a mother and calf pair of southern right whales on 27 July 2021 off the coast of Ilhéus, Bahia state, northeastern Brazil. The sighting was made from a 29ft cruiser boat (brand Cabrasmar), with a 225HP inboard engine, during a whale watching tour in a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breeding area.
5
Schuler, Alicia R., and Heidi C. Pearson. "Conservation Benefits of Whale Watching in Juneau, Alaska." Tourism in Marine Environments 14, no. 4 (2019): 231–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/154427319x15719404264632.
Full textAbstract:
An increasing number of visitors to Juneau, AK, alongside a predictable population of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), has supported the substantial growth of its whale-watching industry. The industry provides benefits to the community through economic gains, while the experience can foster environmental awareness and support for protection of whales and the environment. However, the sustainability of the industry could be jeopardized if increasing whale-watching vessel pressure affects the health of its resource, the whales. This study investigates whether participation in whale-watching tours in Juneau, AK can support conservation of whales and the environment. Participant knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors were obtained from 2,331 respondents in surveys before, after, and 6 months after a whale-watching tour during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Following a whale watch, the percentage of participants that indicated whale watching as a knowledge source increased (p = 0.022), awareness of guidelines and regulations doubled (p < 0.001), and strong support for regulations increased (p = 0.016). Six months later, these responses remained significantly higher than before the whale watch. Despite knowledge of distance threshold increasing after a whale watch (p = 0.003) and 6 months after (p = 0.021), getting close to whales remained an important factor in a participant's whale watch. Participants had a higher likelihood of strongly supporting guidelines and regulations if they indicated that boats can have a negative impact on whales or were aware of guidelines and regulations. Lastly, participants that acknowledged negative effects on whales from boats had higher overall proenvironmental attitudes. This study indicates that incorporating messages that facilitate participant awareness of guidelines/regulations and the purpose of those measures can support conservation and protection of local whale populations through managing participant expectations and ultimately encouraging operator compliance.
6
Wilks, Jeff, Michael Lück, and Mark Orams. "Passenger Safety on Whale-Watching Vessels in Australia." Tourism in Marine Environments 15, no. 3 (2020): 259–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/154427319x15722432101718.
Full textAbstract:
To date, the focus of research into risks and safety in whale watching has tended to be on the safety of the whales (or dolphins/porpoises). This article explores the issue from the human side of the interaction and considers boat-based whale-watching passenger safety by reviewing evidence from available legal case records and legislation in Australia to better understand the risks and injuries that can occur to people in these marine wildlife tourism scenarios. A review of two legal cases and observations from media reports of whale-watching incidents in other jurisdictions revealed that waves and associated violent vessel movement are responsible for serious injuries to passengers. Where there was a failure to keep a proper lookout for waves and safely adapt to changing sea conditions operators have been found negligent. Legal challenges have also been successful in cases involving inaccurate and misleading promotion and communication about the nature of the tour and associated risks, and where passengers had not received adequate safety briefings. Furthermore, signed waivers that sought to protect the tour operator from responsibilities for injuries sustained aboard were not sufficient to absolve operators from liability. Given the different cultures, languages, and physical capabilities of a diverse range of international tourists interested in whale watching it is recommended that promotional materials, safety briefings, and safety communications (such as warning signs) be communicated by widely used and understood symbols and in multiple languages. In addition, some screening of passengers to ascertain preexisting medical conditions and to assess their ability to participate in the voyage safely, and with understanding of safety instructions, should be undertaken prior to a vessel leaving the dock. Templates to assist operators with their responsibilities are now available from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
7
Antošová, Gabriela, Ivan Dario Medina Rojas, Mauricio Peralta Mejía, and Helmuth Yesid Arias Gómez. "Sustainable tourism planning in Bahía Solano, Colombia." European Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation 10, no. 2 (2020): 165–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/ejthr-2020-0014.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractThe municipality of Bahía Solano possesses important tourist attractions. The majority of them consist of natural wonders such as whale, dolphin and bird watching. Its marine area offers diving courses, all types of fishing, surfing, other water sports etc. The enormous amount of natural wealth stands in contrast to the lack of local development and the high rate of poverty among its inhabitants. Bahía Solano has enviable tourist professions but a low level of competition. This research proposes a methodology of social innovation, elaborated by researchers, that involves nature, communities and tour operators, where a connection of surveys with the expectations and perceptions of the different entities (inhabitants, tourists, and tour operators) has been obtained.
8
Kassamali-Fox, Ayshah, Fredrik Christiansen, Laura J. May-Collado, Eric A. Ramos, and Beth A. Kaplin. "Tour boats affect the activity patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bocas del Toro, Panama." PeerJ 8 (March 30, 2020): e8804. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.8804.
Full textAbstract:
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) of the Bocas del Toro archipelago are targeted by the largest boat-based cetacean watching operation in Panama. Tourism is concentrated in Dolphin Bay, home to a population of resident dolphins. Previous studies have shown that tour boats elicit short-term changes in dolphin behavior and communication; however, the relationship of these responses to the local population’s biology and ecology is unclear. Studying the effects of tour boats on dolphin activity patterns and behavior can provide information about the biological significance of these responses. Here, we investigated the effects of tour boat activity on bottlenose dolphin activity patterns in Bocas del Toro, Panama over 10 weeks in 2014. Markov chain models were used to assess the effect of tour boats on dolphin behavioral transition probabilities in both control and impact scenarios. Effect of tour boat interactions was quantified by comparing transition probabilities of control and impact chains. Data were also used to construct dolphin activity budgets. Markov chain analysis revealed that in the presence of tour boats, dolphins were less likely to stay socializing and were more likely to begin traveling, and less likely to begin foraging while traveling. Additionally, activity budgets for foraging decreased and traveling increased as an effect of tour boat presence. These behavioral responses are likely to have energetic costs for individuals which may ultimately result in population-level impacts. Boat operator compliance with Panamanian whale watching regulations is urgently needed to minimize potential long-term impacts on this small, genetically distinct population and to ensure the future viability of the local tourism industry.
9
Hu, Chieh-Hsi, Hsin Yi Yu, Daphne Hoh, and Dong Liang Lin. "The observation records from whale and dolphin watching inshore of Hualien, eastern Taiwan." Biodiversity Data Journal 11 (September 28, 2023): e109649. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.11.e109649.
Full textAbstract:
The eastern waters of Taiwan have been lacking baseline and research data for several years. This study was initiated by Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation (KOEF) in collaboration with the Turumoan whale-watching company since 1998, collecting long-term ecological data for cetaceans in the inshore of Hualien, eastern Taiwan. This dataset includes 10,675 records of cetacean sightings from June 1998 to December 2021. Collection of cetacean sighting records was paused for one year in 2001 due to budgetary reasons. All of the sighting records were collected by whale-watching boat guides that were trained by KOEF. Following a standardised protocol, guides used a handheld GPS device and cetacean sighting record sheets to document information about the cetacean species identification, location, time, number of individuals, the presence of mother-calf pairs and mixed-species groups and other states of each sighting during a whale-watching tour. The collection of citizen-science data during this period has significantly advanced Taiwan's cetacean baseline data in the study area. Additionally, we make data available to the public in the form of citizen-science, making a substantial contribution to the advancement of ocean scientific research. We have published the dataset on Global Biodiversity Information Facility, allowing users around the world to download the dataset.This is currently the largest dataset of cetacean sighting records in Taiwan (last updated on 2023-09-05). We have also recorded several species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorised as "Data Deficient" during our survey inshore of Hualien, eastern Taiwan, including Ginkgo-toothed beaked whales (<i>Mesoplodon ginkgodens</i> Nishiwaki & Kamiya, 1958), Omura's whales (<i>Balaenoptera omurai</i> Wada, Oishi & Yamada, 2003) and killer whales (<i>Orcinus orca</i> (Linnaeus, 1758)). There are also sperm whales (<i>Physeter macrocephalus</i> Linnaeus, 1758), categorised as "Vulnerable" in the IUCN Red List and false killer whales (<i>Pseudorca crassidens</i> (Owen, 1846)), categorised as "Near Threatened". This study is also the first and only long-term study that has documented cetaceans in the study area.
10
Villalba Briones, Ricardo, Maria Vanesa Sanchez Crow, and Kael Andre Sellan Moncayo. "Desarrollo de una guía de campo para el avistamiento de delfines en Puerto El Morro (Ecuador)." PASOS. Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural 18, no. 5 (2020): 737–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2020.18.053.
Full textAbstract:
The instructional guides for whale watching activities are didactic tools that support achieving the objectives of ecotourism, favoring the preparation of tourist guides. Providing guides with information that encourages the valuation and conservation of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus, locally known as “bufeos”, the printed material strengthens the capabilities of the main link between the public and the dolphins; the tour guides of dolphin watching activities. Surveys of the clients and guides were conducted to determine the topics of the greatest interest to the tourist of the Mangrove Wildlife Refuge of El Morro and tourist guides were evaluated on guidance quality over related ecological topics. 76% of the users of the operators surveyed (N = 22) perceived the dolphin as the main tourist attraction against avian species and the mangrove ecosystem. The identified topics were selected to develop the handbook on Dolphin watching in Puerto El Morro.
11
Ingram, Simon N., Laura Walshe, Dave Johnston, and Emer Rogan. "Habitat partitioning and the influence of benthic topography and oceanography on the distribution of fin and minke whales in the Bay of Fundy, Canada." Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 87, no. 1 (2007): 149–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0025315407054884.
Full textAbstract:
We collected data on the distribution of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the Bay of Fundy, Canada from a whale-watching vessel during commercial tours between July and September 2002. A single observer recorded the positions, species, numbers and surface activity of whales encountered during boat tours. We controlled for biased search effort by calculating sightings rates for both species in cells measuring 2′ latitude by 2′ longitude throughout the study area. Sightings rates were calculated by dividing the number of sightings of fin and minke whales in each cell by the number of visits by the tour boat to that cell. We used generalized additive models and generalized linear models to examine the influence of benthic topography on whale distribution patterns. Models showed a non-linear relationship for minke whale sighting rates with increasing benthic slopes and a linear relationship for minke and fin whale sightings rates with increasing water depth. Sightings of minkes were concentrated in areas subject to tidal wakes near the northern tips of Grand Manan and Campobello Island. Fin whales were also found off the northern tip of Grand Manan but sighting rates for this species were highest in areas with less benthic sloping topography adjacent to the relatively deep Owen Basin. Foraging was recorded during 87% of all whale encounters and our results indicate that whale distribution in this area is likely to be influenced by depth, bottom topography and fine scale oceanographic features that facilitate foraging.
12
García-Cegarra, Ana M. "Evidence of Type A-Like Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) Predating on Marine Mammals Along the Atacama Desert Coast, Chile." Aquatic Mammals 48, no. 5 (2022): 436–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/am.48.5.2022.436.
Full textAbstract:
Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are marine apex predators distributed across the world’s oceans. In the last 40 years, researchers have increasingly differentiated killer whales into ecotypes based on genetics, morphology, behaviour, acoustic repertoire, habitat, and trophic ecology. While killer whale ecotypes in the Northern Hemisphere are well studied, the recognition of distinct killer whale forms in the Southern Hemisphere is mainly limited to Antarctic waters. Although present in less studied regions, such as along the Atacama Desert coast in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, limited information is available regarding their biology or trophic ecology. Herein, multiple lines of evidence are presented for killer whale predation on marine mammals in northern Chile. Using information from systematic boat-based surveys, whale-watching tour surveys, and reports from fishermen/citizen scientists, 19 killer whale sightings are reported along the coast of northern Chile (from the Arica and Parinacota region in the north to the Atacama region in the south). Killer whales were photo-identified as corresponding to the Southern Hemisphere Type A-like ecotype according to their dorsal fin shape and white eye patch. One killer whale pod, which included two males, one female, one juvenile, and one calf, was resighted six times from 2016 to 2021 in northern Chile and was observed hunting South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens), dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), and long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus cf. capensis). Killer whales were observed taking advantage of large aggregations of sea lions associated with the offshore purse-seine fishery. Adult killer whales used the hulls of fishing vessels to prevent sea lions from escaping. Photo-identification analysis of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) catalogue from Mejillones Peninsula showed that 2.6% of all identified whales had apparent rake marks from killer whale teeth on their dorsal fins. These data show that Type A-like killer whales in northern Chile prey on several species of marine mammals.
13
Espinoza Rodríguez, Iyari Janethzy, Astrid Frisch Jordán, and Fernando Noriega Betancourt. "Humpback whales in Banderas Bay, Mexico: relative abundance and temporal patterns between 2004 and 2017." Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 16, no. 1 (2021): 33–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.5597/lajam00269.
Full textAbstract:
Banderas Bay, Mexico is an important breeding and transit area for the North Pacific humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) population. In this paper we estimated relative abundance (RA = number of whales/hours of navigation) as a proxy to assess population temporary patterns in the area. We analyzed data from 14 breeding seasons (2004-2017), collected between December and March each winter. A total of 8,013 whales were observed in 1,394.6 navigation hours. Average seasonal RA was 5.7 whales per hour with a maximum of 7.5 (2013) and a minimum of 4.0 (2016). Sea surface temperature (SST) averaged 25.1°C and remained within the range considered optimal for humpback whale reproduction areas. SST showed no significant correlation with RA (r = 0.183). Inter-seasonal RA values suggested an increase throughout the study period, although the increase was not statistically significant (R = 0.32; R2 = 0.10; t = 1.15, p > 0.05). Intra-seasonal analyses showed that RA in December and January were significantly higher (U = 150, p < 0.05) than in February and March; this pattern was consistent throughout the seasons of study. These results represent a shift in the intra-seasonal abundance peak relative to previous studies when most whales were observed between January and February. It is important to recognize changes in population parameters of humpback whales in breeding areas to improve management practices. This study also highlights the potential of opportunistic platforms, such as whale watching tour boats, as viable sources of quality information, particularly in contexts when funding is limited.
14
May-Collado, Laura J., Sawyer Bottoms, Grace Durant, Jose David Palacios-Alfaro, and Juan Jose Alvarado. "Southern Hemisphere humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) (Artiodactyla: Balaenopteridae) singing activity at Caño Island Biological Reserve, Costa Rica before, during, and after COVID-19 lockdowns." Revista de Biología Tropical 71, S4 (2023): e57280. http://dx.doi.org/10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v71is4.57280.
Full textAbstract:
Introduction: Boat traffic is recognized as a major contributor of underwater noise. Increasing presence of boats in coastal habitats is predicted to have important repercussions on the communication of marine mammals. In Costa Rica, the waters of the Caño Island Biological Reserve are an important breeding area for humpback whales from the Breeding-Stock G (BSG). Their predicted and abundant presence has fueled the development of whale watching activities as an important component of the local economy, and while the country has norms of conduct for this activity, whales often interact with multiple boats at the same time. The lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to study the potential impacts of noise associated with boat traffic on the singing activity of humpback whales.
 Objective: Determine whether noise levels and boat acoustic presence around Caño Island Biological Reserve changed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and if it did, what is the impact on song detection of BSG humpback whales.
 Methods: Acoustic recordings were made using a bottom-mounted autonomous underwater recorder for 30 days in September 2019, 2020, and 2021, resulting in a total recording effort of 480 hours.
 Results: Our results show that broadband underwater noise levels (dBRMS) during pre-lockdown were significantly higher, particularly at frequencies below 1kHz, than during and post-lockdown. This is likely due to a decrease in the proportion of boat acoustic presence during the lockdown. Although the proportion of whale songs detected did not vary among years, whale songs were detected similarly throughout the day during the lockdown, compared to pre-and-post lockdown where the proportion of whale song presence decreased during hours when more boats were present.
 Conclusions: This study shows a clear change in underwater noise levels during the COVID-19 lockdown, likely due to a decrease in boat presence. The study also highlights the potential impact of noise associated with boat traffic on humpback whale singing activity. The results of this study can inform the Conservation Areas of Osa (ACOSA) in charge of managing Caño Island Biological Reserve, to develop and implement mitigation measures to regulate underwater anthropogenic noise associated with tour boats.
15
Kapinangasih, Puspa, Diah Permata Wijayanti, and Agus Sabdono. "Tingkah Laku dan Kemunculan Hiu Paus (Rhincodon typus, Smith 1828) di Pantai Bentar Probolinggo." Journal of Marine Research 11, no. 1 (2022): 49–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.14710/jmr.v11i1.31727.
Full textAbstract:
Hiu Paus diketahui muncul di Pantai Bentar dari bulan Desember hingga Maret. Kemunculan Hiu Paus diduga berhubungn dengan aktivitas makan. Fenomena ini dimanfaatkan oleh masyarakat sekitar Pantai Bentar untuk menarik kedatangan wisatawan. Kondisi tersebut berpotensi menimbulkan dampak negatif bagi Hiu Paus. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui lokasi kemunculan Hiu Paus di Pantai Bentar serta perubahan tingkah laku Hiu Paus saat kegiatan wisata berlangsung. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Maret 2021 menggunakan metode observasi langsung dengan melakukan pengamatan di lokasi yang diduga menjadi tempat kemunculan Hiu Paus. Data tambahan diperoleh dari hasil wawancara dengan pengelola dan pemandu wisata. Lokasi kemunculan dicatat menggunakan GPS. Total lokasi kemunculan yang ditemukan berjumlah 9 lokasi yang tersebar di Perairan Gending, yaitu di bagian barat dan timur Pantai Bentar. Kemunculan terbanyak berada di timur Pantai Bentar. Hal ini karena wilayah tersebut dekat dengan bagan dan menjadi wilayah pelayaran nelayan Ikan Teri yang merupakan makanan Hiu Paus. Hiu Paus yang ditemukan berjumlah 9 ekor. Tingkah laku Hiu Paus yang ditemukan ketika aktivitas wisata berlangsung, yaitu perubahan secara perlahan seperti menyelam dan mendekat secara perlahan, perubahan mendadak seperti menjauh secara mendadak, perubahan secara tajam seperti menjauh secara tajam dan tidak merespon. Faktor yang mempengaruhi perubahan tingkah laku diduga karena adanya aktivitas yang dilakukan oleh manusia seperti berenang, mengejar Hiu Paus, melihat dari kapal, pelayaran kapal dan pemberian pakan. Hasil dari penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberi masukan dalam pengelolaan wisata Hiu Paus Pantai Bentar. Whale sharks are known to appear at Bentar Beach from December to March. The appearance of whale sharks is thought to be related to feeding activities. This phenomenon is used by the community around Bentar Beach to attract tourist arrivals. This condition has the potential to have a negative impact on the whale sharks. This study aims to determine the location of the appearance of whale sharks on Bentar Beach and changes in whale shark behavior during tourism activities. The study was conducted in March 2021 using the direct observation method by making observations at the location suspected to be the place where the Whale Shark appeared. Additional data obtained from interviews with managers and tour guides. The location of occurrence is recorded using GPS. The total location of the emergence found was 9 locations scattered in Gending Waters, namely in the west and east of Bentar Beach. Most occurrences are in the east of Bentar Beach. This is because the area is close to Bagan and is a shipping area for Anchovy fishermen which are the food for whale sharks. There were 9 whale sharks observed. Whale Shark behavior found during tourist activities, namely slow changes such as diving and approaching slowly, sudden changes such as moving away suddenly, sharp changes such as moving away sharply and not responding. Factors that influence behavior change are thought to be due to activities carried out by humans such as swimming, chasing whale sharks, watching from ships, ship sailing and feeding. The results of this study are expected to provide input in the management of Whale Shark tourism in Bentar Beach.
16
Wittmer, Dennis Paul, Simon George, and McGowan Robert. "Bahia Aventuras: ecotourism in Central America." Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies 5, no. 8 (2015): 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/eemcs-06-2015-0126.
Full textAbstract:
Subject area The case includes issues in sustainable enterprises, marketing management, organizational development, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, organizational leadership and small business management. Study level/applicability The Bahia Aventuras case may be used at both the undergraduate and graduate levels of study within most business school curricula (BSBA, MBA and MS). Potential courses may include building sustainable enterprises, marketing management, organizational development, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, organizational leadership and small business management. Case overview Bahia Aventuras is an ecotourism company in Costa Rica. A local entrepreneur, Walter Brenes, started the company in 2007 to specialize in marine tours, including whale watching, bird viewing and snorkeling. However, the founder had no business training and confronts both internal and external challenges to achieve sustainable success, both financially and environmentally. Internally, there were few financial control systems in place and as a result Walter's ability to accurately account for revenues and expenses was limited. Bahia Aventuras and Walter also faced external challenges. Construction of a new highway was likely, and that could bring more competition, including hotel chains such as the Marriott and Sheraton. Government regulation cut both ways for the company. He was the classic small businessperson, who needed help in moving to the next stage of development for his small business. Thus, a small ecotourism business was caught in the middle of rapid economic development, a growing national infrastructure and increasing pressures to preserve and protect the coastal ecosystem and rainforest of south central Costa Rica. He was just trying to figure out how to “stay alive” as a business. The case has a tragic ending for the owners. Both Walter and his partner, along with one of their tour guides, died in a car accident. But family, friends and the community has kept Walter's vision alive, and Bahia Aventuras continues to day. Expected learning outcomes Upon completion of the Bahia Aventuras case, each participant will be able to: Describe the economic development and growth prospects of ecotourism within Costa Rica. Evaluate the socio-economic challenges which confront Costa Rica as a developing nation within the Central American region. Describe how Costa Rica's environmental regulations have affected the continued growth and development of ecotourism within the country. Describe the complex set of relationships that may exist between small business owners, their employees, regulatory agencies and the local community. Apply management skills and competencies to analyze and propose feasible solutions to organizational performance problems. Explain how the implementation of sustainable business practices may serve as a catalyst for the creation of shared value for organizational stakeholders as enabled through economic growth, attainment of social equity and preservation of the environment. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
17
Cárdenas, Susana, María Virginia Gabela-Flores, Arielle Amrein, Katie Surrey, Leah R. Gerber, and Hector M. Guzmán. "Tourist Knowledge, Pro-Conservation Intentions, and Tourist Concern for the Impacts of Whale-Watching in Las Perlas Archipelago, Panama." Frontiers in Marine Science 8 (April 13, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.627348.
Full textAbstract:
Whale watching has become an important economic activity for many coastal areas where whales aggregate at certain times of year. Las Perlas Archipelago in Panama is a breeding ground for humpback whales, where the numbers of both visitors and tour operators have increased in recent years with little compliance and enforcement of regulations. Nevertheless, there is potential to improve whale-watching management at this site and its use as a tool for education and conservation awareness. Our objective was to assess tourist knowledge, perceptions and pro-conservation attitudes related to whale watching and how this activity is managed in Las Perlas. One hundred and eleven tourists were surveyed in the summer of 2019 after they participated in whale−watching tours. Overall, respondents had little knowledge about whales and their conservation before a whale-watching trip. However, after the excursion, tourists felt they had learned more about whale biology and the regulations for whale-watching. Trip satisfaction after whale-watching activities was higher when whale behaviors, including breaching and tail slaps, were observed. Respondents expressed low satisfaction when there was an excessive number of boats around a whale-sighting. Concern for lack of compliance seemed to be associated with whale-watching operations that onboard tour guides. This study highlights the importance of whale watching as a tool for promoting whale conservation through education and the need to improve the enforcement of existing regulations and visitor monitoring to reduce potential negative impacts of whale-watching.
18
Reamer, Marcus, Catherine Macdonald, Julia Wester, and Meryl Shriver-Rice. "Whales for Sale: A Content Analysis of American Whale Watching Operators’ Websites." Tourism in Marine Environments, 2023. http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/154427323x16894009158495.
Full textAbstract:
Digital media, particularly websites, have become a critical component of wildlife tourism experiences, especially during the pre-tour information-seeking stage. With a focus on whale watching, this study used a grounded theory approach to identify, categorize, and investigate the common themes, text, and images used on 178 whale watching operator websites across six geographic regions in the United States. The results of a content analysis suggest that operators, who are predominantly small business owners, focus their marketing strategies on elements of their tour offerings and operator characteristics to distinguish themselves from competitors rather than emphasizing the whales themselves, conservation actions, or educational opportunities, catering to a segment of entertainment-oriented rather than sustainability-oriented guests. Ecolabel certified operators in the sample mentioned conservation and educational topics more, though the information provided could still use improvement. We discuss implications and opportunities for the continued study of media related to whale watching and other marine wildlife tourism activities.
19
Villalba-Briones, Ricardo, Mariela A. González-Narvaez, and Tomas Vitvar. "How empathy-based sensitisation and knowledge reinforcement affect policy compliance: a case study of dolphin watching, Ecuador." Australian Journal of Environmental Education, July 22, 2021, 1–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/aee.2021.12.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Cetacean watching is an increasingly popular economic activity in Ecuador for tourism operators. Despite government regulations, cetacean watching can have a negative impact on observed animal populations. To enhance good dolphin-watching practices, a course was carried out in Puerto El Morro, Ecuador about sensitisation activities promoting empathy towards and knowledge about bottlenose dolphins, local avifauna and mangrove ecosystems. The course provided tourism operator staff with theoretical and practical knowledge on dolphin physiology and ecology, with a focus on empathy towards the species and on regulations to be respected during the watching tours. The course included interactive workshops, didactic materials, advice, video screening and structured conversations. Two innovative questionnaires were implemented on the boat during 68 dolphin-watching tours to evaluate whether the training course had improved the regulation compliance and on-tour guiding quality of the tour guides and boat drivers. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in dolphin-watching practices in compliance with the “Regulations for the Whale and Dolphin Watching of Ecuador” (p = .0002) and in guidance quality (p = .0004) after the training course. Boat drivers were identified as influential actors in compliance with regulations and should also be included in the environmental awareness training courses. The study showed that empathy-based sensitisation and knowledge reinforcement positively affect policy compliance and can generate new sustainable approaches for future dolphin-watching activities.
20
Amrein, Arielle M., Hector M. Guzman, Katie C. Surrey, Beth Polidoro, and Leah R. Gerber. "Impacts of Whale Watching on the Behavior of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Coast of Panama." Frontiers in Marine Science 7 (December 18, 2020). http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.601277.
Full textAbstract:
Ecotourism focused on whales and dolphins has become a popular activity and an important source of revenue for many countries. Whale watching is vital to supporting conservation efforts and provides numerous benefits to local communities including educational opportunities and job creation. However, the sustainability of whale-based ecotourism depends on the behavior and health of whale populations and it is crucial that ecotourism industries consider the impact of their activities on whale behavior. To address this statement, we collected behavioral data (e.g., change in swimming direction, frequency of breaching, slap behaviors, diving, and spy hops) from humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the marine protected area of Las Perlas Archipelago off the Pacific coast of Panama. The goal was to determine if tourist vessel presence had an influence on whale behaviors. We conducted this study during the humpback whale breeding season from August through September 2019. Based on 47 behavioral observations, we found that higher boat density corresponded with humpback whales’ frequency of direction changes, which based on previous literature is believed to be a sign of disturbance. Alternatively, no changes in behavior were observed with varying boat density. This result is important given Panamanian regulations first implemented in 2007 by Resolution AMD/ARAP No. 01, 2007 prohibit whale-based tourism from disturbing whales, which is explicitly measured by changes in whale behavior. Because there is no systematic monitoring of whale watching activity to enforce the regulations, there is currently little compliance from tour operators and tourists. The integration of animal behavior research into management planning should result in more effective regulation and compliance of such conservation policies.
21
Peres dos Santos, Rui, Yasmina Rodríguez, Richard Sears, Ramiro Magno, and Rita Castilho. "Tour Operators as a Tool to Improve Information on Data‐Deficient Cetacean Species." Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 35, no. 2 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70067.
Full textAbstract:
ABSTRACTUnderstanding the distribution and behaviour of species is crucial for ecosystem assessment and economic evaluations. Despite global research efforts, some cetacean species or populations remain data deficient. False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) are among these species, possibly due to their pelagic behaviour and high mobility. This study focused on the Azorean Archipelago, an ecologically rich region influenced by the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Current, where false killer whales have been regularly observed over the last decade by the whale watching operators. Using opportunistic data collection from tourist operators, we established the first long‐term study of false killer whales in the NE Atlantic Ocean. Results revealed sightings between April and October, with a peak from July to September. False killer whale groups were observed interacting with other species, particularly bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The photo‐identification analysis produced an individual catalogue and identified associations between individuals and groups. Four of these animals presented dorsal fin injury patterns suggestive of interactions with fishing gear. Open population capture–recapture (openCR) models estimated a population of 198 individuals in the research area. This study demonstrates the importance of opportunistic data collection in understanding poorly studied species. The findings contribute insights into false killer whale presence, behaviour and potential threats in the studied region. Future research should expand to winter data collection, comprehensive fishery interaction studies and population dynamics assessments for effective conservation efforts.
22
Perez-Ortega, Betzi, Rebecca Daw, Brennan Paradee, Emma Gimbrere, and Laura J. May-Collado. "Dolphin-Watching Boats Affect Whistle Frequency Modulation in Bottlenose Dolphins." Frontiers in Marine Science 8 (February 17, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.618420.
Full textAbstract:
Bottlenose dolphins’ whistles are key in social communication, conveying information about conspecifics and the environment. Therefore, their study can help to infer habitat use and identify areas of concern due to human activities. Here we studied the whistles of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in two sites of the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama, that contrast in boat traffic. Almirante Bay is a site dominated by taxi-boats and Dolphin Bay is a major location for boat-based dolphin watching. Recordings were made using bottom-mounted hydrophones and from the research boat using an over-the-side hydrophone and a broadband recording system. A total recording effort time of 1,726 h was analyzed. Our results show significant differences in boat detection between sites, and a higher number of whistles detected per minute in the site with tour-boat traffic. Furthermore, whistle modulation accounted for most of the differences between sites, boat presence, and whistle types. Dolphin whistle modulation is thought to be a potential indicator of emotional states including danger, alertness, and stress. In this study, dolphin signature whistle modulation increased significantly with boat presence in both sites but changes in modulation were greater in Dolphin Bay where tour-boats directly and sometimes aggressively interact with the animals. These results support a potential association between whistle modulation and stress (or alertness). These findings indicate that if tour-boat captains behave more like taxi-boat captains by e.g., reducing the distance of approach and contact time during dolphin interactions, dolphin communication, and emotional state would be less disrupted. These measures are implemented in the national guidelines for whale-watching and are known to tour-boat operators. The key to protecting these dolphins is in finding ways to effectively enforce these operator guidelines.
23
Hu, Chieh-Hsi, Hsin Yi Yu, Daphne Hoh, and Dong Liang Lin. "The observation records from whale and dolphin watching inshore of Hualien, eastern Taiwan." Biodiversity Data Journal 11 (September 28, 2023). http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/bdj.11.e109649.
Full textAbstract:
The eastern waters of Taiwan have been lacking baseline and research data for several years. This study was initiated by Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation (KOEF) in collaboration with the Turumoan whale-watching company since 1998, collecting long-term ecological data for cetaceans in the inshore of Hualien, eastern Taiwan. This dataset includes 10,675 records of cetacean sightings from June 1998 to December 2021. Collection of cetacean sighting records was paused for one year in 2001 due to budgetary reasons. All of the sighting records were collected by whale-watching boat guides that were trained by KOEF. Following a standardised protocol, guides used a handheld GPS device and cetacean sighting record sheets to document information about the cetacean species identification, location, time, number of individuals, the presence of mother-calf pairs and mixed-species groups and other states of each sighting during a whale-watching tour. The collection of citizen-science data during this period has significantly advanced Taiwan's cetacean baseline data in the study area. Additionally, we make data available to the public in the form of citizen-science, making a substantial contribution to the advancement of ocean scientific research. We have published the dataset on Global Biodiversity Information Facility, allowing users around the world to download the dataset. This is currently the largest dataset of cetacean sighting records in Taiwan (last updated on 2023-09-05). We have also recorded several species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorised as "Data Deficient" during our survey inshore of Hualien, eastern Taiwan, including Ginkgo-toothed beaked whales (Mesoplodon ginkgodens Nishiwaki & Kamiya, 1958), Omura's whales (Balaenoptera omurai Wada, Oishi & Yamada, 2003) and killer whales (Orcinus orca (Linnaeus, 1758)). There are also sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758), categorised as "Vulnerable" in the IUCN Red List and false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846)), categorised as "Near Threatened". This study is also the first and only long-term study that has documented cetaceans in the study area.
24
"Preface." Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2743, no. 1 (2024): 011001. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2743/1/011001.
Full textAbstract:
Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Ion Sources, Victoria, BC, Canada, 2023 ICIS’23 was the 20th event in a biennial series of conferences that are dedicated to Ion Sources and their applications, and the first in-person conference of this series after the COVID 19 pandemic. The conference was hosted by TRIUMF (www.triumf.ca), Canada’s Particle Accelerator Centre in Victoria, BC, Canada, September 17 to September 22, 2023. The ICIS series covers the physics and technology of ion sources for scientific research and applications. With the conference being the main event within the ion sources community it offers a forum for exchanging of new ideas and establishing of collaborations. The conference was held at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria BC, Canada, with support from the adjacent Fairmont Empress hotel. The venue is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Lkwungen People, also known as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations communities. The biennial conference series covers the physics and technology of ion sources for scientific research and applications. New developments and advancements have been presented and discussed. As in previous conferences of this series, all aspects of ion sources have been covered in the categories: • Fundamental processes in ion sources and plasmas • Production of high intensity ion beams • Production of highly charged ion beams • Negative ion sources • Ion sources for fusion • Radioactive ion sources, charge breeders and polarized beams • Beam formation, extraction, transport, and diagnostics • Applications of ion sources • Key technologies for ion sources The conference was organized in a hybrid mode and a zoom link was made available to participants, who could not attend in person. A total of 178 participants have registered for the conference, of whom 20 were students and 23 attended from remote. Fifty contributions have been presented in plenary sessions of which 20 were invited by the international advisory committee. The remaining 30 have been selected by the Scientific advisory committee. 123 contributions have been presented at 2 poster sessions. The high level and interesting contributions triggered lively discussions during all sessions. Thank you to all who contributed to this. Additional events included a tour of the TRIUMF Laboratory on September 17 just before the conference, and a reception on the same evening. In the afternoon of Wednesday, September 20 delegates were able to enjoy the beautiful surrounding Vancouver Island by either participating in a whale watching tour or a nature hike along the shoreline. In the evening of this day the conference banquet was held in the Fairmont Empress hotel. Fifteen students participated in the student poster competition. Members of both the international advisory committee and the scientific program committee acted as judges. Thank you to all the students who have contributed and the judges. Three winners have been awarded. List of International advisory committee, Scientific program committee, Local organizing committee are available in this pdf.