Scientific Literature: Searchable Database

The history and current status of interactions between humans and marine mammals provide an important focus in the discussion of wildlife tourism and conservation. The relationship between whale watching, marine tourism and wildlife tourism in general has been described by Curtin (2003), as illustrated in Fig. 15.1. Whether we consume whales (Worm et al., 2007) or merely watch them (Orams, 1999), the impact of humans on marine species and ecosystems can be dramatic and detrimental. Yet, in contrast to impact assessment of human activities on land, our ability to monitor degradation of the marine environment is severely constrained by the relative remoteness and apparent impenetrability of the ocean; our general lack of knowledge about range patterns and habitat needs of pelagic animals; and the tremendous cost and labor required to carry out the necessary science (Norse et al., 2005). Recreational excursions to view marine mammals have developed as among the most visible, accessible and frequent of human activities in the marine environment. Such activity takes place primarily on the ocean surface, requires no more specialized equipment than a floating platform, and is one of the world’s fastest growing sectors of marine tourism (Hoyt, 2001, 2005). This chapter will consider whale and dolphin watching from the perspective of whether marine wildlife tourism and marine conservation are antagonistic or complimentary concepts, and the significance of legislation in mediating the relationship between the two.