Scientific Literature: Searchable Database

Whalewatching is thought to provide educational and conservation benefits, besides providing a low-consumptive industrial use of cetaceans. Sound scientific data are considered necessary for industry management. This paper reviews the available information from Australia regarding the educational and conservation benefits of whalewatching, and assesses available information on recent government funding support for research into impacts of whalewatching. Whalewatching may have some educational benefit, but the data from Australia are equivocal, and cetacean conservation does not always appear to be the paramount consideration governing the regulation of whalewatching in Australia. Current government funding for research into the impacts of whalewatching is insufficient to provide answers over time periods appropriate for managers.