Whale Watch

A good example of a sustainable practice

By Nemanja Vuksanovic, Serbia

This day was dedicated to an exciting outdoor activity – a whale watch. This activity was part of the broader topic of the blue economy to which we have devoted a lot of attention throughout the SUSI program. There were several lectures on this subject, and for someone who comes from Serbia, a landlocked country, this has been a completely new area of research for me.

Transition to sustainability

Historically, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the U.S. was a major player in the global whaling industry. The city of New Bedford, which we also visited during our program, was key whaling port. The decline of the commercial whaling industry in the U.S. began in the late 19th century due to overexploitation and the rise of alternative energy sources, like petroleum. To enable conservation, the U.S. implemented strict regulations to protect marine mammals, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972, which prohibits the hunting of marine mammals in U.S. waters. The U.S. invests in research and monitoring of whale populations to ensure their protection and recovery. Over time, the whale industry in the United States has shifted from commercial whaling to a focus on conservation and tourism. While commercial whaling continues in a few countries (like Japan, Iceland, and Norway), the focus in most of the countries has shifted towards conservation and sustainable management.

The American economy now benefits greatly from whale watching, supporting local communities, creating jobs, and promoting marine conservation. As the industry continues to grow, it plays an essential role in educating the public about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and the majestic creatures that inhabit them. The whale watch proves that balancing economic interests with ecological preservation is achievable. In this way, the U.S. represents a good example of a country that has transitioned from a leading whaling nation to a strong advocate for whale conservation and whale watching. 

Some facts about the whale watching industry

Whale watching is a popular activity in the U.S., attracting millions of tourists annually. Key regions for whale watching include the coasts of Alaska, Hawaii, California, Maine and Massachusetts.  Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, offers excellent whale watching experiences, with sightings of humpback, fin, and minke whales. Different regions offer whale-watching opportunities at various times of the year, making it a year-round attraction for tourists. In terms of economic benefits, whale watching tours boost local economies by attracting tourists who spend money on lodging, dining, and other activities. Also, revenue from whale-watching activities is often reinvested in community development, infrastructure, and conservation initiatives.

The whale watching industry in the U.S. is a significant contributor to the economy, as it is estimated to generate over $1 billion annually in revenue. The industry also contributes to the economy through indirect impacts, such as supporting local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. When it comes to job creation, the whale-watching industry directly employs thousands of people, including tour operators, boat captains, guides, and marine biologists. The industry supports numerous indirect jobs in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail, contributing to overall job growth in coastal communities. Whale-watching tours often include educational components that raise awareness about marine conservation and the importance of protecting whale populations. Tour operators and marine biologists collaborate to collect data on whale behavior, health, and populations, contributing to scientific research and conservation efforts. During our visit, for instance, we could hear that based on the whale’s tail, due to its specificity, the whales living in the Boston Harbor area are being recorded.

The U.S. has established guidelines for whale-watching activities to minimize disturbance to whales and their habitats. Local communities and stakeholders are actively involved in promoting sustainable whale-watching practices and supporting conservation initiatives. This represents the example of a practice to follow and shows how an activity can provide significant economic benefits to a country while being sustainable. Sustainability in the whale industry is vital for protecting whale populations, preserving marine ecosystems, and supporting economic and cultural activities. By adopting sustainable practices, the whale industry can ensure the long-term health of whale populations and the ecosystems they inhabit, benefiting current and future generations.