New Rules - Responsible Whale Watching In Pacific

NEWS RELEASE
EMBARGOED UNTIL sunday 29 MARCH 2009, 17.00hrs (HST)
New Rules For Responsible Whale Watching In The Pacific

(Maui, Hawaii, 29 March 2009) – The first regional guidelines for responsible whale and dolphin watching across the Pacific Islands were launched today on the eve of the first International Conference for Marine Mammal Protected Areas in Maui, Hawaii.

Developed by IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Opération Cétacés, the Pacific Regional Guidelines for Whale & Dolphin Watching aim to minimise the potential impacts of tourism activities on whales and dolphins and their environment.

The Pacific Islands region is an important habitat for more than thirty species of cetaceans. It provides a vital breeding ground and migration corridor for many species, including endangered populations of humpback whales.

The presence and diversity of marine mammals in the region has led to a whale watching industry that generates more than US$21 million each year and that is growing at a staggering rate of 45 per cent annually.

“The Pacific Islands region offers visitors a unique cultural nature tourism experience with endangered whales in their breeding grounds. It is vital that governments and industry ensure the protection of the animals that are attracting increased prosperity to many countries in the region,” said IFAW Pacific Officer, Olive Andrews.

“Already many Pacific Island governments are taking steps to bring their current whale watching regulations in line with this new regional template and we encourage all commercial and private boaters to follow these sensible rules.

“Safe, responsible whale watching that minimises disturbance to the animals is best for the whales, best for tourists and best for the community,” Ms Andrews said.

The guidelines were developed by 35 representatives from 13 Pacific Island governments, whale watch operators and scientists and carry the endorsement of 25 SPREP member countries and territories. Additional funding support was received from the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and Fonds Français pour l'Environnement Mondial (FFEM).

ENDS