Whale watching and conservation: how your tour supports marine research

Conservation is our passion and the true reason behind our work! Whale watching tours can play a significant role in supporting marine research and conservation efforts in several ways. This blog post will explore a few!

1. Data Collection: Our whale watching tours have trained naturalists or marine biologists on board who collect valuable data about the behavior, distribution, and health of whales and other marine mammals. This data can contribute to ongoing research efforts and help scientists better understand the biology and ecology of these animals.
2. Citizen Science Programs: We love to engage in citizen science programs,we encourage passengers to participate in activities such as identifying and cataloging whales, recording their behavior, and we teach them how to recognize whale’s ID’s and behaviors. This data can be used by scientists to track individual whales, study their migration patterns, and assess their population health.
3. Education and Outreach: Whale watching tours provide an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of marine conservation and the threats that whales and other marine mammals face. Naturalists and marine biologists on board share information about the biology, behavior, and conservation status of whales, as well as the impact of human activities such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction on their populations.
4. Financial Support: We contribute financially to marine research and conservation organizations through donations, sponsorships, or partnerships. We collect a $5 Conservation Fee from all passengers, which is donated to organizations that support conservation. These funds can be used to support ongoing research projects, conservation initiatives, and education programs focused on marine mammals and their habitats. We contribute actively to Ocean Wise, the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association and MERS Marine Education and Research Society to name a few!
5. Advocacy: Whale watching tours can also advocate for policies and regulations that protect whales and their habitats. By showcasing the beauty and importance of these animals to the public, whale watching tours can raise awareness about the need for conservation measures and support efforts to protect whales through policy changes at local, regional, and international levels.

In summary, whale watching tours can actively support marine research and conservation by collecting data, engaging in citizen science programs, providing education and outreach, contributing financially, and advocating for conservation policies. By promoting sustainable and responsible whale watching practices, we can ensure that our tours play a crucial role in protecting whale populations and their habitats for future generations. So, when you participate in a whale watching tour, you are not only enjoying the experience of seeing these magnificent creatures up close but also contributing to their conservation and research efforts. It’s a win-win for both tourism and marine conservation! If you have any further questions or would like to know more about specific whale watching tours and their conservation efforts, feel free to ask!