Sharing the ocean: Fostering blue synergies for sustainable whale-watching
Whale-based tourism activities offer unique opportunities for humans to observe cetaceans in their natural habitats. Well-planned experiences can provide educational value and promote respectful enjoyment of marine wildlife. Conversely, poorly managed activities can negatively impact cetaceans by in...
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| Vydáno v: | Regional studies in marine science Ročník 80; s. 103905 |
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| Hlavní autoři: | , , , , , , |
| Médium: | Journal Article |
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
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Elsevier B.V
30.12.2024
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| Témata: | |
| ISSN: | 2352-4855, 2352-4855 |
| On-line přístup: | Získat plný text |
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| Shrnutí: | Whale-based tourism activities offer unique opportunities for humans to observe cetaceans in their natural habitats. Well-planned experiences can provide educational value and promote respectful enjoyment of marine wildlife. Conversely, poorly managed activities can negatively impact cetaceans by injuring or killing them (through collisions with boats) or altering their behaviour, such as resting time, nursing or diving. This study presents an example of designing and implementing a whale-based tourism activity in the Canary Islands (Spain), with the participation of researchers, whale-watching operators and tour guides, public policy-makers, and civil society, with a strong focus on educational values. The coastal communities are crucial in promoting sustainable whale-watching practices through educational initiatives, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration. The paper employs a process-monitoring approach to evaluate the whole procedure of whale-watching activity implementation. We assume that the success of any tourism activity depends on the process that leads to its creation. The analysis emphasizes the need for careful planning and execution to design and implement marine tourism experiences. Concerns for tourism satisfaction and safety and the need for environmental sustainability challenge the management of whale-watching operations. In this regard, engaging local communities, addressing safety and conservation concerns, and promoting responsible tourism practices are essential for mitigating these challenges and ensuring the long-term viability of whale watching as a sustainable and educational activity.
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•The sustainable implementation of whale-watching tourism depends on various social, environmental, and governance dimensions.•Assessing the evolution of whale-watching activities from their inception allows for an evaluation of their success.•Depending on the process that leads to its creation, whale-watching tourism may operate sustainably or unsustainably.•The study shows how collaboration among stakeholders can improve whale-watching experiences.•Knowledge transfer and networking surrounding whale-watching activities have positive social and environmental impacts. |
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| ISSN: | 2352-4855 2352-4855 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103905 |