Are whale watching tours ethical?

Habitat degradation: Whale watching boats can lead to pollution and harm the whales' habitat, harming the ecosystem. Risk of collision: Boats used for whale watching can be dangerous as they may collide with the whales, resulting in severe injury or death of the animals.



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Benefits to whales and marine ecosystems Responsible whale watching can greatly benefit whales and other marine life. During whale watching tours, guests are often educated on the importance of respecting and protecting these animals.

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While most outfits guarantee a 90 percent chance of a spotting a whale, you might consider booking an extra trip if it's at the top of your bucket list. Some companies offer a complimentary outing if your trip ends sans sighting—check out the policy before booking.

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You can see chunks of boat float away. A 2022 study found that out of 49 attacks that year, whales damaged ships in about 73% of interactions. And 25% of those had to be towed back to port.

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So does it harm the mammals? Whale watching can have an impact on their natural behaviour, including their ability to feed, rest and rear their young. This can cause problems in the short and long term, say those working in the field of marine biology. Boats can also collide with the whales, putting everyone at risk.

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Boat-based whale watching exposes whales and dolphins to underwater noise, as well as the risk of injury from collision with the boat's hull or propeller19,20. The presence of boats can distract the animals from important behaviours like resting, socializing or feeding1,3,21.

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