Making 'Whale SENSE' of Whale Watching

Whales need a break. Among the many dangers out there -- ship propellers, Japanese "researchers" who have a funny habit of killing their research subjects with explosive harpoons and the U.S. Navy's whale-brain-frying, high-intensity radar -- we can add whale-watching humans harassing the poor beasts.

Fortunately, NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is helping out. They have started Whale SENSE, "a new voluntary program that encourages whale-watch tour operators from Maine to Virginia to practice responsible viewing," according to the NOAA Web site. "The program will also recognize businesses that discourage the harassment of whales in the wild and promote good stewardship" of whales.

“Tour companies in the Whale SENSE program that prioritize education and responsible whale watching could be very attractive to potential customers who spend quite a lot to view these animals in their natural habitat,” said Allison Rosner, a biologist with NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources and NOAA program coordinator for Whale SENSE, in a press release.

NOAA says the U.S. has the world's biggest whale watching industry, one that brings in an estimated $1 billion in revenue to coastal communities.

But whale watching "must be done responsibly to keep from accidentally injuring or harassing the animals while they engage in vital behaviors like nursing, feeding, or resting,” said Regina Asmutis-Silvia, senior biologist for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.

A big part of Whale SENSE involves giving tour companies training to keep from damaging their quarry. Also important is the Whale SENSE logo, which companies that demonstrate "good stewardship practices, promote high standards of education, and harness their ability to encourage others to care about whales and practice responsible viewing" can use in their marketing efforts.

Photo courtesy of Seamus Murray, via Flickr