Seeing a wild animal up close, especially one that is the size of a bus is fantastic. Whales and dolphins are understandably fascinating to humans, and the best way to observe them is in their native habitat and according to their schedule. Every year, more than 13 million visitors in more than 100 countries go whale watching, supporting a multibillion-dollar industry.
The government encourages ethical wildlife & whale watching in Vancouver island in their natural habitat as opposed to visiting caged institutions. Along with entertaining viewers, ethical whale watching may support sound conservation practices, generate major financial benefits for nearby communities, and educate passengers.
There is a rising demand for encounters with cetaceans in the wild. As a result, there are increasingly more tour companies offering excursions, sometimes to the same whale populations. Animals are repeatedly harassed while being watched by whales and dolphins far too frequently, which can cause stress and behavioral changes. In certain instances, careless whale watching has resulted in serious harm and even death when whale-watching vessels strike animals.
Due Diligence In Whale Watching
If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to go whale or dolphin watching, you must do so with a reputable company that adheres to a voluntary or statutory code of conduct meant to minimize impacts on the cetaceans you are seeing.
Operators engaged in responsible wildlife & whale watching on Vancouver island must follow a few basic guidelines as per the wildlife protection act. They are:
● The trip's explicit goal should be to inform as well as amuse guests, inspiring them to care about wild cetaceans and their habitats.
● Operator vessels must be fit for their intended use, have a valid permit (if necessary), be operated in a way that doesn't interfere with the animal's natural behaviour, adhere to minimum approach distances and speeds, avoid coming too close to whales, and keep their proximity to a minimum.