Seeing whales and dolphins in the wild, in their natural habitat as opposed to seeing them in confinement is something that Marine Connection supports, however, this must be done responsibly. In recent years this has become a multi-million-pound industry, and whilst many operators follow guidelines put in place to protect the animals from over-exposure and disturbance, there are some who do not. That said, there are areas of the world where whale and dolphin watching has become so popular, it could potentially endanger the lives of the animals.
There has been concern shown recently over this issue in Norway, as whilst a few responsible operators (including researchers), have been working in the area for many years without undue impact, over recent years with more operators appearing, this industry has escalated almost out of control. This year in the area around Skjervöy, images and video footage has been shared showing some operators chasing the whales, whilst others that offer a ‘swim with the orcas’ experience, dropping snorkelers into the water literally feet from the marine mammals, separating orca calves from mothers and forcing humpback whales to dive quickly.
As the whales specifically visit the area annually to feed, this is a serious welfare issue. Whilst swimming with orcas is illegal in most places around the world, Norway has no legally enforced restrictions on this or indeed on whale watching, however, Marine Connection are advised that public and authority meetings are due to be held to discuss this important matter further, and hopefully pursue stricter protection measures for the whales that visit the area before the next whale watching season commences.
