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Respektvolles Whale Watching

Respectful Whale Watching

First of all, I would like to mention that all whale watching operators on La Gomera try to be respectful to the animals and follow the regulations! They all do a good job and try not to disturb the whales and dolphins during the sightings. But this article is intended to look at the issue of respectful whale watching a little more critically and to make you think.

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Unfortunately Jain!  A uniformly applicable worldwide regulation which is out of state or independent organizations also constantly monitored and implemented by all providers, there is not, unfortunately.

Barco Azul Kanaren, La Gomera

There are a lot of voluntary codes of conduct and guidelines, but these are not uniform and each country treats marine mammals differently. Even the often mentioned Barco Azul, without which a provider in the Canary Islands is not officially allowed to offer whale watching tours, is no guarantee that the animals will be treated with respect or that the specified guidelines will be implemented. The Barco Azul (see photo on the left) can be applied for by virtually any provider if he is theoretically interested  and obliged in writing to adhere to the guidelines in force in the Canary Islands. And of course, this is not completely free for the provider ...

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However, the implementation of these rules is not really regularly and comprehensively checked by any authority. How can you control such rules in the open sea? In addition, almost every whale or dolphin protection association publishes different well-intentioned rules. Some organizations believe that whales and dolphins are generally disturbed as soon as one enters their habitat. Others, on the other hand, are satisfied with rather lax recommendations for behavior.

Whale watching has meanwhile become an important industry for the individual vacation countries. Almost 13 million tourists worldwide go whale watching every year and the turnover is estimated at 2 billion euros ! It is therefore not surprising that many providers do not have the welfare of the animals, but their own wallet in mind.

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But what can you do now as a paying guest? Well, the first thing you should look out for is the yellow flag "Barco Azul". This sustainability seal shows you that it is at least a licensed provider -  but nothing more!

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Often you can also go to the website of the respective whale watching provider  read out a lot of information.

Video Respectful Whale Watching

Ask for!

The on-site consultations usually also give a rough indication of the philosophy of the provider and how the topic is dealt with there. It is also worth asking the local provider a few specific questions: Does the provider actively deal with this issue, does he support any projects and have the whale watching guides been trained accordingly?

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But especially on La Gomera, the individual whale watching providers attach great importance to not disturbing the animals during the excursions.  Not all rules can always be implemented, but every effort is made not to disturb the animals.

 

You mostly go out to sea in small boats to watch the animals and often only 10-12 people are taken per trip. Safety distances are observed, the animals are generally approached slowly and carefully and it is respected if the dolphins do not feel like being watched or they are hunting.

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After all, the marine mammals off the coast of La Gomera are the main source of income for the individual providers and it was understood very early on that it is important to protect whales, dolphins and their habitat.

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Author: Markus Mette

Frau beobachtet Delfine im Wasser

The Spanish Whale Watching Regulations in a short version

  • The animals may not be touched - whether with the hands, feet or even the whale watching boat.

  • Feeding or approaching the animals is strictly forbidden

  • The whale watching boat should never pass through a herd or cut them off - this is especially true for mothers with their young.

  • Avoid making loud noises (e.g. banging on the boat, whistling, shrill noises)

  • Do not get into the water with the animals

  • As soon as the animals become restless or show other signs of stress (e.g. tail fin is slapped on water), leave the spot

  • Do not actively follow the animals

  • It is forbidden to circle around the group or individual animals.

  • The whale watching boat must not go faster than 4 knots or at least must go slower than the slowest animal in the group

  • You must approach the animals at an angle of about 30º and constantly keep a minimum distance of 60 meters.

  • If there are several boats in the vicinity, they must coordinate with each other.

  • Once the boat engine is restarted, you must wait one minute before the boat is allowed to move again

  • The reverse gear must be used only in case of emergency

Delfine ganz nahe am Whale Watching Boot
brydewal la gomera
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