- The hidden impact of whale watching
There is something profoundly humbling about locking eyes with a whale, those vast, intelligent marine giants that glide through the ocean with an otherworldly grace. For us, witnessing a breaching blue whale or a pod of sperm whales cutting through the waves is nothing short of magic, a fleeting connection with the wild. But how does the experience feel for them?
As whale watching booms in hotspots like French Polynesia, Australia’s Sunshine Coast, and even Sri Lanka, scientists and conservationists are uncovering a troubling truth: Our fascination might come at a great cost. While the industry has helped raise awareness about conservation, funded marine research, and sustained local economies, the whales themselves may not see us as benign spectators.
Instead, they may see our boats as relentless intruders and our noise as suffocating static that drowns out their songs, their lifelines for love, navigation, and survival.
When human curiosity meets whale stress
The ocean is a symphony of sound for whales, a world where low-frequency calls travel hundreds of miles, where mothers hum to their calves, and where males sing intricate ballads to attract mates. But the growing buzz of motorised whale-watching boats is disrupting this acoustic harmony. Research shows that engine noise can mask whale communication, forcing them to alter their behaviour, expend extra energy, or even abandon crucial feeding and breeding grounds.
In French Polynesia, where the industry has exploded, new regulations attempt to balance tourism with whale welfare by limiting the number of boats near a whale at any given time. However, they controversially reduced the permitted distance for swimmers, allowing them to get as close as 15 metres. This change has sparked debates among marine experts, who argue that it may increase the whales’ stress levels, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes.
Indigenous leaders, recognising whales as sacred kin, have taken a radical step by granting them legal personhood, acknowledging their cultural and ecological importance and pushing for stronger protections. Yet, marine biologists warn that even well-meaning human presence can heighten stress, leaving whales even more vulnerable in an already changing climate.
An unexpected connection
In a curious twist, some Australian whale-watching operators have reported that humpback whales appear to respond to music. When played underwater, Daryl Braithwaite’s 1990s hit ‘Horses’ has reportedly led humpbacks to breach more frequently, as if drawn by the melody.
Scientists remain divided: Is it the rhythm, the frequency, or just coincidence? Whatever the answer, the phenomenon underscores how deeply attuned whales are to sound, and how easily our presence, even in unexpected ways, can shape their world.
A call for ethical encounters
The magic of seeing a whale shouldn’t come at their expense. To ensure that future generations continue to enjoy these awe-inspiring encounters without harming the whales, we must adopt more ethical practices. The future of responsible and sustainable whale watching hinges on strict regulations, including distance guidelines, prioritising low-noise, eco-friendly vessels, and limiting daily boat traffic to prevent whale harassment. Additionally, using research to refine regulations and implementing science-backed policies are imperative to ensuring that whales, not profits, come first.
Whales have thrived for millions of years without us. If we want to keep sharing the ocean with them, we must learn to marvel without overstepping, to witness their majesty without making ourselves the centre of their story.
(The author is a volunteer writer of The Pearl Protectors)
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication