Need for Regulations

In southern Spain, there are so far 14 organisations offering whale watching tours. And future development of this industry is also quite clear: since 1998, four new whale watch organisations have been founded in Tarifa alone and even more are about to start business. On the other hand, up to now there are no regulations or codes of conduct available for whale watch activities in this area, not to speak of an application of any rules or an executive. We therefore have to put every effort to a long-term conservation of the marine mammals the Strait and their unique habitat.

At least there has been a first step made on this point: firmm^® has submitted regulations for ecological and respectful whale watching activities (which is law and order in the USA e.g.) to Spanish authorities in Madrid. These regulation could be applied to benefit all whales in Spanish waters.

What should you take into consideration when going on a whale-watch trip?

Try to find a respectable tour operator. Important aspects are for example:

Is there an introductory talk by a professional (e.g. biologist) before the trip?
Is the trip also used to do scientific research?
Does the skipper keep the boat on a distance from the animals so as not to disturb them? (The cetaceans should approach the boat if interested, not the other way round.)

Prefer an operator who is involved in education and the conservation of cetaceans. In order to protect animals and nature, please don't touch or feed the whales and dolphins and do not trow your litter into the sea.