Hualien eyes friendlier whale-watching

In Hualien County, a region renowned for its vibrant marine life, local officials and five leading whale-watching operators have united to champion a "friendly whale-watching" initiative. This proactive step, supported by the Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA), introduces crucial guidelines designed to safeguard the delicate ecosystems of whales and dolphins. The core principles—"slow down, avoid circling, do not chase, do not disturb, do not feed and no littering in the sea"—underscore a commitment to responsible tourism.

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Through the launch of the friendly whale-watching initiative, the goal is to encourage self-regulation among tourism operators and groups across Taiwan.

Association chairman Wang Teng-yi emphasized that this self-regulatory effort aims to foster a culture of conservation among operators across Taiwan. By raising awareness of the intricate whale and dolphin ecosystems, the initiative seeks to cultivate a deeper appreciation and protection of the ocean, which is fundamental to the sustainable future of the whale-watching industry. This aligns with Taiwan's broader goals of environmental stewardship and sustainable development, particularly in its coastal regions.

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It is hoped that by raising awareness of whale and dolphin ecosystems, people will learn to love and protect the ocean, which is the foundation for the sustainable development of the whale-watching industry.

This initiative is particularly significant as Taiwan's whale-watching industry, which began in Hualien in 1997, has seen considerable growth. However, incidents of boats disturbing marine mammals have prompted the OCA to issue comprehensive "Taiwan Whale-Watching Guidelines." These guidelines provide a framework for observing wildlife, interacting with boats, and tourist conduct, ensuring that visitors can cherish close encounters while actively participating in conservation. From Taiwan's perspective, this is not just about tourism; it's about demonstrating a national commitment to protecting our natural heritage and setting an example for responsible engagement with the environment, ensuring these magnificent creatures thrive for generations to come.

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These guidelines cover principles for observing and approaching wildlife, proper conduct when boats interact with whales and dolphins and the appropriate behavior for tourists, she said.