The label – Whale heritage site – to identify eco-friendly destinations towards whales and dolphins
Pacific nations have decided to dedicate 2016 to whales. In June, representatives of 15 countries in the Pacific gathered in Punaauia, Tahiti, to consider the establishment of a label – Whale heritage site – that would identify eco-friendly destinations towards whales and dolphins (to respect their habitat, to enhance their place in local cultures…). To obtain this label, the various actors Pacific stated that it will “carry out impact studies of deep sea mining on cetaceans” and “mount a workshop on entanglement’s management of whales and dolphins marine litter caught in.”
Improve knowledge of Pacific whale populations
The different nations have recognized that data on the whales were still insufficient. They have therefore set a “goal of having a better knowledge of whale populations to inform conservation policies and educational programs, ecological and socio-economic value of cetaceans to create a regional marine sanctuary.” They would also manage to define the “economic value of whale watching.”Polynesia is a sanctuary for whales and dolphins since 2002 in order to protect dolphins which are resident all year and humpback whales which come between July and October. Local regulations put in place 13 years ago, precise how the boats and people should approach the animals. According to Tohora Mata, the association commissioned by the Ministry of Environment, awareness actions are beginning to bear fruit. “We see a marked improvement in the behavior of boaters over 2012, 2013 and 2014, respecting not only the rules of approach but especially cetaceans,” said the association. Unfortunately, “the water and swims with whales cause changes in animal behavior, generated by human presence,” says Mata Tohora.
