If collisions with ships or Intrusive tourists – sometimes the mass tourism of the marine mammals is just too much. Environmental organisations say the least. So, no Swimming with whales?
Environmental and animal protection organizations have repeatedly pointed out that it is not a good idea to keep marine mammals in aquariums and Zoos. But maybe whales are endangered in the wild. Many tourists want to live in the holiday somewhat Adventurous experience – sometimes to the detriment of the animals in the holiday regions.
Plastic waste makes the sea mammals already making life difficult – now the tourist want to swim at your side. Environmental organizations call on to prohibit such practices in marine protected areas, for example in the Sanctuaire Pelagos in the Mediterranean sea, a protected marine area between Sardinia and the coasts of France and Italy.
For some tourists, is not Shooting enough, you want to swim with whales.
In France, it is entered in addition, a new law in force to protect the whales from a different threat: the collision with ships, boats and tourists.
If ships kill
Of collision with vessels is the most common unnatural cause of death for whales in the Mediterranean sea. Up to 40 dead whales that have collided with vessels, are found in the Region every year – a large number when you consider that whales bring usually only a Young to the world. “The animals reproduce very slowly,” says Denis Ody, marine and coastal expert at the WWF France, in the DW-Interview.
The Maritime transport in the Mediterranean has doubled since 2002, almost – and it is expected that he rises even further, warns the WWF. In the marine protected area Sanctuaire Pelagos, the risk of a collision is three times greater than in other regions of the Mediterranean – alone, because so many whales live there and so many tourists are on the move. “It is as if a highway would pass through a nature reserve,” says Ody.
Since July, all vessels longer than 24 meters, and the marine protected area, a collision protection built in, have to have to drive – at least in the vessels under the French flag. This Anti-collision system basiiert on a Software called REPCET, which alerts the tax man in front of whales. It is based on observation data. “At the moment there is no automatic System,” says Ody. “This is the Best we have.”
Disturbed Nature
But also in areas where no Maritime traffic, marine mammals often no rest. The new Trend is, whales with low-flying aircraft to locate and then to bring the tourists there, so you can swim alongside the animals.
So a close contact with humans can be harmful to the animals, emphasizing the NGO France Nature Environment. The presence of people disturbing the whales, under certain circumstances, feeding or reproduction, apart, tear the social groups or separate even new-born babies from their mothers.
As with other wild animal species such as foxes happened, could get used to the whales and dolphins to be from tourists to businessmen lined. Because you want to attract Yes, and get their attention. So the whales would your patrons dependent, afraid of the whale conservation organization Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC).
Conservationists fear that tourists may disturb the natural behavior of whales and dolphins.
And not to forget: The large wild animals are meant, under certain circumstances, a danger for the tourists that dare to close in order to underline environmental protection organizations.
Have whales of fun to people?
The trailer of “Swimming with whales”-Offered to back the allegations: The whales are coming voluntarily to the boats, and the tourists did not bother them at all. “Environmental groups should look at how the dolphins react to that,” says Isabelle Frémont, a representative of a French tourism company. “Your assertions simply don’t give you the truth.”
Tourists went only into the water, if not a newborn whales and when the whales are not hunted, says Frémont. Would not feed the animals anyway – dolphins predators, and a dead Sardine would not eat, anyway, she adds.
The society for professional Seebetreiber on the Cote d’azur (COMPA) has released a scientific report, on the Basis of the society created specific guidelines to make the practice more sustainable.
The document highlights, for example, that you should always approach a ship at the same time to the animals and that the direct contact with the mammals was forbidden. “There are no reasons, a complete ban, and we are preparing documents to get us support from the government,” says Frémont.
Swim with whale sharks – in some regions of the world, a popular tourist attraction
Limits
Martina von münchhausen, tourism expert at WWF Germany, stressed that it is very much better to encounter animals in the wild, in their natural environment than in a Zoo or Aquarium. “I encourage people to observe animals and learn from them,” said Munchausen. “But always with respect and with the necessary expertise.” There must be clear boundaries.
In some regions of the world, such as in Mexico, has established itself Swimming with whales as part of a sustainable tourism, and NGOs such as the WWF to promote the even, but always under strict rules. A maximum quota for the number of ships around is important – as environmental groups and tourism companies are for once in agreement.
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Whale Watching by droneFor the science
To learn more about the behavior of whales, use, researchers from the NOAA, the weather and Oceanographic authority of the United States, and, more recently, drones. They allow you a whole new insight into the hunting and family behavior of the giants of the sea. Here’s a whole Clan of Orcas.
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Whale Watching by droneBird’s-eye view
40 meters with six rotors-equipped drone hovering above the sea. With a high resolution camera. It provides valuable images of the giant mammals. Here are two killer whales cuddle, for example, just playful with each other.
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Whale Watching by droneBy counting
But not only the study of the behaviors, but also the Monitoring of the Population for the researchers using the drone easier. The number of animals and their physical condition can quickly determine, even in comparison to their congeners, and over a longer period of time.
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Whale Watching by droneImportant Bacon
Especially in the case of the Walkühen the amount of bacon is important – especially if you are suckling a calf. Because then you need even more reserves in order to create the way up in the Arctic. The very slender gray whales, females on the left side of the one or the other ton of weight may be missing.
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Whale Watching by droneA research permit is due
The scientists of the NOAA have a special permit to be allowed so close to the Killer, and gray whales ran. For Amateurs, a minimum distance of 300 meters. Not everyone may be as close to the wild animals – where not everyone has a scientific purpose.