Whale watching generates significant conservation funding but can cause welfare harm if conducted without appropriate distance and behaviour guidelines.
Cetaceans rely on acoustic communication for feeding, socialisation, and navigation. Boat engine noise interferes with all of these. Close approach disrupts resting and feeding behaviour. Repeated approaches cause behavioural changes that reduce foraging success. While well-conducted whale watching is largely benign, the cumulative effect of multiple boats in popular areas can significantly affect individual animals. Responsible watching requires minimum distances, speed limits, and passive behaviour observation.