Whale and dolphin watching tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry but can cause welfare harm through vessel approach, noise, and disruption of feeding and social behaviour if poorly managed.
Cetacean watching welfare is determined by operator compliance with science-based guidelines: vessels that maintain appropriate distance and limit time spent with groups cause minimal measurable disruption; operators that crowd groups, repeatedly approach, and allow swimmers in the water cause documented changes in behaviour, reduced feeding time, and chronic stress responses in frequently-visited populations. Consumer choice for operators with recognised welfare certifications directly reduces demand for irresponsible operations and their welfare costs.