Whale watching tourism provides economic benefits and conservation awareness but can cause significant welfare harm without proper regulation.
Whale watching creates a welfare paradox: the industry generates income for conservation and builds public support for whale protection, but direct interactions can cause significant welfare harm. Vessel noise masks cetacean vocalizations used for echolocation, communication, and foraging. Close approaches disrupt natural behaviors, and cumulative vessel pressure in popular watching areas has been shown to reduce time spent in critical behaviors like foraging. Mandatory approach distances, vessel speed limits, and limits on simultaneous boat numbers can substantially reduce welfare impacts.