Whale shark tourism at sites in Mexico, Philippines, and Australia generates significant income but can disturb feeding behavior and cause injury when poorly managed.
Whale shark tourism presents a genuine conservation funding versus welfare tension. At poorly managed sites like Oslob, constant tourist presence and supplemental feeding appear to alter whale shark behavior, keeping animals at the surface and potentially disrupting migration and natural feeding cycles. Boat strikes cause injuries. Responsible whale shark tourism at sites like Ningaloo Reef in Australia maintains distance, prohibits feeding, and limits boat numbers, generating income without the behavioral disruption documented at managed feeding sites.