Humpback whale populations have made a remarkable recovery since the end of commercial whaling, and ethical whale watching supports both conservation and individual whale welfare.
Humpback whale recovery is a conservation success but brings new welfare challenges from increasing whale watching activity. Vessels approaching too close cause behavioral changes including interrupted feeding dives and altered swimming patterns. Chronic disturbance from boat traffic in feeding areas reduces energy intake for animals that must build substantial fat reserves for long migrations. Strict vessel distance regulations protect individual whale welfare while enabling sustainable tourism.