Whale watching is a multi-billion dollar industry that can benefit conservation but causes welfare harm through vessel disturbance, noise and behavioural disruption if poorly regulated.
Well-regulated whale watching at appropriate distances causes minimal measurable welfare harm and provides economic incentives for cetacean conservation. However, intensive watching at close range causes measurable behavioural disruption and prevents normal feeding and socialising. Speed restrictions, minimum approach distances, engine noise standards and limits on simultaneous vessels are evidence-based welfare-protective regulations.