Whale watching as a commercial activity began in 1955 in North America along the southern California coast. Today, whale watching is carried on in the waters of some 40 countries, plus Antarctica. All the large whale species and many dolphins and porpoises can be seen regularly on a wide range of tours, lasting from an hour to two weeks. Whale watching is a non-consumptive use of whales with economic, recreational, educational and scientific dimensions. The economic benefits occur in areas where whale watching has quickly become a significant aspect of a local tourism economy.
If prospective tour operators examine areas where whale-watching industries have matured and learn from their experiences, whale watching world-wide can continue to grow with maximum benefits accruing to local communities, companies, scientists, conservation societies, whale watchers and, ultimately, the whales themselves.(Cit:Hoyt E.1992. "Whale watching around the world" Int. whalewatching bulletin #7)
The menu should now work with Internet Explorer 6.
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