Author: Conservation Coordinator Shelby Serra Nature-based experiences can contribute to individuals’ connection to nature and intentions toward sustainable environmental behaviors . —(Clark et. al. 2019) After exploring the ins and outs of responsible wildlife-watching rules globally and in the US in the previous installment,...
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Author: Conservation Coordinator Shelby Serra In the United States, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) protects whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions from harassment. But what protections exist beyond our waters? As the MMPA is not enforceable with respect to...
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Author: Conservation Coordinator Shelby Serra Research conducted opportunistically aboard PWF Eco-Adventures Australia's commercial vessel. Whales were not approached closer than 100 meters, per Australian regulations Intimately observing a humpback whale breach or a mother lovingly shepherd her calf below the brine is a once-in-a-lifetime experience rich with promise. As discussed in the previous...
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Author: Conservation Coordinator Shelby Serra EMBRACING RESPONSIBLE WHALE WATCHING Although wildlife viewing is crucial to the conservation of animals, it can be detrimental if not properly conducted. Few experiences rival the rush of seeing a whale breach from the bow of a boat or the playful escort...
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Author: Conservation Coordinator Shelby Serra Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 We now know the dangerous threat human-generated debris poses to marine environments here in Hawaii and across the globe. Kamilo Beach on the island on Hawaii. Image from B.E.A.C.H...
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Author: Conservation Coordinator Shelby Serra In part two of this series, we explored the history of efforts to address the plastic pollution problem facing the geographically vulnerable state of Hawaii. Although there are a few states that are attempting change with...
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Author: Conservation Coordinator Shelby Serra It’s time to continue our conversation about the threat of marine debris. You can find part 1 of the marine debris series, in which we give an overview at found HERE. Although the issue of marine...
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Author: Conservation Coordinator Shelby Serra From the smallest plastic straw to a 1000lb discarded fishing net, marine debris — trash that finds its way to the marine environment — is an issue that spans the globe. Whether a stream, river, lake, sea or ocean, all marine environments are subject to the damaging impacts of marine debris. ...
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On October 7-12, the 2019 WCA World Whale Conference will take place in Hervey Bay, Australia, hosted by Fraser Coast Tourism and Events and the World Cetacean Alliance. The theme of the conference is 'Journeys that Inspire Change' and topics include:...
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Swimming with whales is an emerging form of tourism worldwide and is gaining interest in Australia, (where it was approved by government in 2017 as a commercial activity), with commercial operations running on both the east and west coasts of...
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