Whales 2000 Speakers
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American Cetacean Society Whales 2000 Speakers |
The following is an excerpt from the November 2000 conference program
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MARK ORAMSMark Orams is a New Zealander with a close affinity for the sea. He is an enthusiastic surfer and yachtsman who has won 10 national titles, a world championship, the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race and was a member of Team New Zealand, the successful defender of the America's Cup in 2000. Mark's passion for the sea is also reflected in his academic training. He completed his Bachelor's degree at Massey University, New Zealand, his Master of Science degree at Florida International University and his Ph.D. at the School of Marine Science at the University of Queensland, Australia. His research primarily focuses on the impacts and management of marine mammal-based tourism, and he has published widely in the area. He has currently authored or co-authored three books, seven book chapters and 20 scientific journal papers. ABSTRACT The "modern whaling era" has resulted in a major depletion of whale populations in the southern hemisphere. Continued "lethal use" of these populations has become controversial. On one side Japan and pro-whaling organizations advocate sustainable harvesting of whale species. On the other, anti-whaling organizations and nations such as Australia and New Zealand oppose such moves. The Kingdom of Tonga has become a battleground for this issue. Tongans utilised humpback whales as a source of food until 1978 when the practice was banned by royal decree. In recent months, however, pro-whaling groups have encouraged Tongans to resume whaling practices, and this has been given serious consideration. A fledgling whale watch industry exists in the Kingdom and one of the concerns has been the potential effect on this tourism industry of a return to whaling. As a result, a study was conducted to assess the economic impacts of whale watching in the area. This research concluded that the industry was worth over US$700,000 each year and had considerable potential for growth. Furthermore, the study showed that tourists to the islands were strongly opposed to a return to whaling and that such a move would likely displace many of them. Consequently it was concluded that the potential cost of a return to whaling would outweigh the benefits. Simply put, humpback whales in Tonga are more valuable alive than they are dead. |
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