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Responsible Management
Responsible Management
Explore this section to find information and resources designed to support managers and regulators
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Preparing for a trip
Preparing for a Trip
Explore this section to find information and resources useful to anyone interested in learning more about responsible whale watching throughout the world
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Industry support
Industry Support
Explore this section to find information and resources useful to whale watching tour operators and guides or other industry professionals
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Species information
Species Information
Click on one of the icons to the right to reveal a full description of the species with photos and labeled illustrations useful for species identification, as well as information on biology, ecology and conservation status of each species. Click here to find downloadable PDF fact sheets for each of the species featured on this site.
This Handbook is designed to support managers, regulators, operators and anyone interested in whale watching. It is a flexible and evolving tool incorporating international best practice, educational resources and a summary of the latest, relevant scientific information. Content has been drafted and sourced in consultation with IWC and CMS affiliated scientists and managers from around the world, and is reviewed each year at the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission. Use the drop-down menu above to learn more about the IWC and CMS, their roles in whale watching, and the nature of this handbook. Or use the interactive map below to find links to case studies and country-specific whale watching overviews, regulations and guidelines, and species information for each of the highlighted countries.
Interactive whale watching map