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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.
Over 13 million people engage in whale watching cruises and flights every year. Whale watching and the tourism it brings, presents an economic opportunity for many communities around the world. Yet poorly managed whale watching can have impacts on individual whales, their populations and their habitats. These include injury, mortality, changes in behaviour and habitat use, and decreased feeding and reproductive success. The IWC’s Scientific Committee continues to look at both the short and long term impacts of whale watching on individual whales, their populations and their habitats
Interactive whale watching map