£20 million whale watching industry in Scotland threatened by Norwegian whaling?

24/06/2009 12:27:14 "Watch whales - don't hunt them"

June 2009. As the International Whaling Committee (IWC) meet in Madeira to decide the fate of the world's whales, TV naturalist Terry Nutkins and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) go in search of Minke whales off the coast of Scotland.

Norways suspends whaling

There are reports in the press today (25th June) that Norway has suspended its whaling programme for 2009 as it appears that few people want to buy the meat thay already have in stock.   For more, click Norway suspends whaling

The Minke whales that live and breed in Scottish waters are threatened by the annual Norwegian whale hunt, which takes place every year in April. Norway was allowed a 2009 whaling quota of 885 Minke whales and has killed over 150 whales so far this year.

Terry's ethical whale watching adventure celebrates a more compassionate way to profit from these stunning animals. Leah Garces, WSPA International Director of Programmes said: "WSPA firmly believes that whale watching is more economically worthwhile to communities than whaling. Research into the growth of the global Whale watching industry found it is worth $2.1 billion, and enjoyed by over 10 million people in more than 110 countries each year."

£20million per year industry in Scotland
In Scotland, the last report on whale watching in 2001 showed that it was worth £7.8million per year; since then the number of wildlife tourism boat operators in Scotland has doubled. Caroline Warburton, Manager of ethical holiday association Wild Scotland said: "Interest in wildlife-watching has grown significantly over the last ten years as more people realise what special wildlife we have right here on our doorstep."

Lack of regulation for whale watching
WSPA are calling on the IWC to develop and promote mandatory international standards for whale watching industries. Currently, anyone can set up a business and there is a need to ensure that boat operators have the necessary knowledge to deliver these tours. Best practice charters are important in raising standards.

Caroline continues: "Scotland is an important area for whales and dolphins and livelihoods are now dependent upon whale watching activities. Responsible whale watching provides a real employment alternative and that's why we support WSPA when they call on the IWC for an end to whaling."

Animal Magic and Really Wild Show presenter, Terry Nutkins and WSPA wanted to highlight the many positives of the ethical whale watching industry and spent the day off the Isle of Mull, with the expert Sea Life Surveys crew, a member of the not for profit group, Wild Scotland.

Terry - host of recent BBC3 show My Life as an Animal - said: "When you see these magnificent creatures in the wild, especially in such beautiful settings, it's shameful to think that humans hunt them for profit. Countries like Norway could compassionately reap more profit by developing their whale watching industry instead of whaling."

Explosive harpoons
Leah Garces added: "It is currently illegal in Norway to hang a live fish from a hook, but whales are still being killed using explosive harpoons. For a country that's otherwise progressive on most animal welfare issues, it is extremely sad that there is such a blind-spot for whale welfare. Surely all animals should be treated humanely."

Whales are usually killed with explosive harpoons that detonate inside their body. The average time to death reported by Norway is two to three minutes, although some whales can take up to an hour to die; an unacceptable cruelty.

Terry added: "I suggest Brits show their support for better whale welfare by going on an ethical whale watching trip when they go on holiday this year. You don't even have to leave the UK to do it - I've had a fantastic time in Scotland!"