62
An in depth analysis of the social impacts and benefits of whale-watching for the
local community of Praia do Forte is beyond the scope of this study. Previous studies on this subject, though, suggested a greater articulation between the local
authorities and the tourism operators is needed to promote community engagement
and the better distribution of the economic and social benefits generated by the
whale-watching tourism industry (Brumatti 2008).
When asked whether their tourists were satisfied with their whale-watching
experience, four out of five operators answered they were fully satisfied and one
answered the vast majority of tourists were satisfied. When asked whether they
consider the whale-watching activity as financially viable and profitable for their
companies, all operators answered positively and declared they expect the activity
to expand in future years.
When asked what would be an acceptable limit for whale-watching in Praia do
Forte, three out of five operators believe there could be more boats operating in
Praia do Forte and only one believes it should remain at its current level (6 boats).
Suggested levels were two large boats for up to 50 passengers and three to five
speedboats for up to 10 passengers operating from Praia do Forte. Two operators
mentioned the growth of the activity, and the number of boats, would ultimately be
limited by tourist demand, which determines the financial viability for boat
owners.
Another factor pointed out by all operators is the absence of involvement or support from public authorities in the development, marketing or management of this
activity. This situation has not changed over the years as, previously, Brumatti
(2008) also noted the absence of participation by the public authorities and the local
communities in the planning and implementation of whale-watching in Bahia. The
local governments, environmental agencies and tourism bodies recognise the whalewatching activity and its potential for local tourism development but do not participate or take an active role in its management. Garrod and Fennell (2004) discuss the
fact that whale-watching management measures are more likely to be followed if
participants have been involved in their development.
To date, the Instituto Baleia Jubarte (IBJ), a non-governmental organisation, has
taken responsibility for the promotion, management and monitoring of the whalewatching activity in Bahia. The operators in Praia do Forte see the collaboration
with the IBJ as a means of contributing to whale conservation and adding value to
their product, attributing a social and environmental responsibility image to their
business.
In Praia do Forte, humpback whale-watching is performed on whales involved in
breeding ground activities, such as courtship, mating and nursing. Cipolotti (2013)
investigated the distribution patterns and habitat use of humpback whales in relation
to depth, based on data collected by the Projeto Baleia Jubarte on-board whalewatching vessels operating from Praia do Forte during the breeding season (July to
October) between the years 2003–2012. He found that 52% of the whale groups
were sighted within 40–50 m depths. Additionally, groups with calves were found
to concentrate on shallower waters, closer to shore and therefore easier to reach during whale-watching trips, making them more likely to be observed and thus suffer
L. Fernandes and M.R. Rossi-Santos
An in depth analysis of the social impacts and benefits of whale-watching for the
local community of Praia do Forte is beyond the scope of this study. Previous studies on this subject, though, suggested a greater articulation between the local
authorities and the tourism operators is needed to promote community engagement
and the better distribution of the economic and social benefits generated by the
whale-watching tourism industry (Brumatti 2008).
When asked whether their tourists were satisfied with their whale-watching
experience, four out of five operators answered they were fully satisfied and one
answered the vast majority of tourists were satisfied. When asked whether they
consider the whale-watching activity as financially viable and profitable for their
companies, all operators answered positively and declared they expect the activity
to expand in future years.
When asked what would be an acceptable limit for whale-watching in Praia do
Forte, three out of five operators believe there could be more boats operating in
Praia do Forte and only one believes it should remain at its current level (6 boats).
Suggested levels were two large boats for up to 50 passengers and three to five
speedboats for up to 10 passengers operating from Praia do Forte. Two operators
mentioned the growth of the activity, and the number of boats, would ultimately be
limited by tourist demand, which determines the financial viability for boat
owners.
Another factor pointed out by all operators is the absence of involvement or support from public authorities in the development, marketing or management of this
activity. This situation has not changed over the years as, previously, Brumatti
(2008) also noted the absence of participation by the public authorities and the local
communities in the planning and implementation of whale-watching in Bahia. The
local governments, environmental agencies and tourism bodies recognise the whalewatching activity and its potential for local tourism development but do not participate or take an active role in its management. Garrod and Fennell (2004) discuss the
fact that whale-watching management measures are more likely to be followed if
participants have been involved in their development.
To date, the Instituto Baleia Jubarte (IBJ), a non-governmental organisation, has
taken responsibility for the promotion, management and monitoring of the whalewatching activity in Bahia. The operators in Praia do Forte see the collaboration
with the IBJ as a means of contributing to whale conservation and adding value to
their product, attributing a social and environmental responsibility image to their
business.
In Praia do Forte, humpback whale-watching is performed on whales involved in
breeding ground activities, such as courtship, mating and nursing. Cipolotti (2013)
investigated the distribution patterns and habitat use of humpback whales in relation
to depth, based on data collected by the Projeto Baleia Jubarte on-board whalewatching vessels operating from Praia do Forte during the breeding season (July to
October) between the years 2003–2012. He found that 52% of the whale groups
were sighted within 40–50 m depths. Additionally, groups with calves were found
to concentrate on shallower waters, closer to shore and therefore easier to reach during whale-watching trips, making them more likely to be observed and thus suffer
L. Fernandes and M.R. Rossi-Santos