Líffræðifélag Íslands - biologia.is
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2021
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster E24
Höfundar / Authors: Renée Blankenstein (1), Mariana Lucia Tamayo, Helga Ögmundardóttir
Starfsvettvangur / Affiliations: Háskóli Íslands
Kynnir / Presenter: Renée Blankenstein
No legislation currently exists to manage Iceland’s whale-watching industry. In 2015, the Icelandic Whale Watching Association introduced a voluntary code of conduct (CoC) containing guidelines for how whale-watching vessels should behave around cetaceans. Given that the CoC’s effectiveness has not been researched extensively, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of the voluntary CoC for whale-watching in Iceland and offer potential improvements. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders who are/were involved in the CoC’s development or management, use/have used it in practice, have knowledge about potential whale-watching impacts on cetaceans, or a combination thereof. Results indicate that the CoC’s voluntary aspect likely reduces its effectiveness and operator compliance depends on various factors, including knowledge of crew and pressure due to high passenger expectations. Currently, potential impacts of underwater noise and vessel crowding appear to be addressed insufficiently. Adaptive management is recommended, focusing on increased monitoring and enforcement, as well as on education of staff and passengers. Certain changes to the CoC’s wording and contents are needed. Implementation of these recommendations will help increase the sustainability of Iceland’s whale-watching industry by fostering the conservation of the cetaceans involved and the ecosystem services they provide.