Saving the whales

Tuesday, 18 September 2012 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

While some aspects of Sri Lanka have come under fire recently for over regulation, there are many sectors that need guidelines, especially when it comes to protecting the valuable sealife surrounding the island.

The Sri Lankan Government has compiled new laws to cover the whale and dolphin watching industry in the country. According to reports, regulations have been compiled under the Fauna and Flora Ordinance and are to be presented to Parliament by the Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister.

Sri Lanka has seen a tourism boom since the end of the conflict for several reasons. Its low rates together with breathtaking natural spectacles are one of the main reasons why thousands of tourists flock to the country every month. Being able to see the largest creature on earth a short boat ride away is an incredible opportunity and, ironically, one that could very well have been fostered by the cruel war itself.

Whales being intelligent creatures found the Trincomalee Harbour a peaceful home for many years, resulting in the first pod to be resident throughout the year rather than migrating as many of their cousins are wont to do, according to marine experts. This precious resource together with a short continental shelf has made Sri Lanka one of the top whale watching destinations virtually overnight.

Tourist companies, which once had to be content with low paying local travellers, are suddenly inundated with tourists who want to get the closest shot to bag bragging rights back home. This has led to an unhealthy explosion in the trade, which threatens the very industry. If the whales find that they are harassed too much, they will simply choose a different route, resulting in the entire venture collapsing. There is also the chance that the whales could get injured by the vessels that get dangerously close, putting the humans in as much danger.

The new regulations, to be called The Sea Mammals (Observation, Regulation and Control) Regulations, will be applicable to all owners and operators of such tour vessels, the crew, and passengers. They also cover annual licensing, mandatory insurance for vessels and passengers, lifesaving requirements, fees to be levied, and guidelines for conduct when the mammals are sighted.

The new regulations would also make it mandatory for any vessel used to take visitors to spots that are the natural habitat of sea mammals to carry a license issued by the Director General of Wild Life Conservation, or an authorised officer. A certificate of fitness would also be required for each vessel with full insurance cover for crew members and the maximum number of passengers permitted from an approved insurance company.

While these are worthwhile measures, it is questionable whether they will tackle the main issue – harassment of the whales. There has to be a better system put in place where operators are made responsible for their actions and disgruntled tourists appeased by better awareness. Both these aspects seem to have escaped the regulators, who seem to have overlooked the protection of the most majestic animal on earth.