[MARMAM] New publication: Whale-watching trips in Peru lead to increases in tourist knowledge, pro-conservation intentions and tourist concern for the impacts of whale-watching on humpback whales. (Ana Garcia-Cegarra)

[Ana garcia cegarra]

Dear marmam members,


My co-author and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper:


Garcia-Cegarra A.M, Pacheco  AS. 2017. Whale-watching trips in Peru lead to increases in tourist knowledge, pro-conservation intentions and tourist concern for the impacts of whale-watching on humpback whales. Aquatic conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst. 00:1 -10.


The article can be read in the following link:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.2754/full



and


https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315113414_Whale-watching_trips_in_Peru_lead_to_increases_in_tourist_knowledge_pro-conservation_intentions_and_tourist_concern_for_the_impacts_of_whale-watching_on_humpback_whales



Abstract:


1. Since the implementation of the commercial whaling ban in the 1980s, whale©\watching has become the most important economic activity involving whales worldwide.

2. Whale©\watching is promoted as a platform for education and conservation awareness of marine biodiversity. In Peru, where cetacean species are still in jeopardy, whale©\watching may play an important part in promoting the protection of these species. 3. This study aimed to determine the degree of whale©\watching tourists' knowledge regarding cetacean ecology and conservation status and to evaluate if whale©\watching tours could serve as platforms for educating the public and raising conservation awareness.

4. The results of 196 closed©\ended questionnaires and 20 open©\ended interviews conducted before and after whale©\watching tours, during the humpback whale season (winter¨Cspring 2014) in northern Peru, revealed an overall lack of knowledge concerning the presence of species of cetaceans in Peruvian waters and threats to marine biodiversity. However, after the whale©\watching excursion, participants said they would be more willing to change their behaviour with respect to cetacean conservation and marine environment protection.

5. This study suggests that whale©\watching platforms, when implemented with adequate interpreters , can serve as a source of environmental education and can raise conservation awareness. This is an important conservation strategy to consider in countries, such as Peru, where by©\catch and direct hunting are decimating local cetacean populations.



Best regards,


A.M. Garc¨ªa-Cegarra

PhD candidate

Doctorado Ciencias Aplicadas menci¨®n Sistemas Marinos Costeros

Universidad de Antofagasta

Chile

EM: anamaria.garcia at uantof.cl



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