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The Dominican Republic has strict codes of conduct for whale watching operations, which include a
permit requirement for commercial operations as well as a limit of three commercial vessels operating
per area on a given day. The boat permit fees vary with the size of the boat and fees are used to pay
for whale watch monitors and other operational expenses for management of the industry. Although
general codes of conduct exist for whale watching, including specific regulations pertaining to sperm
whales, both Samaná Bay and Silver Bank Whale Sanctuary have additional regulations and
guidelines specific to these areas. The regulations pertaining to whale watching as a whole in the
Dominican Republic are considered to be comprehensive and of good quality when compared to
global standards.
Even though whale watching in the Dominican Republic earns the most revenue in the Caribbean, it is
still considered to be at a level far below its potential. Much of the income generated though tourism
filters out of the country due to “package tours”. The quality of tours is generally poor with old, small
boats and a lack of educational or scientific components offered. Land based whale watching sites
are being created, which will aid the economic growth of these communities. By addressing some of
the other issues mentioned above, the Dominican Republic has good opportunity to create positive
growth and development within the whale watching industry.
11.6.4 St Lucia
St Lucia is reported to be the fastest growing whale watching nation in the world since 1998, with
whale watching only originating here in 1997. By 2000 the number of whale watchers had grown to
over 4000 facilitated by four operators. The St Lucia Whale & Dolphin Watching Association
(SLWDWA) was formed in 1997 to promote and facilitate the development of high quality whale
watching around St Lucia. This Association is also tasked with drafting suitable regulations for whale
watching in this country, which currently remains unregulated. The Association is also aiming to
promote educational and scientific research of the whales and dolphins in the area. With St Lucia
being a popular natural marine environment to visit, whale and dolphin watching was a logical next
step and appears to be growing at a dramatic rate.
11.7 Asia
11.7.1 Oman
Oman began whale watching activities in 1996 and by 1998 had already attained 4700 whale
watchers. Although the current focus is on dolphins, this is thought to be simply because they are
easier to find. Humpback whales are present in waters slightly offshore, but guides and operators
seem too inexperienced at this stage to reliably locate them. The community of Muscat is taking the
lead initiative in the whale watching industry in Oman. The boats used are usually fishing boats or
other similar small vessels, having a capacity of 8 to 14 passengers. Whale sightings are seasonal
with the peak occurring between November to March.
Whale and dolphin watching guidelines for Oman are available and provide general basic behavioural
codes of conduct for whale watching operators. With improved levels of educational and scientific
input to the tours and more comprehensive legislation to minimize impacts on cetacean populations,
Oman has been highlighted as having the potential to become the leading whale watching country of
the Arab region.
11.7.2 Japan
Ogasawara, Japan implemented whale watching tours as early as 1988 and have a wide diversity of
species present in the waters surrounding the country. More than 100 000 whale watchers were
reported in 1998, 95% being from Japan, contributing substantially to the domestic tourism economy
of the country. There are an estimated 45 Japanese whale watch operators with the most whale
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