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2. STUDY APPROACH AND METHODS
2.1 Overall approach
This study was based on an international literature review of boat-based whale watching, interviews
with major stakeholders in the boat-based whale watching industry in South Africa, and logbook data
submitted by boat-based whale watching permit holders to MCM as part of their permit requirements.
Information on resource quality was also taken into consideration.
2.2 Consultation with management authorities and industry
The study began with a meeting the client (MCM) in Cape Town in November 2004, to discuss the
characteristics of the industry and to identify key areas for focus that would result in relevant outputs
according to their management and policy needs. MCM supplied data on permit-holder details.
During client meetings and subsequent research, the researchers were made aware of the existence
of the South African Boat-based Whale Watching Association (SABBWWA). After initial contact
,concern was expressed by SABBWA that the study had been commissioned and the questionnaire
had been developed without their knowledge or input. The study was delayed for a period until
SABBWWA had given their inputs and were happy for the survey process to resume. Meetings were
held between the project leaders and members of SABBWWA in Knysna in December 2004 and with
the chairman in Cape Town in January 2005. An MCM representative was also present at the latter
meeting. During these meetings, the perceptions and concerns of SABBWWA relating to the industry
were discussed. This provided an important alternative and independent assessment of the current
management and industry characteristics to that provided by the management authority.
2.3 Review
The first part of the study was to conduct a review of boat-based whale watching. This included a
search for information on the boat-based whale watching industry in South Africa. The main output of
this task was a review of the whale watching industry internationally, in order to set the South African
industry within a larger context, in terms of the quality of resources, demand for whale watching and
its economic value, as well as the way in which boat-based whale watching is managed
internationally. The review also served to set a framework for understanding the industry and its
potential for growth through a review of its establishment and growth in South Africa, the existence of
supporting and enabling frameworks and a description of the existing patterns of management and
control of the resources.
2.4 Questionnaire surveys and data collection
Following this, questionnaire instruments were developed for surveying permit-holders and nonpermitted
operators. Clients could not be surveyed because the study had to be conducted out of
whale watching season. The permit-holder questionnaire sought to acquire information on the nature
of the businesses involved and services provided, limitations, levels of occupancy and capital and
operating costs associated with whale watching (Box 2.1). It also elicited the operators’ perceptions
of future trends in the industry and of management. Non-permitted operators interviewed included
marine tour operators that illegally conducted boat-based whale watching tours to varying extents,
and some that did not, but that could potentially. In addition to marine tour operators, interviews were
also conducted with hotel owners in the Border-Kei area and on the Wild Coast.
In total, 17 of the 18 existing permit holders granted the researchers time for interviews. Permit
holders were identified through contact details and related information provided by MCM and
SABBWWA. These interviews were conducted between December 2004 and March 2005, outside
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