South Africa boasts a stringent regulatory framework for boat-based whale watching (BBWW) operations, often cited as a global exemplar. Initially established in 1998, these regulations were put in place to safeguard the Southern Right Whale population. Remarkably, this population has shown a recovery rate of approximately 7% annually, a statistic tracked by the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit at the University of Pretoria.
Within Plettenberg Bay, only two BBWW companies have received authorization to operate, and they are subject to the comprehensive permit regulations of the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). These regulations encompass a wide range of factors, including protocols for interactions between vessels and cetaceans, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, upholding fair labour practices, promoting environmental sustainability, and actively participating in marine conservation endeavours.
Beyond the regulatory framework, a recent milestone was the execution of a Sustainable Marine Tourism case study. This was designed to support local recreational boat owners to responsibly navigate their vessels near cetaceans, while also updating crucial information for the BBWW industry. As an outcome of this initiative, an array of educational resources has been created, vetted, and distributed within Plettenberg Bay by various stakeholders.
Helpful links
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