Recreational Use, Valuation, and Management, of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) on Canada's Pacific Coast

Abstract

The management of many ocean wildlife species is left in an institutional void, yet certain species command considerable public attention and have burgeoning management problems. In this paper the non-consumptive recreational use of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) on Canada's Pacific Ocean coast is used as an example of management difficulties that are associated with oceanic species. Problems associated with jurisdiction and institutional arrangements are coupled to significant levels of biological uncertainty and restricted management options, as well as to management concerns associated with the human domain. The case is conceptualized as an interaction between the human and more general ecological spheres, mediated by the history of the relationship between humans and the species in question. Two routes to regulation are presented, dealing respectively with the human and ecological aspects. Of particular significance is the idea that both types of information are necessary to maximize utility to both the human user and the Whales.Results from an ongoing study of recreational use are presented to indicate some of the variables that have emerged. These are to be interpreted within current resource management infrastructure to create a tenuous situation. The unfortunate logic that results from this study is that if Killer Whales (a high-profile species) in Canada (a well-endowed nation) have not warranted more substantial protection, then the outlook for less well-known marine species in areas of the world where resource management priorities involve more direct survival concerns, is not optimistic.

Respondent uncertainty in contingent valuation: the case of whale conservation in Newfoundland and Labrador

“…More recently, Bulte and Van Kooten (1999) studied the case of minke whales in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. We are not aware of any valuation studies of whales in Canadian waters, with the exception of Du¤us and Dearden (1993) who examined killer whales on Canadian Paci…c Coast.…”

Effects of tourist boats on the behaviour of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins off the south coast of Zanzibar

“…It presents a potentially sustainable use of cetaceans and an economically viable alternative to whaling (Hoyt 1993). Cetacean-watching also improves people's attitude toward the marine environment (Orams 1997) and promotes public support for conservation issues that the targeted species face (Duffus & Dearden 1993), while simultaneously benefiting local economies (Hoyt 2001). However, during the last decade cetaceanwatching has become more close-up and interactive instead of the traditional passive viewing from a safe distance (Spradlin et al 2001).…”

Bear viewing in the K'tzim-a-deen inlet: Effects on grizzly bear behaviour and visitor perceptions of impact.

“…Analytical rigour that investigates the value of natural assets, demand estimates, social carrying capacity and economic benefits derived from the resource should also be applied during the planning process (Herath, 2002). If management plans are developed without considering both the human and ecological aspects of use, degradation of the resource and ecosystem will result (Duffus & Dearden, 1993). The remainder of this chapter provides an in-depth examination of the literature and discusses previous research efforts that have been focused on the impacts of non-consumptive recreation on wildlife, and the impacts of wildlife-viewing tourism in particular on wildlife and ecosystems throughout the world.…”

“…Some of these impacts may appear inconsequential, however, continued exposure to the disturbance may result in long-term impacts to the population's reproductive success, or even overall ecosystem health (Duffus & Dearden, 1993;Green & Giese, 2004).…”

“…Conservation may be one of the primary objectives of management, but understanding the needs and perceptions of visitors is equally important in the planning process (Duffus & Dearden, 1993).…”