Each year, about 20,000 gray whales migrate along the Oregon Coast. Roughly 200 remain during the summer to feed. These whales share coastal waters with whale-watching charters, recreational boaters and commercial fishers. Until recently, little data existed on how boats affect whale behavior and well-being.
To promote responsible practices, Leigh Torres worked with charter boat companies, fishermen and conservationists to create voluntary guidelines for watching whales without disturbing them.
Leigh Torres, marine mammals Extension specialist with Oregon Sea Grant, and a graduate student studied gray whales’ feeding behavior, ecology and health along the coast. They observed how whales reacted when boats approached and found several statistically significant changes in whale behavior depending on whether vessels were nearby.
For example, whales spent 8% less time searching for food when vessels were present. They were more likely to continue traveling and less likely to stop and forage. Researchers noted that while whales may tolerate vessels when food is abundant, their presence does not mean boats have no impact.
Whale watching is an important part of Oregon’s coastal tourism. While specific figures for whale watching are not isolated, coastal tourism — which includes whale watching — has seen increased visitor spending. For instance, the South Coast region reached a new all-time high of approximately $561 million in visitor spending over the past five years.
To promote responsible practices, Torres worked with charter boat companies, fishermen and conservationists to create voluntary guidelines for watching whales without disturbing them. Oregon Sea Grant helped produce a brochure to share the recommendations.
The first print run in 2017 included 8,000 brochures. They were widely distributed at the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay and at charter businesses in Depoe Bay, Newport and Port Orford. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department later requested an additional 2,000 brochures.
