Whalers turn whale watchers

WDC and the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund are celebrating the launch of two boats that will be dedicated to whale and wildlife watching tours.

The two vessels will operate out of Barrouallie, a place better known for the hunting of pilot whales, orcas and some species of dolphins. However, since 2014, WDC has supported a project called Promotion of Responsible Whale Watching in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which is run by Argentinean organisation and WDC partner, Fundación Cethus, in cooperation with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Preservation Fund (SVGPF), a local conservation group.

The project aims to demonstrate that whales are worth more to individuals and to economies alive than dead, and so persuade individuals and communities to move away from hunting whales in favour of taking people out on the water to experience them in a responsible way.

Barrouallie lies on the west coast of Saint Vincent, mainland of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and is home to incredible marine life.

Lennox Stephens a former whaler, has signed an agreement with committing to laying down his harpoon in exchange for help with developing an eco-tourism business. With WDC’s support, Lennox has undertaken training on responsible eco-tourism.

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