Keith Woolford Posted September 17, 2017 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Scientists and marine biologists have successfully spearheaded a campaign for better control of tourism around whales and dolphins. The new regulations will take effect on October 2nd. https://twitter.com/prensacom/status/909282387405795328 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Woolford Posted September 17, 2017 Author Share Posted September 17, 2017 No wonder these steps were necessary. Check out these idiots. https://twitter.com/TReporta/status/909525747609501696 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brundageba Posted September 17, 2017 Share Posted September 17, 2017 WOW. In Hawaii you can get in BIG trouble for doing that !!!!! Too bad those whales didn't give them a working over with their tail. ...or dive-bomb them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_02 Posted September 20, 2017 Moderators Share Posted September 20, 2017 Quote Tougher rules for whale watchers Posted on September 17, 2017 in Panama Post Views: 433 IRRESPONSIBLE behavior by some tourist operators has led to tougher regulations for whale and dolphin watching from October 2. The Ministry of Environment has created new protocol of whale watching (whales and dolphins) which imposes stricter sanctions. The practice, which has grown ecotourism in the country sometimes disturbs the marine species and their environment. In recent decades the interaction of humans with cetaceans (dolphins and whales), through tourism, grew considerably in Panama reports La Prensa Although there is a regulation introduced in 2007, scientists, biologists, and authorities of the Ministry of Environment agree that the activity is growing and in some areas, is practiced “irresponsibly”. Throughout Panama there are about eight localities where the sighting of Cetaceans, is pactised including Contadora Island and the Las Perlas archipelago along with the Coiba National Park, in Veraguas; the gulf of Chiriquí and Isla Colón, in Bocas del Toro. In the latter area, physical damage to several dolphins has occurred and one of the mammals was killed, There is concern in the scientific community because this type of “uncontrolled” activity can disrupt species of both whales and dolphins. Reports from the Ministry of Environment note that between June and October, about 2,000 whales arrive from Antarctica to warm Panamanian waters. The migration covers about 10,000 kilometers. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientist Héctor Guzman says that whales arriving from the Southern Hemisphere are currently in Panama, attracting a lot of tourists. “As they are migratory species, they must be protected to ensure ustainable tourism in the country,” he said. Guzman stressed that if not properly checked tourists will not know if the tourist operators are committing some infraction. “We are aware of vessels that closely follow mothers with offspring and this situation is due to the lack of supervision, “he added. http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/tougher-rules-whale-watchers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_02 Posted October 22, 2017 Moderators Share Posted October 22, 2017 Quote Whale harassment facing $10,000 fines Posted on October 19, 2017 in Panama, Panama Post Views: 210 PANAMA’S Environment MINISTRY (MiAmbiente) has introduced fines of up to $10,000 for harassment of whales and dolphins. The measure announced Wednesday, October 18 seeks to guarantee the safety of those involved and to avoid stress to the species, which represent a potential for ecotourism. A resolution adopted five days earlier establishes fines ranging from $1,000 for approaching less than 250 meters, up to $5,000 for approaching less than 50 meters and for recidivism double the fine or up to $10,000. Environmentalists welcomed the move, but eyebrows were raised when it was equated with tourism revenue. Environment Minister Emilio Sempris said: “this regulation was necessary, as we are experimenting with a major boom in ecotourism in Panama, and we do not want the irresponsible sighting of whales and dolphins off our coasts and seas, impacting the balance of the ecosystem and the income that is generated for the country by this ecotourism activity.” http://www.newsroompanama.com/environment/panama-3/whale-harassment-facing-10000-fines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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