Impacts of whale watching on the cetaceans and coastal populations in Bais City, Philippines, 1999.

Date

2001

Abstract

The whale watching ecotourism in Bais City, Philippines was examined for its impacts on the cetaceans and coastal populations. Impacts of cetaceans such as changes in population size and species diversity were determined by comparing secondary data from ocular surveys conducted in 1992 and 1998. A survey was conducted among households involved in fishing, whale watching ecotourism, and those who are not involved in any of these activities in barangay Capinahan, the base of the whale watching activities, to assess impacts on the coastal populations.A survey of questionnaire was used to determine respondents' socio-demographic profile, household income, income disposition, and perception on and attitude towards the value of cetaceans and other related issues. Analysis of varience was used to determine significant difference in the income, income disposition, and perception and attitude scores among the three household groups. Correlation analysis was done to determine relationship of perception and attitude items with the socio- demographic characteristics of the respondents. Fishing households were also asked for observed changes in their fishery resources following the establishment of the whale watching ecotourism in their area. Whale watching activities have no significant effect on the species diversity and population size of cetaceans since its establishment in 1996 to date, although this may due to the short period of observation. However, the absence of existing whale watching guidelines may result to negative effects on the cetaceans in the long run. Whale watching activities have caused damage to fishing gears, have led to poor water quality, and consequently low fish catch in the area near the wharf.There is no significant difference in the household income among the three household groups. Tourism households, however, spend significantly more (P0.05) on recreational activities and significantly lesser (P0.05) on food and other basic necessities than the two other groups. There is no significant difference in the perception scores among household groups. The respondents' perception scores on the impacts of human activities on cetaceans are significantly (P0.05) correlated with educational level while the perception scores on the economic benefits of whale watching are significantly (P0.05) correlated with household income. Tourism households have significantly higher (P0.05) mean attitude score toward practices affecting cetaceans but significantly lower (P0.05) mean attitude score toward operation of whale watching.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 995 2001 E8 E92

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