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 that had been known for the taking 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 organization 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 rather than dead. The ultimate goal is to persuade individuals and communities to move away from killing whales in favor of taking people out on a responsible whale watch to experience them in their natural habitat.

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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