Philosophy
Whale Discoveries was formed with the goal of promoting whale watching in
Tonga as a means of conserving the South Pacific humpback whale, which came close
to the brink of extinction following decades of whaling. Whale Discoveries is not
exclusively a commercial venture; it is more importantly an opportunity for us to
celebrate with others the gradual recovery of Tonga's humpback whale population
and to heighten awareness at the local, national and international levels of the
value of preserving these magnificent creatures.
The name "Whale Discoveries" reflects our philosophy that the more we learn
about whales the more there is to discover about these complex mammals. The name
"Whale Discoveries" thus also serves as our reminder to maintain an attitude of
humility as our understanding of whales, their habitat and behaviours increases.
Staff Profiles
A native of Tonga, 'Epeli has spent most of his life fishing
from boats and the past 12 years guiding sea kayak and whale watch tours for
Friendly Islands Kayak Company around the Vava'u Islands. 'Epeli has thus
acquired a wealth of first-hand knowledge and experience of his tropical marine
environment. He not only knows the intricate reef system like the back of his
hand, but is also very knowledgeable about the habitats and behaviours of diverse
marine life in his local waters. In more recent years, 'Epeli has sought to
broaden his understanding of the humpback whale and to refine his boat handling
skills via training workshops for tour operators and professional guides. 'Epeli
is a qualified Boat Master and skipper of Whale Discoveries' vessel, Tropic Bird.
His passengers can rest assured that they are in safe hands and will appreciate
'Epeli's vast knowledge and charismatic personality.
Also a native of Vava'u and a man of the sea, Lotu has developed
superior diving, boat handling and interpersonal skills through his experience in
the tourism industry. After working for a local dive operator for a couple of
years, Lotu joined Friendly Islands Kayak Company as a sea kayak and whale watch
guide in the year 2000. He is also a crewman and interpreter aboard our whale
watch vessel, Tropic Bird. Lotu's technical skills together with his gentle
nature ("Lotu" means "prayerful") and deep respect for his natural environment
render him a valuable asset to Whale Discoveries' team.
Sharon brings to Whale Discoveries 14 years of experience in
eco-tourism with Friendly Islands Kayak Company as Managing Director, sea kayak guide and
whale watch interpreter. Formerly a clinical psychologist, Sharon's warm,
friendly nature makes her overseas guests feel immediately welcome and at ease.
Her mindfulness of the importance of preserving Tonga's culture and natural
environment is equally genuine as testified by her efforts to educate others in
cultural protocol and conservation, particularly in regards to the South Pacific
humpback whale.
Doug shares Sharon's philosophy and aims, and works
together with her to translate these into positive action. In addition to decades
of nautical experience and 12 years in the adventure tourism industry, Doug's
handyman skills serve the company well and lend that all-important practical
dimension to the operation. Doug services Tropic Bird's engines and maintains all
of the equipment to a high standard ensuring a safe, comfortable trip for all.
On-board, Doug's contributions to the interpretive narrations and his wry humour
keep things interesting and lively.
Research Support
Whale Discoveries is strongly in favour of scientific research and is open to
supporting quality research based on sound methodology and ethics.
Research studies of humpback whale demographics are vital to the recovery of
Tonga's humpback whale population. For instance, population statistics may be
used to argue against the resumption of whaling in Tonga in that such an activity
would be unsustainable.
Furthermore, objective information regarding whale behaviour aids in the
development of minimal impact guidelines for whale watching and ultimately of a
sustainable whale watch industry.
Whale Discoveries guests have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research
studies of the humpback whale by submitting photos of flukes (tails) for
inclusion in identification catalogues.
In addition, Whale Discoveries supports the proposal to conduct research into the
impacts of swimming with whales. Tonga is one of only two nations in the world
where commercial swim operations are legal. Owing to the risks of injury or harm
to swimmers and cetaceans, the majority of nations do not allow people to
deliberately swim in the vicinity of whales or other cetaceans without a special
permit. Thus, there is an urgent need for research to monitor the whales'
responses to swimmers and any changes in the whales' behaviour associated with
commercial swim operations in Tonga. Whale Discoveries does not offer commercial
swim with whale programs, however we would consider participating in such
research in the interest of the whales.
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Contributions to the Development of Tonga's Whale Watch Industry
The Directors and guides of Whale Discoveries work cooperatively with
government agencies and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) towards the
development of a sustainable whale watch industry in Tonga. Our team participated
in the inaugural 1996 Whale Watching Operator and Guides Training Workshop
conducted in Vava'u, Tonga by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme
(SPREP) and Whales Alive at the invitation of the Government of Tonga.
Together with other operators, guides and government representatives we
actively contributed to developing Vision 2000 and a set of recommended
guidelines for Whale Watching Tourism in Tonga. Endorsed by the Government in
1997, the Tongan Whale Watch Guidelines reflect the best of industry standards
and are designed to minimize the impact of commercial whale watching activities
on the behaviour of the whales. Currently, we are contributing to the review of
Tonga's guidelines, following several years of trial and evaluation.
Since the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) joined the project in
1999, our team has supported this NGO's efforts as well, participating in Whales
Alive/IFAW's annual training sessions in boat handling and interpretation of
whale behaviour.
Whale Discoveries looks forward to the formation of the Tongan National Whale
Watching Association.
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