Latest News from Vava'u Island Group, Tonga
18th June 2008
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Tonga National Day of Action for Whales
Logo for the day
On the morning of Saturday 14th at Halaevalu wharf a special function was held to mark the Tonga National Day of Action for whales.
Olive Andrews from the International Fund for Animal Welfare of Samoa was here to launch a report for IFAW and Operations Cetaces June 2008.
Olive Andrew from the IFAW
Paula Tatafu was the guest of honour and launched the report and and gave special thanks for the IFAW Organisation and also whale operators of Vavaú making this a special occassion. There are 12 whale operators in the group.
Paula Tatafu launching the report booklet.
Whale watching in the Kingdom of Tonga continues to contribute strongly to the country's economy, with whales an iconic species for the tourism industry.
In 2006, there were more than 9,800 whale watch participants in Tonga, representing annual average growth of 20% since 1998. These whale watchers generated a total estimated expenditure of approximately Tongan paánga (Top) 3.82 million (USD 1.89 million).
There is a risk that Vavaú could damage its reputation if vessels are seen to be queuing for whale viewing opportunities or harrassing mother and calf pairs. Tourists paying a significant amount of money will be sensitive to the mass market model of whale swimming/watching, refered the IFAW report.
Programme participants.
Left to right: Puluno Toke, Sione Paea, Lolesio Lui, Olive, Paula and Paul of Dive Vavaú.
From the Pangaimotu floorshow during the function
From the Pangaimotu floorshow during the function
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