OUR MISSION
Protecting cetaceans through the charter Shelltone-Whale Respect
Thee whale watching!
Whale watching is a tourist activity which, although fascinating, is becoming increasingly popular. often abusive. Organizations use irresponsible practices that seriously disturb cetaceans. These animals are harassed, their natural behaviour is altered and their stress increases, which can be detrimental to their health and reproduction.
Excessive exploitation of this activity threatens not only the ecological balance, but also the well-being of whales. There is an urgent need to regulate this practice to protect these giants of the oceans and allow them to live in peace in their natural habitat.
Our aim: protection and awareness
We are fully committed to protecting and conserving cetaceans in their natural environment. Faced with the worrying increase in abusive whale watching, which seriously disturbs whales and their habitat, we are working to to promote respectful and ethical practices. Our mission is to raise public awareness and thetourism operators to the importance of conserving cetaceans and minimising human impact on these vulnerable species.
The creation of the Shelltone Whale charter Respect
To achieve this objective, we have created a charter that respects for cetaceans. This charter establishes strict guidelines for whale watching, aimed at protecting their well-being and preserving their ecosystem.
We encourage a sustainable and responsible approach, where education and awareness are at the heart of tourist experiences. By adhering to this charter, operators undertake to maintain a safe distance, to limit the number of boats in the vicinity of cetaceans, and to avoid any form of harassment or disruption.
Let's all take action!
We firmly believe that by respecting these principles, it is possible to reconciling the public's sense of wonder these majestic marine animals and the essential preservation of their well-being and their natural habitat.
Together, we can work towards a future in which whale watching is carried out in a way that respects and protects the oceans.
We therefore encourage anyone wishing to go whale watching to to use the operators on our siteThis guarantees that they comply with the Shelltone Whale Respect charter. By choosing these operators, you are actively helping to protect cetaceans and promoting sustainable and ethical tourism.
TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT CETACEANS
BY CHOOSING THE RIGHT OPERATOR FOR YOUR OUTING
Pierre Lavagne De Castellan
Marine bioacoustician - Ethologist - Founder of the Shelltone Whale Project
Since 1981, my passion for cetaceans and my research into inter-species communication with whales have led me to work in habitats where these animals live and reproduce. Over the years, I have watched whale watching evolve from a confidential activity reserved for enthusiasts and scientists in the 80s and 90s to a mass tourist activity in the 2000s.
This uncontrolled development has led to a proliferation of boats in cetacean habitat, often using disrespectful approaches dictated by the need to satisfy tourist expectations. The consequences of this constant harassment quickly became apparent: stress, loss of appetite and libido in the animals, and even abandonment of certain territories.
Despite the efforts of marine sanctuaries to regulate this activity through charters and training courses, many operators continue to flout the rules, seeking spectacular and intrusive approaches with no real controls.
Fortunately, I have met operators who are passionate and respectful, guided by their love of cetaceans and not by profit. Their knowledge enables them to take a gentle and respectful approach, creating authentic and peaceful encounters with the animals.
The Shelltone Whale Project aims to list and promote these conscientious operators, offering everyone the chance to choose a harmonious experience at sea that respects cetaceans. By booking your trips through our organisation, you are supporting our mission to promote responsible practices and protect cetaceans from intrusive approaches.
