Whale watching in Brazil

Authors

  • Rosany Rossi Pereira Gomes MSc in Environment, Technology, and Society, Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region - Ufersa, Mossoró, RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5981-6790
  • Vitor de Oliveira Lunardi Ph.D. in Ecology, Professor, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region - Ufersa, Mossoró, RN, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0977-382X
  • Diana Gonçalves Lunardi Ph.D. in Psychobiology, Professor, Department of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region - Ufersa, Mossoró, RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5535-2917

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18472/SustDeb.v13n2.2022.43038

Keywords:

Whale, Ecotourism, Dolphin, Aquatic mammals, Protected areas

Abstract

This study aims to investigate whale-watching in Brazil, based on a survey of their areas of occurrence, key species and current rules and regulations. The methodology includes an extensive literature review on areas where cetaceans occur in Brazil, dolphin and whale-watching, legal instruments and codes of conduct for the planning of this activity. A search for reference areas for whale watching was carried out on the homepage of tour operators and agencies. Data collection took place through phone contact, e-mail and social networks of agencies and tour operators. In this study, seven key cetacean species for ecotourism were identified, 29 reference areas, with 79% included in Protected Areas. The results of this study will be able to support actions of monitoring and inspection of whale-watching, aiming at its management and the protection of these animals.

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Author Biographies

Rosany Rossi Pereira Gomes, MSc in Environment, Technology, and Society, Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region - Ufersa, Mossoró, RN, Brazil

MSc in Environment, Technology and Society from the Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA). Graduated in Environmental Management from the University of Rio Grande do Norte State (UERN).

Vitor de Oliveira Lunardi, Ph.D. in Ecology, Professor, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region - Ufersa, Mossoró, RN, Brazil.

PhD in Ecology, MSc in Ecology and Natural Resources, Graduated in Biological Sciences and Professor at the Department of Biosciences, Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA), Mossoró, RN, Brazil. He coordinates scientific projects in animal ecology and conservation biology.

Diana Gonçalves Lunardi, Ph.D. in Psychobiology, Professor, Department of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region - Ufersa, Mossoró, RN, Brazil

PhD in Psychobiology, MSc in Ecology, graduated in Biological Sciences and Professor at the Department of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA), Mossoró, RN, Brazil. She coordinates projects that aim to support biodiversity conservation and ecotourism in protected natural areas.

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Published

2022-08-30

How to Cite

Gomes, R. R. P. . ., Lunardi, V. de O. . ., & Lunardi, . D. G. . (2022). Whale watching in Brazil. Sustainability in Debate, 13(2), 123–155. https://doi.org/10.18472/SustDeb.v13n2.2022.43038

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