Whale‐watching trips in Peru lead to increases in tourist knowledge, pro‐conservation intentions and tourist concern for the impacts of whale‐watching on humpback whales

摘要: Since the implementation of commercial whaling ban in 1980s, whale‐watching has become most important economic activity involving whales worldwide. Whale‐watching is promoted as a platform for education and conservation awareness marine biodiversity. In Peru, where cetacean species are still jeopardy, may play an part promoting protection these species. This study aimed to determine degree tourists' knowledge regarding ecology status evaluate if tours could serve platforms educating public raising awareness. The results 196 closed‐ended questionnaires 20 open‐ended interviews conducted before after tours, during humpback whale season (winter–spring 2014) northern revealed overall lack concerning presence cetaceans Peruvian waters threats However, excursion, participants said they would be more willing change their behaviour with respect environment protection. suggests that platforms, when implemented adequate interpreters, can source environmental raise strategy consider countries, such by‐catch direct hunting decimating local populations.