The Whale Community of Husavik: Examining Perceptions & Experiences Surrounding Whale Ecotourism & Conservation

The whale watching industry is rapidly expanding throughout the world. Researchers have found that the experience of whale watching holds value within the context of ecological education and can foster a sensitivity towards environmental issues. Meanwhile, other researchers are concerned that the industry will do more harm than good to vulnerable populations of whales. This research explores these concerns in Husavik, a town in northern Iceland that largely owes its success to the diversity of its whale ecotourism opportunities. Through semi-structured interviews with individuals with careers within (or in collaboration with) the whale watching industry in Husavik, data was collected on current perceptions of the industry and larger issues surrounding whale conservation. Within these topics, barriers were explored that exist within the local environment that threaten both the industry and the whales, as well as the over-arching narrative of those working within the industry.