ESTUDO INTEGRADO DE AVALIAÇÃO DA CAPACIDADE DE CARGA DO TURISMO DE OBSERVAÇÃO DE BALEIAS NA PRAIA DO FORTE, LITORAL NORTE DA BAHIA

Abstract

Whale-watching tourism has increased rapidly in the last few years in Praia do Forte, northeastern Brazil. This increase has raised concerns about the potential consequences whale-watching induced disturbances may have on the targeted individuals and populations. To manage this activity sustainably it is important to determine its carrying capacity, which requires an understanding of the biological, social and economic dimensions involved, as well as consideration for all stakeholders and the current management capacity in place at a specific locality. Here we analyse the current literature on whale-watching carrying capacity, with examples of whale-watching management measures from different countries, and we propose an integrated framework to begin its assessment in Praia do Forte, northeastern Brazil. We conclude that whale-watching in Praia do Forte is currently a low impact activity, with no evidence of negative biological impacts on the target whale population; it is economically viable and generates employment and income for the local community; it has educational value and visitor satisfaction levels have remained high over the years. However, there is a lack of involvement from the government agencies in law enforcement and management of this activity, which relies on self-regulation by the tourist operators and collaboration with non-governmental organizations for its management. Additionally, the information currently available is insufficient to determine the carrying capacity of whale-watching tourism in Praia do Forte. Therefore, we suggest maintaining the activity at its current level until more studies and adequate management capacity are available and make recommendations to improve our understanding of this activity’s impacts and sustainable management in this locality.