U.S. Whale Watching Industry of Greater Puget Sound: A Description and Baseline Analysis.

摘要

This research provides a broad range of sociocultural information regarding the U.S. SRKW whale watching industry in Puget Sound, Washington. Combined, this may help to contribute more information not only to the management of the SRKW, but to those interested in the industry as well. Information on the people of the industry may assist in learning how to best communicate with the industry, understand their level of investment in the industry, and provide insight into their connections with their local communities. Business operations information provides clarification on vessel types, differences between regions, tour type information, schedules, and levels of activity in the industry. Industry trends information from the industry members themselves can be coupled with historical data to contribute local observations. Effects on the community are the first step in gaining some insight into a broader question of the connection of the industry to their local communities. This information may be used to inform single or multiple questions or goals of the SRKW recovery plan. In addition, it provides a baseline for the comparison of similar future data collection, as well as ideas for other areas of future data collection.