Dolphins at Lovina by Francesco Ricciardi
Wildlife tourism, especially to watch dolphins and whales has doubled in the last ten years worldwide. Since the 1980s in Lovina (North Bali) local fishermen take to see dolphins in the wild tourists. But with more than 180 boats today and mismanagement of the interactions with the animals, there is a growing possibility that this activity is no longer acceptable and a decrease in the number of animals are already observed.
Lovina is a coastal area located in the north of Bali belongs to Buleleng. Once a fishing village, popular for looking for a relaxed pace and a different lifestyle, it has suffered recently from unregulated tourism development that has changed "artificial" feeling the atmosphere toward a. Many people think that the development of the new international airport, a few kilometers away from the city, the conversion rate of the site, will continue to increase to a new Kuta the North.
One of the main attractions of Lovina is the possibility of a close encounter with free-swimming dolphins to have directly in their habitat and not in captivity, as these animals are particularly abundant in the coastal waters of this area. The most common encounter is the Spinner Dolphin, but it is also possible to use other whales as Grisso dolphin, porpoises and even rarer species such as the pilot whale and the Bryde's whale.
to recognizeBack in the late 1980s, formed to bring tourists to see local fishermen self-regulating cooperatives dolphins. Now up to 180 dedicated operators small? Vessels carry passengers to watch dolphins near the coast. Most tourists come from western countries, although industrial Asian attracts visitors. A dolphin tour usually starts very early in the morning in the high season (from May to October) and takes about two hours, for a price of Rp.50,000 area per passenger for Rp.65,000. Typically boats are locally jukung to four passengers education. The village Kalibukbuk has three ports of departure for Delphi Tours, Banyualit, Kalibukbuk Aneka and while Kaliasem you have, and any departure port has its own cooperative of boats, which releases the Dolphin License. Each association has a different fixed price per trip. Two of the organizations (and Aneka Kaliasem) use Roster systems to determine which shippers tourists on any given day. The industry is otherwise unregulated
A recent study by some Indonesian and Australian researchers (P. Mustika et al The human dimensions of nature tourism in the developing world .. Watch spinner dolphins in Lovina, Bali , Indonesia. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 2013), that the degree of satisfaction of tourists (Westerners and Asians) ranged from low to medium, where the main concern of the mismanagement of the sailors during their interaction was with the animals, which are easily stressed when the boat they approach too fast or too close. In a standard tag, about 40 ships go for the dolphins were looking for, and with more than 180 boats available, it seems clear how the industry is already saturated.
dolphins at sea by Francesco Ricciardi
When a dolphin is discovered, each operator tries to get as close as possible to them to anticipate the other boats guarantee and a better experience for its guests. Of course, the animals can be very easily stressed because marine engines are very noisy, and they have to change their behavior, longer remaining underwater to avoid contact with humans. As mammals, dolphins have to regularly go to the surface to breathe and this type of approach can be very stressful for them and for their very sensitive hearing (dolphins use sounds and "echolocation" to recognize their prey). Propellers also pose a great danger to the animals that can be easily injured when boats are approaching it too fast or get too close.
The same study also pointed out that the waste in the sea and on the beach is disappointing for guests coming to Lovina. The garbage problem still does not seem to be drawn from many local sailors into consideration that let its beaches full of plastic, as in many other parts of Bali and unfortunately throughout Indonesia.
Since a normal trip takes less than two hours, it would be a good idea, the beach cleaned regularly, perhaps involved tourists who are usually happy to contribute such eco-activities. And above all these cooperatives should regulate their affiliates conduct themselves if they want to keep their activities sustainable and profitable in the future.
In many areas of the world, the self-regulation of whale operators is very effective to observe for the guarantee of adequate handling of animals and from the area do not run away to make sure, though harassed. Thus, a minimum distance from the animal for example, should be introduced, as well as a maximum approach speed and a maximum number of boats the Dolphin pods surrounded. In the same study it was reported that in many cases the number of boats usually exceeds the number of dolphins in an encounter.
An appropriate management is necessary in the interests of local boatmen who will be able to keep their jobs, the animals remain safe and for the tourists, who enjoy a more responsible use of this experience.
No national legislation on cetacean observation was still issued for Indonesia. Moreover, as the developing countries a limited capacity have to deliver effective compliance, a self-control directly from the Dolphin Boat Association is really in the same manner required, the diving centers of south Bali try to regulate the Mantas and Mola Mola encounter Nusa Lembongan. If the situation remains the same, it has the potential to cause significant disturbance to the local whale populations and connect with at least 60% overnight guests in Lovina the Dolphin Excursions, a decline in tourist satisfaction, which could harm the current tourism industry.
travel tips
Province: North Bali
Directions: Lovina located on the north side of the island. They are about 3 hours by car to get there. Expect to pay about Rp.500,000 for a one-way transit, including car and driver. Since Dolphin tours start early in the morning, preferably at least one night in Lovina plan
night: .. Lovina many accommodation offers, from simple homestays to high-end resorts
What to bring :. sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, seasickness pills, a camera with a good zoom and possibly a waterproof cover
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