A preliminary study by Oceanswell led by Dr. Asha de Vos and funded by the Lanka Environment Fund (LEF), has uncovered the widespread and illegal practice of swim-with-whales tourism in Sri Lanka, raising serious concerns about its impact on the country’s marine life, particularly whale populations. These activities are prohibited under Sri Lankan law, specifically, the Sea Mammals Observation, Regulation, and Control Regulation No. 1 of 2012 — unless special permission is granted by the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Despite the ban, the study found that at least 32 operators continue to offer swim-with-whales experiences, with a rise in operations over the past three years. Similar bans exist in countries like South Africa, New Zealand, and Canada, highlighting international recognition of risks this form of tourism poses to marine life.

To read the full story visit https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Illegal-swim-with-whales-tours-in-Sri-Lanka-pose-growing-threat-to-marine-life-Study/44-776900

Photo credit: Marla Tomorug