*Workshop on the future of Whale & Dolphin Watching* *Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland, 9.00 – 17.30 Saturday 24th March 2012* *Organised by Planet Whale to coincide with the ECS Conference (please note that this is a fee paying workshop being run independently of the ECS)* Current cetacean research is highly dependent on the whale and dolphin watching industry. Indeed some organisations run tours in order to fund their research and ongoing conservation efforts. Yet this same research is increasingly implicating the whale watching industry as having a potential detrimental effect on cetaceans. Planet Whale is pleased to announce the second in a series of workshops that bring together scientists, conservationists, and whale watch operators to discuss new techniques to raise the standards of whale and dolphin watching so that it is increasingly beneficial as a tool for scientific research, conservation, and educational outreach. A workshop focussed on ethics During the workshop we will look closely at five critical aspects of whale and dolphin watching as a tool for scientific research, conservation, and educational outreach. Planet Whale has recently launched the world’s first review system that asks customers to rate and review trips based on these five critical aspects. They are: 1. Emphasis on the trip operator’s own research or support for conservation? 2. How well did the trip publicise and use guidelines for safe approach to whales / dolphins? 3. How valuable was the trip as a learning experience? 4. How well did the trip meet your expectations? 5. How well did the trip minimise its impact on the marine environment? Workshop itinerary 9.00 Welcome and coffee 9.30 Introduction. Dylan Walker and Ian Rowlands introduce the Planet Whale rating and review scheme and a new strategy for the sustainable and economic development of the whale and dolphin watching industry. 10.30 – 12.00 Market leaders We reveal how five whale and dolphin watch operators have developed methods that have led to improved standards. 12.00 – 13.00 Break for lunch 13.00 – 15.30 Workshop Activity The workshop will be devoted to interpreting feedback from the Planet Whale review system, sharing experiences, and benefitting from the knowledge of colleagues in order to build strategies that will raise the standards of whale and dolphin watching. 15.30 – 16.00 Coffee break 16.00 – 17.00 Summary Workshop groups summarise shared knowledge on best-practice in key areas. 17.00 – 17.30 Discussion Discussion on how whale and dolphin watch operators can best benefit from being ‘market leaders’ in sustainable whale watching, including options for developing closer links with the scientific community. 17.30 End How to join the workshop The workshop fee is €95 per person, €45 for students. To reserve your place on the workshop contact Dylan Walker on email: dylan@planetwhale.com or telephone +44 (0)1273 355011. Your email or phone booking will enable us to hold your place for ten working days while payment is made. Once we receive payment we will confirm your booking in writing. Payments should be sent by direct bank transfer to: Bank: HSBC Account name: Planet Whale Ltd Sort code: 40-14-03 Account no: 32364948 IBAN: GB81MIDL40140332364948 SWIFT CODE: MIDLGB2111V Alternatively, if you are in the UK you can pay by cheque made payable to ‘Planet Whale Ltd’ and sent to Planet Whale, 2a Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2FL. Date and location The event will be held between 9.00 – 17.30 at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland, on Saturday 24th March 2012, the day before the opening of the European Cetacean Society Conference at the same location. Capacity for the venue is 35 people so we recommend that you book early to guarantee your place. Access and Accommodation Further information on the venue and room location will be provided to attendees closer to the event. *SUSTAINABLE WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING: A tour to see wild whales or dolphins by a commercial operator who accepts a responsibility to preserve and protect the animals and ecosystems they interact with. Sustainable whale and dolphin watch operators invest, where possible, in local conservation efforts and offer the best learning experiences for passengers. They act according to codes of conduct which put the welfare of whales and dolphins first. Regards, Dylan Walker Co-Founder www.planetwhale.com Office: +44 (0)1273 355011 Planet Whale, 2a Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FL, UK Planet Whale is the global community that will change the way we view whales and dolphins forever. By harnessing the passion and ideas of individuals, we will achieve more to protect and defend our oceans than ever before.