Katheryn Patterson

Impacts of Public Attitudes on Dolphins: a Case Study on Belizean Tourist Attitudes to Cetacean Conservation Issues Katheryn Patterson

With whalewatching activities and associated expenditures increasing annually, governments in coastal countries have a vested interest in the continued growth and protection of whale populations and their associated tourism. To date there have been no surveys conducted to establish baseline levels of public behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge of cetaceans or their conservation in Belize. This survey quantifies the level of impact that whalewatching has on the conservation awareness gained by tourists. In addition the survey sought to determine whether tourists are less likely to go to anti-whaling or pro-whaling countries on holiday; whether tourists are more or less likely to go to captive facilities or on dolphin or whalewatching excursions; whether tourists gain or increase their level of environmental awareness by observing dolphins in their natural habitat; and to quantify the respondents' overall environmental attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge. This survey provides evidence and encouragement to Belizean government officials in favor of maintaining protective cetacean legislation and conservation-based policies.