Vava’u Under Siege: The Fight to Save Its Whales
Tonga is a place where nature reigns supreme, and Vava’u stands out as a breathtaking gem. Each year, this island becomes a haven for humpback whales migrating to its warm, tranquil waters to give birth and nurture their young. The migration has spawned a thriving whale-watching industry, drawing tourists eager to witness these majestic creatures up close—a magical experience for those lucky enough to partake.
But as the industry grows, so do concerns about the whales’ well-being. The once well-regulated business is now threatened by new operators entering the market through questionable means. Licenses, once granted with strict environmental standards, are now being issued with increasing frequency, raising suspicions of corruption within the government.
Whales are highly sensitive to disturbances in their environment, and a flood of poorly regulated operators could have devastating effects. What was once a sanctuary risks becoming chaotic and overcrowded, where profit outweighs preservation. Seasoned operators, long attuned to the delicate balance between tourism and conservation, fear that without stricter regulations, the whales may no longer find Vava’u to be a safe haven.
The situation highlights the tension between economic growth and environmental stewardship. The whales are not only a tourist attraction but a symbol of Vava’u’s natural beauty. If unchecked, the industry’s expansion could jeopardise both the whales and the livelihoods dependent on their presence.
Alistair Coldrick, president of the Vava’u Whale Watching Operators Association (VWWOA), has been advocating for tighter regulations for years. Since moving to Tonga in 2005 and running Dolphin Pacific Diving, Coldrick has witnessed firsthand the fragile balance between tourism and conservation. The stakes are high: without proper regulation, the whales that attract visitors could disappear, threatening the industry’s survival.
In 2006, the Tongan government recognised the need for regulation, limiting the number of whale-watching licenses to 13. This decision, codified in the Whale Watching and Swimming Act 2008, was a welcome step toward protecting the environment. However, in 2012, under a new minister, the Ministry of Tourism began issuing additional licenses, undermining the initial cap. By 2023, the number of licenses had surged to 26, despite scientific warnings about the dangers of overexposure to human activity.
Marine biologists, including Dr. Lorenzo Fiori in a 2019 study, have repeatedly stressed the dangers posed by overcrowding and excessive human interaction with whales, especially mother-calf pairs. Tonga’s commitments under the South Pacific Sustainable Tourism Treaty further emphasise the importance of conservation. Yet, these warnings have been largely ignored by the Ministry of Tourism, which continues to issue licenses without regard to scientific or legal recommendations.
Efforts by the VWWOA to limit the number of licenses have been met with resistance. In 2023, Coldrick and fellow operators met with the new Ministry of Tourism CEO, who initially agreed to cap the licenses at 20. But this agreement was soon reneged, leaving operators questioning the government’s true intentions.
As the 2024 whale-watching season approaches, the future of Tonga’s industry remains uncertain. The challenge is clear: without stronger regulation and a commitment to scientific guidance, Vava’u’s paradise could be under threat.
Tonga Independent has reached out to the Ministry of Tourism for comment but has yet to receive a response. As the future of this fragile industry hangs in the balance, we remain committed to uncovering the truth and will continue to follow this story closely, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard, and the environment safeguarded.
