Ande from the Sunshine Coast recently released some very creative and thought-provoking findings. They determined that the sounds of humpback whales majorly impact emotional connection and intention to conserve from whale watchers. Dr. Vikki Schaffer, the study’s lead researcher, reflected on these impactful sounds that humpback whales produce when they pound their peduncles against the ocean surface. Such sounds inspire wonder and foster ecological awareness in visitors. Sociologists joined multiple whale watching as well as swim-with-whales experiences spanning three whale seasons. Their efforts to collect data offshore from Mooloolaba, one of the best places in the world to see the annual migration of these majestic creatures.
Additional research indicates that North Atlantic humpback whale populations have recovered enough that these populations are now growing and can sustain take. At the same time, ecotourism is exploding in demand. Each year, millions of tourists storm into Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Their hearts dance at the thought of the majestic views and sounds that accompany this seasonal extravaganza. The interdisciplinary research team aimed to use the power of sound to help people develop emotional connections to marine life. They paired visitor surveys with passive acoustic data gathered from hydrophones mounted on Sunreef vessels.
The Power of Sound
Dr. Schaffer’s comment about sound being an important natural resource that is usually ignored is spot on. As she put it, “Tourism has really been presented to us as this kind of visual experience. Yet our other senses—most notably sound—play a profound role in shaping long-lasting relationships with places and species. They inspire our curiosity, wonder, and exploration of the world around us. The experience design team invited participants into a new world with the immersive approach. They inspired people to listen as well as look on their tours.
The results were striking. While they work together toward their common goals, participants reported experiencing deeply moving responses to the whales’ sounds. Dr. Schaffer shared, “Emotionally, participants said the sounds made them feel happy, excited, very humble, in awe and calm.” This feedback highlights the potential for sound to deepen the visitor experience and foster a meaningful connection with marine environments.
Impacts on Marine Tourism
This study delivers some key findings with important implications for conservation. These results are an important resource against the marine tourism industry. Dr. Schaffer’s ultimate goal is for these findings to direct the design of future whale-watching tours. She hopes they will make a longterm imprint on the kids’ future care for the environment.
Sunreef’s John Fell, a representative for the new alliance, underscored this view, adding that their goal goes beyond just tourism. “We’re not just running a tour — we’re helping people fall in love with the ocean,” he stated. This commitment aligns with Dr. Schaffer’s vision, which is to encourage visitors to “walk away not just with a photo but with a mindset that supports protecting our oceans.”
Encouraging Conservation Through Experience
The research highlights an interesting new development in the world of ecotourism, focusing on more enriching experiences rather than traditional bucket list sightseeing. As Dr. Schaffer noted, “Immersive tourism is all about capturing the imagination and igniting the senses.” Sunreef uses sound to their advantage, and as an incredible engagement tool. Religion aside, this approach fosters impactful memories that motivate attendees to become marine protectors themselves.
In good news, humpback whale numbers are rebounding — great news indeed! It’s more important than ever that visitors learn what they can do to protect our sensitive marine ecosystems. Those sonically developed emotional ties are more than just shades of artistry, they’re advocacy and awareness powerhouses. This strategy protects everyone who experiences these incredible animals in the wild.
