Authorities in Mauritius are taking decisive action against the growing trend of "whale-chasing" among tourists, particularly from China and Taiwan. These influencers often embark on whale-watching cruises, aiming to capture stunning images for social media while swimming with cetaceans.
The Indian Ocean island is recognized as a vital habitat for whales, especially humpback and sperm whales, which breed there from June to October. However, the surge in social media-driven whale interactions has raised concerns regarding the welfare of these marine mammals during their breeding season.
Recent posts on the Chinese platform Xiaohongshu showcase tourists, sometimes in mermaid costumes, swimming with whales, prompting the Mauritius Tourism Authority to issue warnings. They emphasized that allowing swimming with whales is illegal and could result in severe penalties for boat operators.
Despite these regulations, the influx of tourists eager to swim with whales continues, often ignoring the new laws. Signs have been placed at airports to remind visitors of the ban, but many arrive prepared for whale encounters.
In response to the chaos, the Mauritian government has enacted a ban on swimming with whales, imposing larger fines and potential imprisonment for violations. This law aims to protect the whales, especially mothers and calves, from disturbances that could disrupt their natural behaviors.
While whale populations are increasing globally, the situation in Mauritius is concerning, with local numbers declining, likely due to human activities. Sustainable whale-watching practices from other regions, such as Dominica and Argentina, could serve as models for Mauritius to ensure the protection of its marine life while allowing responsible tourism.