Dolphins Lovina by Francesco Ricciardi
wildlife tourism, especially dolphins and whales, has doubled worldwide in the last decade. Since the 1980s, Lovina (North Bali) local fishermen bring tourists to see dolphins in the wild. But with over 180 boats today and mismanagement of interactions with animals, there is a possibility of increasing that this activity will become unsustainable and a decrease in the number of animals already observed.
Lovina is a coastal area in northern Bali belonging to the Buleleng Regency. Once a fishing village, popular for those seeking a relaxed pace and a different way of life, he recently suffered from unregulated tourism development that changed the atmosphere to feeling more "artificial". Many people think that the development of the new international airport, outside the city a few kilometers, will further increase the rate of the area to a new North Kuta transformation.
One of the main attractions of Lovina is the possibility of having a meeting with the dolphins swimming freely directly in their habitat and not in captivity, because these animals are particularly abundant in the coastal waters of this region. The most common is the Spinner dolphin encounter, but it is also possible to identify other cetaceans such as dolphins Grisso, dolphins and even rarer species such as pilot whale and Bryde.
Back in the late 1980s, local fishermen cooperatives formed self-regulation to bring tourists to see dolphins. Now up to 180 dedicated operators use small fishing boats? To transport passengers to watch dolphins close to shore. Most tourists come from Western countries, although the industry also attracts Asian visitors. A dolphin tour normally starts early in the morning during the high season (May to October) and lasts about two hours, for a price ranging from Rp.50,000 to Rp.65,000 per passenger. Typically boats are local jukung bring up to four passengers. The village of Kalibukbuk has three ports of departure for tours of dolphins, Banyualit, Kalibukbuk Aneka and while Kaliasem one, and each departure port has its own boat cooperative, which releases the dolphin license. Each association has a different fixed price per trip. Two associations (Aneka and Kaliasem) use file systems to determine the boatmen take tourists on a particular day. The industry is also regulated
A recent study by some Indonesian and Australian researchers (P. Mustika et al The human dimensions of wildlife tourism in developing countries .. watch dolphins in Lovina, Bali, Indonesia. Journal of sustainable tourism, 2013) that the degree of satisfaction of tourists (Westerners and Asians) ranged from low to medium, where the main concern was the mismanagement boaters during their interaction with animals which are easily stressed if the boat is approaching them too fast or too close. In a typical day, about 40 ships go for the dolphins, and more than 180 boats, it is clear that the industry is already saturated.
The dolphins at sea by Francesco Ricciardi
When a group of dolphins is spotted, each boat driver tries to get as close as possible to anticipate other boats and to ensure a better experience for its customers. Of course, the animals are stressed very easily from boat motors are very noisy and they have to change their behavior, remaining under water longer to avoid contact with humans. Being mammals, dolphins have to go regularly to the surface to breathe and this kind of approach can be very stressful for them and for their very sensitive hearing (dolphins use sounds and "echolocation" to detect their prey). Propellers also pose a great danger to the animals that can be easily injured if the boats are approaching too fast or too close.
The same study also showed that the waste in the sea and on the beach is disappointing for guests coming to Lovina. The issue of garbage still does not seem to be regarded by many local boatmen who let their beaches filled plastic, as in many other parts of Bali and unfortunately all of Indonesia.
Since a normal trip takes less than two hours, it would be a good idea to periodically clean the beach, perhaps involving tourists are normally happy to contribute to these eco-activities. Importantly, these cooperatives should regulate the conduct of their subsidiaries if they want to keep their sustainable and profitable business even in the future.
In many parts of the world, self-regulation of whale watching operators is very effective to ensure proper interaction with animals and ensure they do not go away from the area if it is too harassed. For example, a minimum distance of the animal should be imposed, and a maximum speed of approach and maximum number of vessels surrounding the dolphin pods. In the same study, it was reported that in many cases the number of boats in a meeting normally exceeds the number of dolphins.
Proper management is necessary for the good of the two local boatmen who will be able to keep their jobs, animals that remain safely and for tourists who enjoy a more responsible management of this experience .
No national regulations on whale watching was even issued for Indonesia. In addition, developing countries have limited capacity to provide effective compliance, self-regulation directly from the dolphin boat association is really necessary, in the same way the southern Bali diving centers are trying to regulate mola mola and manta rays meeting in Nusa Lembongan. If the situation remains the same, it has the potential to cause significant disruption to the local whale population and with at least 60% of overnight visitors to Lovina join the dolphin tours, a decrease of tourist satisfaction that could undermine the existing tourism industry.
Travel Tips
province North Bali
How to make Lovina is located on the north side of the island. You'll need about 3 hours by car to get there. Expect to pay about Rp.500,000 for a one-way transit, including car and driver. Since the Dolphin trips start early in the morning to plan at least one night in Lovina
Where to sleep: .. Lovina offers numerous housing, basic homestays to high-end resorts
What to bring :. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, seasickness pills, a camera with a good zoom and maybe a tight lid with water
0 Komentar