Tempering impacts and embracing curiosity: ethical practices and technological considerations for the marine wildlife ecotourism industry

Seabird and marine mammal ecotourism can provide robust economic benefits for coastal communities near seabird colonies and biodiversity hotspots. Ecotourism also promotes increased public knowledge of vulnerable species and conservation issues, and as a result, garners increased public support for environmental protection. However, ecotourism can also cause conservation concerns. For example, increased ecotourism presence (i.e., boats and tourists near seabird colonies) can result in increased disturbance and decreased reproductive success and localized population declines in some species. It is, therefore, critical to find a balance between promoting the enjoyment and economic prosperity associated with marine ecotourism and tempering impacts incurred by species of interest. Technological and research advancements can be used to make ecotourism more accessible to the public and less damaging to the ecosystem. We recommend and discuss ethical best practices that marine ecotourism industries should consider, such as further study of buffer distances from sensitive locations and species. We also discuss technological improvements that can facilitate ecotourism and minimize harm, including replacing fossil-fuel powered boats with electric motors and the use of high-definition cameras aimed at seabird colony sites in place of close approach by tourists.