Whales are Big Business in Cape Cod's Waters

Typography
The whales have returned from their winter respites in warmer waters. And with them comes the return of whale watching -- a seasonal draw that's become an important part of the local tourism industry.

HYANNIS, Mass. — The whales have returned from their winter respites in warmer waters.


And with them comes the return of whale watching -- a seasonal draw that's become an important part of the local tourism industry.


"Whale watching is an extremely popular tourist activity on Cape Cod," said Kristen McMenamy, vice president of tourism marketing at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. "The rise in ecotourism has also helped to solidify whale watching as a favorite vacation activity."


Globally, whale watching has grown faster than general tourism over the last decade, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, based in Yarmouthport. By 2001, whale watching had become a $1 billion global industry, the report said.


And based on previous market trends, IFAW predicted that the whale-watch industry worldwide would continue to grow at least 3 percent annually beyond 2001, the most recent year's data.


Indeed, many credit the public's increasing environmental awareness with the upswing in whale-watching popularity.


Plus, there's the allure of seeing something big -- really big -- really close.


"The whale is pretty much going to sell itself," said Joanne Jarzobski, whale-watch education director at Provincetown's Center for Coastal Studies. "And I think people are becoming more aware of the environment and the ocean. This is a great chance for them to come out and learn."


Beyond the humpback, finback and minke whales, she said tourists en route to Stellwagen Bank beyond Provincetown can see all manners of marine life, such as dolphins or seabirds.


While the bulk of watchers hail from the Northeast -- a trend consistent with the aggregate Cape tourism industry -- many whale watchers are repeat customers, said Steven Milliken, owner of the Dolphin Fleet in Provincetown.


His company has grown over the last 30 years from one boat to three.


And come July or August, his afternoon runs will sell out, filling his two 150-passenger boats and one 250-person vessel.


Audience demographics also evolve throughout the season, said Bob Avila, of Plymouth-based Capt. John Boats.


During the spring, field trips for school children are popular, he explained. Summer brings plenty of families and couples, and fall is motorcoach season, Avila said.


"It's had a huge impact," Jarzobski said. "Not only bringing people to Cape Cod, but also raising awareness."


However, the broad appeal of the trips makes it tough to tailor the information. How do you discuss marine biology with a 7-year-old and his grandma?


So imagine a typical above-ground swimming pool -- that's about how big a humpback whale's mouth is, she said.


It's all about making the experience relevant to everyone on the boat.


"If you can put that in terms of, say, hamburgers, they understand," Jarzobski said. "Even adults benefit from that."


Despite some reports of fewer whales in the area last summer, the companies still reported near-perfect sighting records.


And if you're in the slim minority that doesn't see a whale, you're likely eligible for a rain check.


To maintain their favorable odds, Jarzobski said the boats generally head to the last whale spotting of the previous day or a likely site such as Stellwagen Bank, a feeding area.


But occasionally -- maybe one time in 20 -- those massive mammals are nowhere to be found. "The important thing to remember is they're wild animals," she said.


Jay Hurley, director of sales and marketing at Provincetown's Portuguese Princess, said up to 100,000 people flock to their boats per summer.


"When they get off, they're always amazed at what they saw," Hurley said. "It's very rare you see someone come off with a frown."


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Source: Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News