WAILUKU — The founder of Maui-based Pacific Whale Foundation will join a conservation committee formed by the International Whaling Commission.
WAILUKU — The founder of Maui-based Pacific Whale Foundation will join a conservation committee formed by the International Whaling Commission.
The Maui News reports that Greg Kaufman will serve a two-year appointment on the IWC’s Conservation Whalewatch subcommittee.
Kaufman describes the subcommittee as part of a significant transition for the IWC. He said the organization traditionally manages whale stocks for hunting purposes but is now focusing on preserving the animals for whale watchers.
According to Kaufman, the income generated from whale watchers is much more than that derived by whale hunters.
IWC said the subcommittee will study the potential impacts of whale-watching on individual whales, their populations and their habitats.