how we
Implement
conservation

CLAMS NURSERY IN TONGA
Community. Education

How
We Implement
Conservation

Due to overfishing there has been a decline in the local Giant Clam population which use to thrive around the archipelago.  As part of our continued effort to support local communities and promote sustainable initiatives, we are launching a Giant Clam nursery in Ha’apai Tonga. This Nursery will be used to plant Giant clams in the shallow waters. Once the clams grow, they will be relocated to deeper reefs for recovery.

we are partnering with local fishermen and schools offering unique collaborative and educational opportunities for the local community.  We encourage our guests, especially families with children to take part and help promote conservation.

we are currently developing other initiatives and welcome any collaborative ideas.  

Human – Whale relations

RESEARCH FOR WHALE CONSERVATION

Human-whale relations is an ongoing research which helps us understand the complexities of human-whale relationships that include encounters and interactions of various kinds. We  also have an interest in research topics related to the social life, behaviour and language of cetaceans, as well as memory and cultural transmission Such as ‘Whale Song’ . We are using our expeditions as a vessel to conduct research as well we offer research opportunities with us and  for those who are passionate and commited  about the oceans, conservation, cetaceans, and human- whale relations.

please contact us for more details.

Reciprocity and Intersubjectivity: The Nature of Human-Whale Relations in Ha’apai, Tonga

BY ALEGRA ALLY
Abstract

The Kingdom of Tonga, in the South Pacific, facilitates a memorable experience to its visitors; swimming and interacting with humpback whales. Through ethnographic research, this thesis explores human captivation with whales, including the particular affinities humans sense towards these animals. These affinities, such as maternal care and play stand at the core of the human-whale interaction, as a means of communication, to form the foundation for anthropomorphic perceptions towards the whales, leading to consolidate a sense of empathy and connection towards the whales. A thorough examination of the way the participants in this study perceive the whales presents concepts of personhood and soul in whales, which validate the intersubjective reality of human- whale interactions and as a vital force in building the relations. The affinities growing between the participants and the whales are responsible for shaping the nature of the relationship to forge memories which will become a part of the participant’s chronicles.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of research,

Macquarie University 2020

The whale-swim experience as an industry provokes a debate over the question whether it is an intrusive experience which disturbs the whales and degrades their environment, in opposed to an experience which brings humans and whales closer together, fostering connection and care for the whales. There are inconclusive opinions; however, one thing is certain, the human-whale experience facilitates change; within the self, the environment, the whale’s behaviour, and in human thought.

To access please contact Alegra.