Balancing commercial and environmental needs: licensing as a means of managing whale shark tourism on Ningaloo reef

A competitive licensing system for whale shark tourism at Ningaloo Marine Park has evolved from minimalist requirements to comprehensive, audited sustainability indicators. This study reveals that while operators face challenges like business planning and cost pressures, they rarely perceive their activities as environmentally impactful or regulatory procedures as burdensome. To achieve perpetual improvement, the system requires refinement with transparent, science-based incentives balancing environmental regulation and commercial sustainability, benefiting operators, local economies, the environment, and guests alike.

Catlin, J., Jones, T., & Jones, R. (2012). Balancing commercial and environmental needs: licensing as a means of managing whale shark tourism on Ningaloo reef. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 20(2), 163–178. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2011.602686