Norwegian authorities intend to regulate tourist diving in the waters of the 30-kilometer Reisafjorden fjord in the far north of the country, because it threatens the welfare of orcas.
According to Tore Haug, marine mammal specialist from the Norwegian institute of marine research in Tromsø, population of killer whales that settled in the fjord because of herring migrating here are threatened not only by global warming and fishing boats, but also by amateur divers who come to observe cetaceans.
Ecotourism is thriving in the region, and the situation when several boats appear in the waters of the fjord with dozens of divers preparing to dive, has become common.
Observing cetaceans is a good way to raise awareness about these marine animals and their lives, but excessive interest from amateur divers can eventually lead to certain problems, says Pierre Robert de Latour, naturalist guide.
Orcas population in Reisafjorden counts today approximately 1500 marine mammals.
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