SYDNEY, May 16 (Xinhua) -- The haunting calls and thunderous fin slaps of humpback whales may be doing more than captivating tourists and they are inspiring stronger environmental action among whale watchers, according to new research from Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast.
Whale sounds experienced during tours off Mooloolaba, in the Sunshine Coast Region of Australia's Queensland state, had a profound emotional impact on participants, often sparking awe, happiness, and calm, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Researchers of the University of the Sunshine Coast said these feelings are linked to a greater desire to act in environmentally friendly ways, such as recycling, reducing waste, or supporting marine conservation, ABC reported recently.
People described feeling "happy, excited, very humble, in awe and calm," especially when they focused on what they could hear, not just see, according to the report that quoted lead researcher Vikki Schaffer, the university's senior lecturer on Tourism, Leisure and Events.
"Our other senses -- particularly sound -- play a key role in shaping how we connect to places, spaces and species," Schaffer was quoted as saying.
The study involved three seasons of whale-watching and swim-with-whales tours, where visitors were exposed to both live and pre-recorded whale vocalizations through underwater speakers. Surveys and interviews revealed that the sounds significantly enhanced the visitor experience and boosted conservation intent, according to the report.
"We want people to walk away not just with a photo but with a mindset that supports protecting our oceans," Schaffer told ABC, adding the research could help shape more meaningful ecotourism experiences. Enditem
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