The cry of the hunter at spotting a whale's vapour "blow" has been replaced by the shouts of delighted tourists.

anada decided to end its commercial whale hunt in 1972, and today very few nations kill whales for profit. The number of whales off Canada's east coast has started to recover, although some species remain classified as threatened or endangered.

Whale watching has become a lucrative segment of the tourist industry, generating significant employment and perhaps more revenue than the hunt ever did in recent times.

Ironically, large numbers of nature-loving spectators intruding on whale habitats at critical times can disrupt feeding, resting and mating patterns. Boat propellers can also cause serious injury or death.

Excessive contact may inhibit the regeneration of stocks or force whales into new areas. Even our affection for whales can prove harmful.