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Sound waste and pollution management is an urgent priority for our Pacific Island leaders – ours here at SPREP is just to “Make it Happen.”

Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga, is a well-established whale-watching destination in the South Pacific. Between July and October, the waters around the archipelago represent one of the most important breeding grounds for Oceania humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). The Tongan government allows tourist swimming activities with whales and tour operators strongly promote the practice of swimming-with-whales, focusing primarily on mother-calf pairs. However, there is increasing evidence, derived from empirical research on swim-withcetacean tourism, that this kind of interaction affects cetacean behaviour and can lead to negative effects on the cetaceans involved. This study represents the first assessment of humpback whales’ behavioural responses to vessel and swimmer approaches in Vava’u. Fifty-six surveys took place during the 2016 and 2017 whale breeding seasons aboard dedicated research and tour vessels. Whale dive time, number of reorientation events, and respiration rates were documented in both the absence and presence of boats and swimmers. Vessel approach type, swimmer placement, and whale avoidance responses were also recorded

This form is to be used by all stakeholders seeking support from PacWastePlus programme. They are required to provide detailed information using this form.

A guide to identify three core waste streams icons associated with the PacWastePlus programme

This guideline provides the visual identity of the PacWastePlus programme. It establishes the the basic design principles to be applied to the PacWastePlus range of communication products, including publication

This guideline provides a guide on using the PacWastePlus programme logo correctly. Contents of this document must be observed whenever PacWastePlus staff, external partners or stakeholders communicate on behalf of the programme or its related activities. It should be used in conjuction with the PacWastePlus Communciations and Visibility Plan, Communications Guideline for Countries & Partners, and the PacWastePlus Branding Guidelines.

PACC reports