Project Immersion: Sanctuary Stakeholders

Sanctuary Stakeholders

Interest Groups

The Humpback Research Group (HRG) HRG is a group of whale biologists studying the near-shore wintering grounds of Humpback whales. They realize the importance of the area as a breeding ground to the endangered Humpbacks and have proposed the idea of a marine sanctuary. Increasing difficulty in sewage disposal from nearby coastal cities is one of their major concerns. A plan to pipe the sewage out to sea is being considered and could disrupt the area for Humpbacks. The other major concern is harassment of the whales by boats. Thousands of boats share the coastal waters with the Humpbacks. Whales hear extremely well and can be sensitive to increased sound from boat engines, especially the larger engines of freighters and cargo ships crossing the area. Collisions with recreational boaters are also a concern when Humpbacks are injured by boats traveling at high speeds.

Recreational Boater's Association (RBA) RBA does not wish to cause any problems with the whales but they are concerned that creation of a sanctuary will give them no place to go boating. They are not opposed to the idea of a sanctuary but would like to ensure they can continue to use the area.

Coastal City Council (CCC) CCC is undecided about the marine sanctuary. They would like the sanctuary for several reasons. It would protect the areas natural ecosystem while protecting Humpback whales and would stimulate tourism to the area. They are opposed to the sanctuary because it would limit their ability to dispose of sewage and municipal waste. Disposing of garbage and sewage on land is much more expensive than in the water. It would also create delays in shipping if large ships were required to go around or slow down through sanctuary waters.

The Public Most people are in favor of the sanctuary. They do not want to pay higher taxes though for sewage and garbage disposal, which may be necessary if they cannot be dumped into the ocean. Many people have suggested a user fee for people who regularly use the sanctuary to help cover costs of sewage disposal and enforcement of regulations.

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Interest Groups

The Humpback Research Group (HRG)		HRG is a group of whale biologists studying the near-shore wintering grounds of Humpback whales. They realize the importance of the area as a breeding ground to the endangered Humpbacks and have proposed the idea of a marine sanctuary. Increasing difficulty in sewage disposal from nearby coastal cities is one of their major concerns. A plan to pipe the sewage out to sea is being considered and could disrupt the area for Humpbacks. The other major concern is harassment of the whales by boats. Thousands of boats share the coastal waters with the Humpbacks. Whales hear extremely well and can be sensitive to increased sound from boat engines, especially the larger engines of freighters and cargo ships crossing the area. Collisions with recreational boaters are also a concern when Humpbacks are injured by boats traveling at high speeds.

Recreational Boater's Association (RBA)		RBA does not wish to cause any problems with the whales but they are concerned that creation of a sanctuary will give them no place to go boating. They are not opposed to the idea of a sanctuary but would like to ensure they can continue to use the area.

Coastal City Council (CCC)		CCC is undecided about the marine sanctuary. They would like the sanctuary for several reasons. It would protect the areas natural ecosystem while protecting Humpback whales and would stimulate tourism to the area. They are opposed to the sanctuary because it would limit their ability to dispose of sewage and municipal waste. Disposing of garbage and sewage on land is much more expensive than in the water. It would also create delays in shipping if large ships were required to go around or slow down through sanctuary waters.

The Public		Most people are in favor of the sanctuary. They do not want to pay higher taxes though for sewage and garbage disposal, which may be necessary if they cannot be dumped into the ocean. Many people have suggested a user fee for people who regularly use the sanctuary to help cover costs of sewage disposal and enforcement of regulations.