Opening Bell
Whale Wins
A new study pinpoints massive economic impact
By Rob Smith June 25, 2024
This article originally appeared in the May/June 2024 issue of Seattle magazine.
Most people look at Puget Sound and think of its natural beauty. They notice nearby islands, or Washington state’s fleet of 21 ferry vessels.
Add whales to that mix.
A study for the Pacific Whale Watch Association by Martin Associates finds that whale watching expeditions in Washington state create $119.1 million in economic value and support 1,125 jobs.
Sixteen of the 30 members of the Pacific Whale Watch Association are based in Washington state. Those companies accommodate about 167,000 whale watching guests each year. Of those, roughly 75% are tourists. For 31%, the primary purpose of their visit revolves around a whale watching tour.
Whale watching expeditions depart from 13 locations around the state. Peak whale watching season is May through September.
Throw in British Columbia, and the overall economic impact skyrockets to $216.9 million and 400,000 guests.
“We’ve long known that the Salish Sea has some of the best whale watching in the world, but it’s great to see our reputation as a leading whale watch destination validated by the numbers,” says Erin Gless, Pacific Whale Watch Association executive director.