★“10th Symposium on Cetacean Ecology and Conservation” closed after the final
　roundtable meeting, looking for a sustainable future of whale watching in Taiwan.
　 After two days of seminar presentations and a three day field trip, the “10th Symposium on Cetacean Ecology and Conservation － Toward A Sustainable Future of Whale Watching” closed when a roundtable meeting finalized the “Action Plan for Whale Watching in Taiwan (2005~2008).” The international experts recognized the great potential of whale watching in Taiwan, but also indicated that the industry is facing a desperate crisis according to declining whale watchers and intense price competition between operators. To protect cetaceans as well as the industry, the experts suggested that the Government formulate more enforceable regulations to manage the industry, to support research, and to emphasize educational program. Furthermore, they recommended that operators form a self-regulating alliance to work together for a much valuable industry.
　 “Whale watching in Taiwan is in trouble,” said Erich Hoyt, the senior researcher from WDCS, after a trip to East Taiwan. Whale watching in Taiwan has entered its eighth year. During these years, Taiwan has been the fastest growing country in whale watching. At the same time, Taiwan has the lowest fare prices. Cheap prices cannot afford high quality whale watching. Pre-trip briefings have been eliminated to cope with too many tourists; cetaceans are posed under greater threat when too many vessels approach them. All the experts agreed: “there is an urgent need to regulate the number of vessels, cruises, tourists, and to mitigate impact to animals.”
　 Experts also indicated that research is critically important. Detailed research can guide management and back up educational program. “An interface of knowledge from research into education is essential. Particularly cetacean behavior and potential impact of whale watching” Bernd Wursig, professor from Texas A & M University, pointed out. Finally, the experts urged operators to form a whale-watching alliance. The alliance can set the price, share the capacity, and deal with all the problems to enhance tour quality and sustain the future development of whale watching.

　
Fig. 1 Symposium speakers