The Santa Barbara Channel Becomes the Ninth Whale Heritage Area in the World

The World Cetacean Alliance and the World Animal Protection are pleased to announce the designation of the 9th Whale Heritage (Site) Area in the world, the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (SBCWHA). This designation highlights the region’s commitment to promoting responsible ecotourism, providing more ocean educational opportunities, supporting on-going research and conservation efforts, and honoring the timeless cultural connection we have to whales. Together these two organizations have launched a new global program, Wildlife Heritage Areas, as the larger initiative to support a coalition of responsible travel businesses with wildlife conservation.
The Santa Barbara Channel, renowned for its rich biodiversity and thriving marine ecosystem, has long been a haven for over 25 different species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) including resident common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, plus visiting species of dolphins; Risso’s dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoises and even occasionally orcas. Larger great whales, like blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales who feed seasonally in the Santa Barbara Channel, are also frequently seen here. In addition, more than 15,000 Pacific gray whales migrate through the channel on their way to their breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico in the winter and their feeding grounds in the Arctic in the summer. The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area aims to promote sustainable practices that preserve and protect these majestic creatures for generations to come.
“I am thrilled that the Whale Heritage Area has come to fruition, especially because my late husband, Fred Benko, first promoted the Santa Barbara Channel as a safe whale watching destination,” said Hiroko Benko, owner of the Condor Express. “In many ways, Fred was a visionary, leading by example in the construction of the Condor Express, which promotes safe whale watching as the boat has no propeller. He would be very proud of our local communities uniting for the conservation of the whales, dolphins and porpoises off the Santa Barbara coast.”
In addition to promoting responsible tourism, the SBCWHA will seek funding support for increased educational opportunities for visitors, students, and local communities to learn about the value of marine conservation, the unique behaviors of different whale species, and the vital role whales, dolphins, and porpoises play in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem of the Santa Barbara Channel.

“Whales have an incredible ability to bring out the best in people,” said Greg Gorga, Executive Director, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. “Their majestic presence and unique characteristics often evoke powerful emotions and a sense of wonder in those fortunate enough to observe them on their terms, in the wild.” Whales and dolphins are some of the most loved animals in the world. By highlighting these iconic species SBCWHA hopes the public will better understand the modern threats whales endure and learn how we can all be better ocean protectors. “Whales have the power to touch our hearts, inspire our minds, and deepen our connection to the natural world,” said Holly Lohuis, co-director of SBCWHA, local naturalist and marine educator with Island Packers, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and Ocean Futures Society. “By appreciating and protecting these magnificent creatures, our hope is we not only enhance their lives but also cultivate our own sense of empathy, wonder, and responsibility towards the planet we share.”
Above all, the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area aims to honor our cultural connection to whales– past, present, and future. Deep-rooted in the local human history and mythology, whales hold significant cultural and spiritual significance, starting with the Chumash, the first known mariners in our local waters. SBCWHA will strive to celebrate this connection and promote whale interactions that foster mutual respect between humans and whales, ensuring a harmonious coexistence.
With over 30 supporting local organizations, whale watching companies, museums, environmental NGOs, research institutes and federal agencies, this designation highlights the region’s commitment to responsible tourism, ocean education, research and conservation. By continuing to promote sustainable practices, providing more educational opportunities, and supporting ongoing research efforts and conservation initiatives, we can safeguard these extraordinary animals and preserve the natural beauty of this remarkable marine environment of the Santa Barbara Channel.
“As a family run business, Island Packers has always been committed to sustainable tourism practices, and we understand the significance of responsible whale watching ever since we started our first island and wildlife tours back in May 1968,” said Cherryl Connally, President, Island Packers, official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park.
Our hope is for the Santa Barbara Channel to be part of the growing network of more Whale Heritage Areas where whales are celebrated for their ecological role in enhancing ocean productivity; where whales have an economic value through responsible tourism; where conservation and research is a priority in reducing the impacts of their longevity and where we can continue to learn and appreciate the rich complex lives of whales, dolphins and porpoises.
“Whale Heritage Areas are becoming the gold standard for responsible whale watching destinations worldwide,” said Jean-Michel Cousteau, President and CEO, Ocean Futures Society and Honorary President of World Cetacean Alliance. “But they also have so much more to offer. By interweaving natural and cultural elements and placing communities at their very heart, these areas will become places where people respect, celebrate and protect cetaceans and their ocean home long into the future. I am very excited to finally have one of these Whale Heritage Areas in my hometown of Santa Barbara, CA.”

To learn more, visit the Santa Barbara Whale Heritage Area website