We've seen phenomenal growth over the world since whale watching began in California in 1955 to the late 1980s when it exploded. Growth averages 12 percent a year, compared to overall world tourism of 3 to 4 percent.

There are 83 species of whales and dolphins (and porpoises) we know almost nothing about.

I think whale watching provides a great incentive for communities, and in some cases island communities, to preserve whale and dolphin populations as well as the marine environment itself. Conservation at a community level is absolutely vital for whale conservation, or any other maritime conservation, especially when it fuels the economy.

One cannot be deeply responsive to the world without being saddened very often.

In all modern automobile factories in the world, there are breaks for assembly-line work. They are an indispensable component of an intelligent working organization and are no relic from the past.

We live in a world increasingly shaped by sustainable growth issues.