Rules apply to boats wanting to approach them for commercial reasons, scientiic study and to record audiovisual material and require authorizations given by the regional Department of the environment (direction de l’environnement, DIRen). Whale-watching, an ecotourism activity has now totally replaced whale hunting ! You may observe and approach these creatures when accompanied by professionals trained by the DIRen. Guides that know and respect the rules for approaching whales. MATA TOHORA, an association mandated by the Minister of the environment and DIRen, since 2012, has created the irst eco-tourism label, to promote an eco-responsible development of this activity. This label, exclusively aimedat whalewatching professionals, is a mark of quality that promotes the utmost respect of these marine mammals. The objective is to enhance the value of this eco-touristic activity, for a public who seek to watch whales in the best conditions. Aside from the obligatory rules imposed by the environment code, whale-watching professionals who have the Mata Tohora label have also signed a code of ethics and have engaged to respect this code. Agnès Benet - A list of labelled whale-watching operators and more information can be found on www.matatohora.com - The golden rule for your security and the animals’well-being : always observe them with patience and respect ! The obligatory rules for approaching cetaceans can be found on www.matatohora.com P.BAccHeT F TE MOANA DR/1,V ; PASS DISCOVER 13 DIVE (ENTERS & 9 ISLANDS 1f) DIVES FOR JUST 69,000 XPF* THE MUST HAVE DIVING PASS FOR FRENCH POLYNESIA - PASS INTER-ÎLES - tari= re !..i.:1FtF diLrFniblv www,TEM&1 NADI U.com 61