As the annual humpback whale migration season begins along Australia’s east coast, new research reveals how whale sounds are more than just beautiful—they’re emotionally transformative. A recent study by the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) highlights how the soundscape of humpback whales deeply influences the psychology of tourists and encourages pro-environmental behavior.
Whale Watching That Transforms Minds
Published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, the study found that visitors on whale-watching tours reported powerful feelings of awe and wonder after hearing whales vocalize, breach, and slap their fins. These natural marine sounds led to a stronger emotional connection to nature and increased pro-environmental intent—such as recycling, conservation support, and eco-conscious choices.
“This natural soundscape resulted in participants feeling a connection to nature that contributed to pro-environment attitudes and actions,” said Dr. Vikki Schaffer, UniSC tourism expert.
Dr. Schaffer has led annual whale sound research onboard Sunreef Mooloolaba vessels since 2022. She emphasized that natural sounds in marine environments play a critical role in shaping sustainable tourism experiences.
Sound, Emotion, and Eco-Friendly Intent
The study found that when tourists not only heard the whales but also learned more about them, their environmental awareness increased significantly. This synergy of sound and education had a measurable impact on what researchers call Pro-Environmental Intent (PEI)—a key indicator for future conservation behaviors.
Further experiments tested the effects of real-time whale sounds, pre-recorded audio, and hydrophone-detected underwater noises. In all cases, participants showed emotional responses that could lead to long-term environmental advocacy.
“Immersive tourism is all about capturing the imagination and igniting the senses,” said John Fell, manager of Sunreef Mooloolaba. “These findings align with what we’ve seen for years—people leave our tours more connected to the ocean and inspired to protect it.”
Why Whale Tourism Matters for Sustainability
Whale tourism, especially during the May to November migration season, plays a significant role in the economy of Australia’s coastal regions. Globally, over 50% of tourism activities are related to coastal and marine environments—highlighting the need to preserve healthy oceans.
“Understanding how visitors emotionally connect with marine life is crucial for both tourism operators and conservation efforts,” Dr. Schaffer noted. “This research proves that whale songs don’t just entertain—they educate and inspire.”
Research Details
The study was led by Chloe L. Kjaer, a Psychology Honours graduate from UniSC, and co-supervised by Dr. Lee Kannis-Dymand, a senior lecturer in clinical psychology. The research is titled:
“Exploring the impacts of the soundscape, awe and knowledge on pro-environmental intent”
Journal of Environmental Psychology (2025)
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102524