Moral and empirical dimensions of human–animal interactions in ecotourism: deepening an otherwise shallow pool of debate

Abstract

Although ecotourism is often theorised as a hard path and ecocentric, in the last decade such travel has softened to accommodate heightened demand in a growing number of regions, and the inclusion of other more consumptive types of activities. In light of these changes, we focus on the moral debate surrounding human–animal interactions in ecotourism, with particular attention to recreational angling and empirical studies on fish sentience. Based on these two parallel bodies of knowledge, we present a framework of Human Priorities and Actions in Recreational Interactions with Fish. This framework is a useful practical tool able to position the type of interaction (i.e. recreational angling) based on its consumptiveness and need, but also according to the broader context of a particular worldview (i.e. human-based versus nature-based) in association with four ethical characteristics.

Keywords:

• ecotourism
• recreational fishing
• consumptiveness
• ethics
• human–animal interactions