Whale watching industry has become an emerging tourism sector in Australia, bringing more than US$189 million last year, said a report released Tuesday.

About 1.5 million Australians experienced whale watching in 2003, with 70 percent going a second time, according to the study conducted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

The report said the whale watching industry has been growing 15 percent each year since 1998, compared with a 1 percent growth rate in domestic tourism.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio quoted IFAW's Asia Pacific Director Mick McIntyre as saying "This report shows that whale watching brings real benefit to coastal communities, the economy, the environment, and we genuinely believe it enhances respect for these magnificent animals."

Stressing on the need to protect the mammals, he warned the industry could just as easily disappear.

"Whaling actually is increasing every year so the IFAW report is showing that whales are worth more alive than dead," he said.

The Australian government banned whaling more than 25 years ago and the IFAW hoped its report would encourage whaling nations to reconsider the practice, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2004)