🇹🇴 Safeguarding iconic species of Tonga’s deep waters. A coalition of respected ocean and environmental leaders—including Prince Hussain Aga Khan, Sir Richard Branson, Gigi Brisson, Chris Butler-Stroud, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Lord Fakafanua, Michael Fishbach, Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Carl Safina, and Brian Skerry—have signed a letter to Tonga’s Minister of Tourism and Justice, encouraging stronger protections for humpback whales. Whale-watching is a vital part of Tonga’s ecotourism economy—but rising pressure from social media-driven tourism is leading to more frequent disturbances during a critical time for breeding and calving. The letter calls for respectful but urgent enforcement of existing guidelines for swimmers and whale-watchers, highlighting Tonga’s unique opportunity to lead on sustainable, science-based marine tourism. We whole-heartedly thank all signatories for supporting this important call to action. 📸: Hussain Aga Khan, @focusedonnature