Management implications for the changing interactions between people and whales in Ha'apai, Tonga

► Interactions with whales have changed from whale worship and consumption to watching. ► Whale watching/swimming in Ha'apai is showing signs of significant expansion. ► Resighting identified a relatively small number of whales with a high turnover rate. ► Management options include limited licence numbers and closed areas. ► Management should not be within an island group but throughout Tonga.