The country recently announced all water within its 50 nautical mile zone would be protected from commercial fishing,
The government wants to reduce interaction between commercial fishers and whales within Cook Islands waters.
The Cook Islands Minister of Environment, Kiriau Turepu, says his country recognises the importance of whales in the oceans, environment, economy and culture.
He says calving happens in Cooks' waters, which makes them even more special to Cook Islanders.
