The impact of rising sea temperatures could have an impact on tourism

An international collaborative study has predicted that blue and sperm whales will likely seek refuge south, which will impact our ecosystems.

But Kaikoura's tourism industry could suffer if sperm whales don't frequent the deep waters there, as much.

Canterbury University researcher Dr Katharina Peters says most of the town is connected in some way to the ecosystem.

She says any changes in the abundance of the whales could potentially negatively impact Kaikoura's economy.