Behaviour and ecology of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and the impact of tourism in Mercury Bay, North Island, New Zealand Research Completed
Title
Behaviour and ecology of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and the impact of tourism in Mercury Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Lead Author
Neumann, D., R. & Orams, M.
Organisation(s)
Department of Conservation
Publication Year
2005
Publisher
Department of Conservation
Contacts
Abstract
This report provides insights into the behavioural ecology of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Mercury Bay, on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, North Island, New Zealand. The report also includes a preliminary assessment of the influence of tourism activity on common dolphins in the area. From 1998 to 2001 (excluding the austral winter months (May to September) we conducted 166 boat-based surveys, resulting in 102 focal group follows, with 118.2 hours spent observing common dolphins. In Mercury Bay common dolphins showed a geographical movement associated with seasonal changes. The dolphins were found further inshore in spring and increasingly offshore through summer and during autumn. Anecdotal reports suggest continued offshore movement over winter. However, re-sightings of identifiable dolphins indicate movement of individuals between Mercury Bay and the Hauraki Gulf to the north and west (by sea) and between Mercury Bay and the waters off Whakatane to the south. Data revealed that common dolphins spent 57% of their daylight time traveling, 21.5% milling, 13% feeding, 8% socialising, and 0.5% resting. Common dolphins were observed to prey on at least six different species of fish. Boat traffic altered the behaviour of some dolphin groups, especially those containing few individuals; however, low-level commercial tourism appeared to have little impact on the dolphins. Few attempts at swimming with common dolphins resulted in a sustained interaction. This information about Mercury Bay common dolphins will be useful for comparative purposes as recreational and tourism activity increases in the future.
Keywords:
Common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, Mercury Bay, behaviour, ecology, activity budget, dolphin-human interactions, tourism, boating.
How to access
Areas of Focus
Settings (location)
Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)
Topics
Views
1206
Added
July 11, 2012