Sport NZ Sport and Recreation Knowledge Library: New Zealand-based sport and recreation research

Effects of tourism on behavioural ecology of bottlenose dolphins of northeastern New Zealand Research Completed

Title

Effects of tourism on behavioural ecology of bottlenose dolphins of northeastern New Zealand

Lead Author

Constantine, R., Brunton, D. H. & Baker, C. S.

Organisation(s)

Department of Conservation

Publication Year

2003

Publisher

Department of Conservation

Contacts

www.doc.govt.nz

Abstract

A study of the behaviour of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand showed that the dolphins were affected by the presence of the permitted dolphin-watching boats beyond the effect of any other type of boat (i.e. recreational or non-permitted commercial boats). In particular, resting behaviour decreased and milling behaviour increased when the permitted boats were present. The change from discrete to staggered boat departures and an increase in the number of permitted operators has resulted in an increase in interaction time. This has resulted in further decreases in dolphin resting behaviour. Dolphin response to swim attempts is affected by swimmer placement, and avoidance behaviour has increased over time. The line abreast placement results in the fewest avoidance responses, and it is recommended that swimmers only be placed in the water line abreast of the dolphins path of travel Examination of the spatial distribution and habitat use of dolphins in the Bay of Islands showed that there was a difference in the frequency of behavioural states observed in four zones, but all areas in the Bay of Islands were important. Although these results demonstrate impact, no threshold on the number of permits can be recommended. Nonetheless, to minimise the effects of the permitted boats on dolphin behaviour, it is recommended that no further permits should be issued. A change in the current operating times of the existing tours would reduce the effects of the permitted operators. boats.

Keywords:

Human.dolphin interaction, bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, tourism, Bay of Islands, human impact, boat impacts, swim-with-dolphins, habitat use, New Zealand.

How to access

Areas of Focus

Population Groups

Settings (location)

Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)

Coast and beach, Travel and Transport