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Monitoring the commercial swim-with-dolphin operations in the Bay of Islands Research Completed

Title

Monitoring the commercial swim-with-dolphin operations in the Bay of Islands

Lead Author

Constantine, R. & Baker, C. S.

Organisation(s)

Department of Conservation

Publication Year

1997

Publisher

Department of Conservation

Contacts

www.doc.govt.nz

Abstract

Bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) were observed and photographed during their encounters with swim-withdolphin operations in the Bay of Islands from March, 1994 to March, 1995. From observation of 156 commercial trips, lasting an average of 3.1 hours, there was an 86% success rate in encountering one or both species of dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins changed their behaviour on 32% of approaches by the operator’s boat, and common dolphins changed their behaviour on 52% of approaches. Of all groups of dolphins encountered, 37% were exposed to at least one swim attempt. A total of 163 swim attempts were observed, including multiple attempts with the same pod. Bottlenose dolphins had a sustained interaction with swimmers on 25% (n = 33) of encounters involving swims, and common dolphins had a sustained interaction on 21% (n = 6). The remaining swims resulted in neutral or avoidance behaviour. Dolphin responses to swimmers were dependent to some degree on swimmer placement, with in-line placement eliciting the highest risk of avoidance. A total of 265 bottlenose dolphins were individually identified by photographs of nicks and scars on their dorsal fins. The majority (76%) were re-sighted on more than one occasion, but the Bay of Islands does not seem to be the exclusive home range of any individuals. Future research should attempt to determine the dolphins’ home range, habitat use, and the impact of changes in their environment. In the long-term, it is possible that dolphins will become. familiar with the boats and swimmers and increase their approaches or, conversely, develop a cumulative aversion towards them.

Keywords:

Dolphin, Tourism, Impact, Environment, Marine, Boat

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