Distance does matter: close approaches by boats impede feeding and resting behaviour of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andre Steckenreuter ◽  
Robert Harcourt ◽  
Luciana Möller
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Empirical Measures ◽  
Resting Behaviour ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Conflicting Objectives ◽  
Dolphin Population ◽  
Direction Of Movement ◽  
Dolphin Watching

Context Potential impacts of human disturbance on animal populations can be measured as behavioural responses and may affect the survival and fecundity of animals. In areas where human–wildlife interactions occur, conservation management needs to be in place to secure both a viable tourism industry and the sustainability of the targeted species. Aims We sought to evaluate whether different approach distances by boat have effects on the behaviour and group cohesion of dolphins that are targeted by Australia’s largest dolphin-watching industry. Methods The effects of different approach distances of boats on the behavioural states of dolphins, group dispersal and direction of movement were investigated in this area by controlled boat experiments conducted between August 2008 and December 2009. Key results Results showed that there was significantly less feeding when boats approached dolphin groups to a distance of 50 m than when they did to a distance of 150 m, or with controlled approaches. Resting was also observed significantly less when boats approached to a distance of 50 m than when they approached to a distance of 150 m. The dispersal of dolphin groups was significantly tighter (less dispersed) when boats approached to 50 m than that with 150-m-distance or controlled approaches. Furthermore, the dolphins’ direction of movement was less neutral when the experimental boat approaches were carried out at a distance of 50 m than when they were carried out at a distance of 150 m, or with controlled approaches. Similar results were also obtained for dolphin groups including calves. Conclusions On the basis of the results from this study, we recommend that the existing New South Wales regulations, which stipulate that dolphin-watching boats keep a distance of 50 m to groups with adults only and 150 m to groups with calves, are maintained within the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park (PSGLMP). Implications Management plans whose stated goals include both sustainability of a dolphin-watching industry and longer-term viability of a dolphin population may reconcile conflicting objectives and improve their decision making by using these empirical measures rather than best guesses.

How empathy-based sensitisation and knowledge reinforcement affect policy compliance: a case study of dolphin watching, Ecuador

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Ricardo Villalba-Briones ◽  
Mariela A. González-Narvaez ◽  
Tomas Vitvar
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Policy Compliance ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Tour Guides ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Training Courses ◽  
Regulation Compliance ◽  
Dolphin Watching

Abstract Cetacean watching is an increasingly popular economic activity in Ecuador for tourism operators. Despite government regulations, cetacean watching can have a negative impact on observed animal populations. To enhance good dolphin-watching practices, a course was carried out in Puerto El Morro, Ecuador about sensitisation activities promoting empathy towards and knowledge about bottlenose dolphins, local avifauna and mangrove ecosystems. The course provided tourism operator staff with theoretical and practical knowledge on dolphin physiology and ecology, with a focus on empathy towards the species and on regulations to be respected during the watching tours. The course included interactive workshops, didactic materials, advice, video screening and structured conversations. Two innovative questionnaires were implemented on the boat during 68 dolphin-watching tours to evaluate whether the training course had improved the regulation compliance and on-tour guiding quality of the tour guides and boat drivers. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in dolphin-watching practices in compliance with the “Regulations for the Whale and Dolphin Watching of Ecuador” (p = .0002) and in guidance quality (p = .0004) after the training course. Boat drivers were identified as influential actors in compliance with regulations and should also be included in the environmental awareness training courses. The study showed that empathy-based sensitisation and knowledge reinforcement positively affect policy compliance and can generate new sustainable approaches for future dolphin-watching activities.

Effects on non-target animal populations of a rabbit trail-baiting campaign with 1080 poison

1991 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 315 ◽  
Author(s):  
JC Mcilroy ◽  
EJ Gifford
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Target Animal ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Exotic Pest

Populations of non-target birds and mammals on a semi-cleared grazing property near Braidwood, New South Wales, did not appear to be affected by a trail-baiting campaign against rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, using pellet bait and 1080 poison. Rabbit numbers were reduced by about 90% and those of the fox, Vulpes vulpes, another exotic pest, by about 75%. Populations of both pest species began recovering soon after the campaign, indicating the need for continued control measures.

scholarly journals On the behaviour of an under-studied population of bottlenose dolphins in the Southern Adriatic Sea

2018 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 1017-1023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavio Affinito ◽  
Cristobal Olaya Meza ◽  
Aylin Akkaya Bas ◽  
Deborah Brill ◽  
Guy Whittaker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Adriatic Sea ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Social Predictors ◽  
Dolphin Population ◽  
Autumn And Winter ◽  
Effective Conservation ◽  
Study Monitoring

AbstractPerhaps the world's best-known cetacean, the bottlenose dolphin shows considerable variation in behaviour between and within populations in relation to differences in natural and anthropogenic conditions. Drivers of behavioural variation need to be identified to understand the dynamics of wild dolphin populations. Little research has been published on the bottlenose dolphin population found in the Southern Adriatic Sea. Using a set of spatial, temporal and social predictors, we aimed to investigate what variables are related to the behaviour of an under-studied population of bottlenose dolphins along the coastline of Montenegro. We present the results of a year-long study monitoring the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins along coastal Montenegro. We considered the effect of topography, seasonality and group size. A large proportion of travelling (55%) small groups (mean 4, range 1–9) in shallow waters (<50 m) was observed. We showed that seasonality alone explained behaviour best, with surface-feeding and socializing-resting increasing in autumn and winter. Group size was found to be a result of behavioural choice. We suggest seasonal changes in environmental conditions and anthropogenic pressure may explain the recorded behavioural pattern. This research points to the necessity of increased collaboration in the region to help understand complex patterns in behaviour and habitat use of local dolphin populations if effective conservation measures are to be developed.

Assessing variation in assemblages of large marine fauna off ocean beaches using drones

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan P. Kelaher ◽  
Andrew P. Colefax ◽  
Alejandro Tagliafico ◽  
Melanie J. Bishop ◽  
Anna Giles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Marine Animals ◽  
Marine Fauna ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Carcharhinus Leucas ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Marine Wildlife

The turbulent waters off ocean beaches provide habitat for large marine fauna, including dolphins, sharks, rays, turtles and game fish. Although, historically, these assemblages have proven difficult to quantify, we used a new drone-based approach to assess spatial and temporal variation in assemblages of large marine fauna off four exposed beaches in New South Wales, Australia. In total, 4388 individual large marine animals were identified from 216 drone flights. The most common taxa, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) and Australian cownose rays (Rhinoptera neglecta), occurred in 25.5 and 19.9% of flights respectively. White (Carcharodon carcharias), bull (Carcharhinus leucas) and other whaler (Carcharhinus spp.) sharks were observed in &lt;1% of flights. There was significant variation in the structure of assemblages of large fauna among beaches, with those adjacent to riverine estuaries having greater richness and abundance of wildlife. Overall, drone surveys were successful in documenting the spatio-temporal dynamics of an impressive suite of large marine fauna. We contend that emerging drone technology can make a valuable contribution to the ecological information required to ensure the long-term sustainability of sandy-beach ecosystems and associated marine wildlife.

Powerline easements: ecological impacts and contribution to habitat fragmentation from linear features

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya C. Strevens ◽  
Marji L. Puotinen ◽  
Robert J. Whelan
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Fragmentation ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Direct And Indirect Effects ◽  
Habitat Area ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Animal Populations

The ecological effects of roads on plant and animal populations are well recognized. However, very little is known about the magnitude of the effects created by powerline easements. Like roads, powerline easements are ubiquitous in many landscapes, including reserves such as National Parks, which have restricted human activities. Regular mowing of the easements to manage vegetation regrowth creates a stark discontinuity with adjacent natural vegetation. Abrupt transitions such as these contribute to habitat fragmentation and are associated with movement and dispersal inhibition of fauna. We used GIS to estimate the area of direct and indirect effects of powerline easements in a 5735 km2 area of coastal New South Wales, focusing on the potential reduction of habitat area both within and outside reserves. While the area directly replaced by these features is a small percentage of the total landscape (<1%), the upper estimates of direct and indirect effects combined amounted to a substantial portion of habitat (10 103 ha). Further, roads and powerlines combined may affect up to 33 780 ha (8%) of habitat in the study area. Although the overall ecological impact of powerline easements could be reduced by concentrating them in regions of pre-existing fragmentation, in our study area powerlines rarely occurred adjacent to paved roads. For example, in National Parks, only 3% of the habitat area affected by powerlines overlapped with that affected by roads. This study highlights the potential for powerline easements to make a significant contribution to habitat fragmentation, even in the presence of dense road networks, thus calling for greater attention to their ecological impacts and to improved management strategies.

Mark–recapture of individually distinctive calls—a case study with signature whistles of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

2020 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 1289-1301
Author(s):  
Emma G Longden ◽  
Simon H Elwen ◽  
Barry McGovern ◽  
Bridget S James ◽  
Clare B Embling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Acoustic Monitoring ◽  
Initial Increase ◽  
Visual Methods ◽  
Mark Recapture ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Signature Whistles ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Robust abundance estimates of wild animal populations are needed to inform management policies and are often obtained through mark–recapture (MR) studies. Visual methods are commonly used, which limits data collection to daylight hours and good weather conditions. Passive acoustic monitoring offers an alternative, particularly if acoustic cues are naturally produced and individually distinctive. Here we investigate the potential of using individually distinctive signature whistles in a MR framework and evaluate different components of study design. We analyzed signature whistles of common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, using data collected from static acoustic monitoring devices deployed in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Signature whistle types (SWTs) were identified using a bout analysis approach (SIGnature IDentification [SIGID]—Janik et al. 2013). We investigated spatial variation in capture by comparing 21 synchronized recording days across four sites, and temporal variation from 125 recording days at one high-use site (Aphrodite Beach). Despite dolphin vocalizations (i.e., echolocation clicks) being detected at each site, SWTs were not detected at all sites and there was high variability in capture rates among sites where SWTs were detected (range 0–21 SWTs detected). At Aphrodite Beach, 53 SWTs were captured over 6 months and discovery curves showed an initial increase in newly detected SWTs, approaching asymptote during the fourth month. A Huggins closed capture model constructed from SWT capture histories at Aphrodite Beach estimated a population of 54–68 individuals from acoustic detection, which overlaps with the known population size (54–76 individuals—Elwen et al. 2019). This study demonstrates the potential power of using signature whistles as proxies for individual occurrence and in MR abundance estimation, but also highlights challenges in using this approach.

Mastering Intrapreneurial Behaviour for Sustained Socioeconomic Development

2007 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Thomas ◽  
Christopher Miller ◽  
Brychan Thomas ◽  
Richard Tunstall ◽  
Nia Siggins
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Heritage Tourism ◽  
Contemporary Literature ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Substantial Growth ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Tourism Enterprises ◽  
Staff Engagement

Heritage is the key to the success of the tourism industry in Wales. Tourism itself is one of the largest and most important industries in the Principality, contributing £2.5 billion in spending from visitors, 7% to GDP and 10% of jobs to the economy. Following a period of substantial growth during the 1980s and 1990s, the industry has seen a period of decline over recent years. This paper analyses the proposition that an attitude of enterprise and innovation must be embraced if the heritage tourism industry in Wales is to be used as a catalyst for economic regeneration and development. The aim of the study was to assess to what extent intrapreneurial behaviour was occurring in the three organizations investigated and what were the views on enterprise of those surveyed. The research reported on case studies of the intrapreneurial characteristics of the small and medium-sized heritage tourism enterprises (SMHTEs) in the eastern valleys of south Wales. Three organizations were analysed and the data collated to produce, in combination with the contemporary literature, recommendations for successful growth and sustained socioeconomic development. The conclusions of the work suggest that intrapreneurial behaviour in existing organizations is directly linked to staff engagement and empowerment.

Feeding Flipper: a case study of a humandolphin interaction

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh Finn ◽  
Rebecca Donaldson ◽  
Michael Calver
Keyword(s):  
Food Reinforcement ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Recreational Fishing ◽  
Encounter Rates ◽  
Dolphin Population ◽  
Feeding Sources ◽  
Feeding Interactions

We document a human-dolphin interaction involving the illegal feeding of wild Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia from 1993-2003. In 1993 only one dolphin was considered conditioned to human interaction through food reinforcement. By 2001, 16% (n = 12) of the resident community of 74 adult dolphins were conditioned, and at least 14 dolphins were conditioned by 2003. Of the 13 conditioned dolphins of known sex, 11 (85%) were males. We observed conditioned dolphins initiating interactions by approaching recreational fishing boats and by residing for several hours at boat ramps and shore-based fishing sites. We only observed recreational fishers feeding dolphins, although anecdotal reports indicated additional feeding sources. We used belt transects to determine the densities of recreational boats and encounter rates for conditioned dolphins across habitats within Cockburn Sound. Encounter rates and boat densities were positively correlated, suggesting an association between recreational boat density and the ranging patterns of conditioned dolphins. This study demonstrates how illegal feeding interactions can intensify over time to affect a potentially biologically significant proportion of a local dolphin population. This emphasizes the need for early and pro-active intervention and demonstrates the value of longitudinal, individual-specific wildlife studies.

scholarly journals Nautical tourism affects common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus M.) foraging success in a NATURA 2000 site, North-Eastern Adriatic Sea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
DARJA RIBARIC ◽  
JACK CLARKSON
Keyword(s):  
West Coast ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Common Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Key Species ◽  
Natura 2000 Site ◽  
Dolphin Watching

Several studies indicate that unregulated nautical tourism can have negative implications on cetacean behaviour. In recent years, dolphin watching activities (DWA) have increased off the West coast of Istria, Croatia, a region in which the NATURA 2000 site: ‘Akvatorij zapadne Istre’ has been proposed to be designated for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus M.). For data collected between 2016 and 2019, we compared dolphin group behaviours from this region during impact (presence of nautical tourism boats (NTBs)) and control (absence of NTBs) scenarios, as well as providing descriptive analysis on the displacement of individuals in the presence of NTBs. Throughout the study years, 48.5 % of NTBs were observed within 15m of the dolphin focal groups and 97 % were observed within 50 m distance. The greatest rates of displacement in dolphin focal groups occurred when NTB numbers were greatest per individual dolphin. Markov chain analysis were used to quantify the short-term effects of NTB presence on dolphin behaviour. In the presence of NTBs, dolphins were more likely to spend time milling and less time foraging. Cumulative behavioural budgets, derived by accounting for the time bottlenose dolphins spent in the presence or absence of NTBs, indicated that vessel exposure levels of 14 % and 25 % were enough to statistically affect milling and foraging behaviours respectively. To lessen the lack of sustainable DWA, the implementation of relevant guidelines, e.g. Global Best Practice Guidance for Responsible Whale and Dolphin Watching (50 m no approach and 300 m caution zone) is therefore crucial to mitigate any long-term consequences the actions of NTBs may have on this key species. To date, 162 bottlenose dolphins have been photo-identified off West coast of Istria and cumulative interference to this population could affect direct ecosystem functioning.

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