C. hectori: Behaviour in Response to Tour-Boat & Yacht Presence

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Whether dolphins behave differently between observation sites and towards specific types of watercraft are questions many researchers ask. This book (Volume III of III) outlines a study which investigated dolphin orientation, quadrant preference and swimming direction in relation to tour-boat presence at two New Zealand harbours. Individual and sequential behaviour patterns were also investigated. The results obtained were compared to dolphin behaviour in the presence of a private yacht. Behaviours were categorised as avoidance, positive or neutral behaviour. It was found that there were no significant changes over time in the proportions of behaviour exhibited within these behavioural groups. To determine any long term trends, behavioural responses to tour-boat presence at Lyttelton harbour were examined over a six year period, 1999-2005, which represents the longest conducted study in this specific area on one population of dolphin. There were no suggestions of long term trends over the six years that would indicate that the dolphin population was adapting to or being influenced by tourism (and other) boats. This book provides a new insight into dolphin behaviour in the presence of tour-boats and private watercraft.