Dear MARMAM Community,
We ar epleased to announce our new publication, published in the most recent
issue of the Marine Ecology Progress Series and focussing on the interaction
between bottlenose dolphins and non-targeted tourism vessels (i.e cruise ships)
in Montenegro. (MEPS 638:165-176 (2020) - DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13257)
ABSTRACT: We investigated the short-term effects of non-targeted tourism on the
behaviour of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the South Adriatic off
the coast of Montenegro, by comparing dolphin group behaviour during impact
(the presence of non-targeted tourism vessels) and control (absence of all
marine vessels) scenarios. Tourism vessel and dolphin behavioural data were
collected through systematic weekly land-based surveys. Using instantaneous
focal ‘group’ scan sampling, the predominant behaviour of bottlenose dolphin
groups was determined. To quantify the effect of vessel interactions on the
behavioural budget of the dolphins, we followed a stepwise modelling approach.
A first-order Markov chain was used to calculate the transition probabilities
between behavioural states before a Monte Carlo simulation estimated the
behavioural budgets of dolphins during impact and control situations. In the
presence of non-targeted tourism, dolphins were found to be less likely to
remain diving (during which dolphins were assumed to be feeding), whilst
milling-socialising and surface feeding were completely absent from their
behavioural repertoires. Nevertheless, the behavioural budgets demonstrated an
increase in resting behaviour in the presence of non-targeted tourism vessels.
No significant changes to travelling behaviour were observed. The decrease in
foraging behaviour (both surface feeding and diving) could result in a
reduction in energy intake for dolphins, which over time (assuming repeated
disturbance) could negatively affect body condition, and ultimately survival
and reproduction. Regulations on non-targeted tourism should therefore be
considered to minimise potential long-term negative effects on dolphins within
Montenegrin territorial waters.
Please contact myself if you wish to receive a copy of the PDF.
Regards,
Jack ClarksonResearch Associate and Supervisor at Marine Mammal Research
AssociationDeniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği
(DMAD)[email protected][email protected]
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