Pub Date : 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3727/154427321X16223819324721
J. Ziegler, S. Diamant, S. Pierce, R. Bennett, J. Kiszka
Nosy Be in northwestern Madagascar is home to a globally important whale shark (Rhincodon typus) aggregation and a growing whale shark tourism industry. Whale sharks, however, are not protected in Malagasy waters and are threatened by fisheries bycatch, collisions with vessels, and disturbance from tourism. We used tourist questionnaires (n = 488) to assess the economic value of, and tourist perceptions of, whale shark tourism in Nosy Be from September-December 2019. We also surveyed whale shark tour operators (n = 12) in December 2018 to understand their perceptions of tourism management needs in the region. Results suggest the Nosy Be whale shark tourism industry was worth US$1.5 million for the three-month 2019 whale shark season. ‘Dedicated’ whale shark divers (i.e., those who came specifically to Nosy Be to swim with whale sharks) spent 55% more money overall and six times the amount individually compared to ‘casual’ whale shark divers. Both tourists and operators supported the protection of whale sharks, with the majority (67.4%) of tourists strongly agreeing that they would choose a tourism destination at which whale sharks are protected. Tour operators did note, however, significant management issues (e.g., overcrowding, lack of regulations/training), recommending the need to better regulate whale shark tourism and interactions. This study emphasises the economic rationale for protecting whale sharks in Madagascar to safeguard the emerging marine tourism industry and ensure it is being sustainably managed.
{"title":"ECONOMIC VALUE AND PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF WHALE SHARK TOURISM IN NOSY BE, MADAGASCAR","authors":"J. Ziegler, S. Diamant, S. Pierce, R. Bennett, J. Kiszka","doi":"10.3727/154427321X16223819324721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3727/154427321X16223819324721","url":null,"abstract":"Nosy Be in northwestern Madagascar is home to a globally important whale shark (Rhincodon typus) aggregation and a growing whale shark tourism industry. Whale sharks, however, are not protected in Malagasy waters and are threatened by fisheries bycatch, collisions with vessels, and disturbance from tourism. We used tourist questionnaires (n = 488) to assess the economic value of, and tourist perceptions of, whale shark tourism in Nosy Be from September-December 2019. We also surveyed whale shark tour operators (n = 12) in December 2018 to understand their perceptions of tourism management needs in the region. Results suggest the Nosy Be whale shark tourism industry was worth US$1.5 million for the three-month 2019 whale shark season. ‘Dedicated’ whale shark divers (i.e., those who came specifically to Nosy Be to swim with whale sharks) spent 55% more money overall and six times the amount individually compared to ‘casual’ whale shark divers. Both tourists and operators supported the protection of whale sharks, with the majority (67.4%) of tourists strongly agreeing that they would choose a tourism destination at which whale sharks are protected. Tour operators did note, however, significant management issues (e.g., overcrowding, lack of regulations/training), recommending the need to better regulate whale shark tourism and interactions. This study emphasises the economic rationale for protecting whale sharks in Madagascar to safeguard the emerging marine tourism industry and ensure it is being sustainably managed.","PeriodicalId":35146,"journal":{"name":"Tourism in Marine Environments","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69754700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3727/154427321X16201164704702
Lauren M. Fritz
{"title":"Whale Watching and Snorkeling During a Global Pandemic: The Challenges of Social Distancing and Mask Wearing","authors":"Lauren M. Fritz","doi":"10.3727/154427321X16201164704702","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3727/154427321X16201164704702","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35146,"journal":{"name":"Tourism in Marine Environments","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69754478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3727/154427321X16201192810523
J. M. Tavares, C. Cobanoglu, Stanislav Ivanov
The aim of this article is to identify differences between the people of Generation Z and non-Generation Z and a potential demand for sea cruises. Data were collected during the period of May–June 2017 in the State of Minas Gerais (Brazil) through a survey of 312 respondents who had never taken a sea cruise. Data were analyzed with exploratory factor analysis, independent and paired samples t test, and logistic regression. The results revealed significant differences between Generation Z and non-Generation Z as potential sea cruisers. Managerial implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed as well.
{"title":"Generation Z and Non-Generation Z as Potential Sea Cruisers","authors":"J. M. Tavares, C. Cobanoglu, Stanislav Ivanov","doi":"10.3727/154427321X16201192810523","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3727/154427321X16201192810523","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of this article is to identify differences between the people of Generation Z and non-Generation Z and a potential demand for sea cruises. Data were collected during the period of May–June 2017 in the State of Minas Gerais (Brazil) through a survey of 312 respondents who had never taken a sea cruise. Data were analyzed with exploratory factor analysis, independent and paired samples t test, and logistic regression. The results revealed significant differences between Generation Z and non-Generation Z as potential sea cruisers. Managerial implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed as well.","PeriodicalId":35146,"journal":{"name":"Tourism in Marine Environments","volume":"258 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69754578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment, including coral reefs, seagrasses, terrestrial/aquatic animals, waste/sewage, and the economy of 27 marine national parks and four marine national park operations centers. Structured interviews were employed in this study. The results from national park officers indicated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural resources, such as coral, seagrass, and terrestrial/aquatic animals, had recovered and become more productive since animals in the area were observed. In addition, the amount of waste in the area has decreased; however, some national parks still have problems with marine debris. In contrast, the economic findings indicated that the number of tourists, both Thai and foreign, has decreased, reducing the total national park revenue by THB 1,507,681,302 (USD 50,256,043). Our research shows that there is an important association between the reduction of tourists and environmental quality. In addition, a reduction in revenue may impact the environment through illegal logging and fishing. Therefore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, technology should be used for surveys in the national parks, regularly informing budget support from the government, and tourism management.
{"title":"The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Effect on Marine National Parks in Thailand","authors":"Onanong Cheablam, Utai Dachyosdee, Sonthaya Purintarapiban","doi":"10.3727/154427321x16370266800868","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3727/154427321x16370266800868","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment, including coral reefs, seagrasses, terrestrial/aquatic animals, waste/sewage, and the economy of 27 marine national parks and four marine national park operations centers. Structured interviews were employed in this study. The results from national park officers indicated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural resources, such as coral, seagrass, and terrestrial/aquatic animals, had recovered and become more productive since animals in the area were observed. In addition, the amount of waste in the area has decreased; however, some national parks still have problems with marine debris. In contrast, the economic findings indicated that the number of tourists, both Thai and foreign, has decreased, reducing the total national park revenue by THB 1,507,681,302 (USD 50,256,043). Our research shows that there is an important association between the reduction of tourists and environmental quality. In addition, a reduction in revenue may impact the environment through illegal logging and fishing. Therefore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, technology should be used for surveys in the national parks, regularly informing budget support from the government, and tourism management.","PeriodicalId":35146,"journal":{"name":"Tourism in Marine Environments","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69754525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3727/154427321x16258290817020
T. Cummins
This commentary draws attention to the challenges for researchers in accessing and using recreational scuba diver training agency and other dive industry databases. These challenges may lead to biased conclusions as to the size and nature of scuba diver populations, falsely identify the diver in specific sectors, distort potentials for scuba diving tourism and incorrectly ascertain what exactly motivates diver travel preferences. The commentary aims to raise awareness of the challenges of gaining access to meaningful recreational scuba diver data and a need to exercise caution when using available scuba diving industry databases.
{"title":"What is wrong with recreational scuba diver databases?","authors":"T. Cummins","doi":"10.3727/154427321x16258290817020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3727/154427321x16258290817020","url":null,"abstract":"This commentary draws attention to the challenges for researchers in accessing and using recreational scuba diver training agency and other dive industry databases. These challenges may lead to biased conclusions as to the size and nature of scuba diver populations, falsely identify the diver in specific sectors, distort potentials for scuba diving tourism and incorrectly ascertain what exactly motivates diver travel preferences. The commentary aims to raise awareness of the challenges of gaining access to meaningful recreational scuba diver data and a need to exercise caution when using available scuba diving industry databases.","PeriodicalId":35146,"journal":{"name":"Tourism in Marine Environments","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69754245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3727/154427321X16201200763364
Y. Elmahdy, M. Orams, R. Mykletun
More affordable travel opportunities have facilitated a swift rise in surf tourism, which is a growing multibillion dollar global business niche within the broader sport tourism industry. It is argued that a growing number of surfers who are searching for the perfect wave without the crowds found in well-established surfing destinations are shifting to cold-water surfing. Previous research on surf tourism has largely focused on warm- and temperate-water surfing and related travel. However, an exploration of and an attempt to comprehend cold-water surf tourism and how it compares to similar activities in warm water has been overlooked. This study focuses on understanding the travel behavior and related experiences of Norwegian surf tourists domestically and internationally, to cold- and warm-water destinations. Data were collected using a phenomenological approach and semistructured in-depth interviews with 18 experienced Norwegian surfers. Results show that these surfers are highly mobile, visiting warm-water surf destinations such as Morocco, Bali, Australia, and Hawaii and also cold-water surf destinations such as Norway, Iceland, Scotland, and Canada. They travel to surf at least once a year, staying between 10 days and 3 months, preferably in cheap accommodation. The longer the travel distance, the longer the stay. Their experiences of "localism," where local surfers behave aggressively toward visiting surfers, were more common in crowded warm-water destinations. In addition to the enjoyment of surfing, these Norwegian surf tourists valued opportunities to create new social relationships, experience new and different cultures, and expand their "world-view" via their surf travel. They appreciated unique natural environments and experienced a deep connection to nature. This research presents the first empirical data on the travel behavior and related experiences of surf tourists from a nontraditional surfing nation in Scandinavia.
{"title":"Exploring the Travel Behavior and Experiences of Norwegian Surfers: Cold-Versus Warm-Water Surfing","authors":"Y. Elmahdy, M. Orams, R. Mykletun","doi":"10.3727/154427321X16201200763364","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3727/154427321X16201200763364","url":null,"abstract":"More affordable travel opportunities have facilitated a swift rise in surf tourism, which is a growing multibillion dollar global business niche within the broader sport tourism industry. It is argued that a growing number of surfers who are searching for the perfect wave without the crowds found in well-established surfing destinations are shifting to cold-water surfing. Previous research on surf tourism has largely focused on warm- and temperate-water surfing and related travel. However, an exploration of and an attempt to comprehend cold-water surf tourism and how it compares to similar activities in warm water has been overlooked. This study focuses on understanding the travel behavior and related experiences of Norwegian surf tourists domestically and internationally, to cold- and warm-water destinations. Data were collected using a phenomenological approach and semistructured in-depth interviews with 18 experienced Norwegian surfers. Results show that these surfers are highly mobile, visiting warm-water surf destinations such as Morocco, Bali, Australia, and Hawaii and also cold-water surf destinations such as Norway, Iceland, Scotland, and Canada. They travel to surf at least once a year, staying between 10 days and 3 months, preferably in cheap accommodation. The longer the travel distance, the longer the stay. Their experiences of \"localism,\" where local surfers behave aggressively toward visiting surfers, were more common in crowded warm-water destinations. In addition to the enjoyment of surfing, these Norwegian surf tourists valued opportunities to create new social relationships, experience new and different cultures, and expand their \"world-view\" via their surf travel. They appreciated unique natural environments and experienced a deep connection to nature. This research presents the first empirical data on the travel behavior and related experiences of surf tourists from a nontraditional surfing nation in Scandinavia.","PeriodicalId":35146,"journal":{"name":"Tourism in Marine Environments","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69754646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-01-01DOI: 10.3727/154427321x16270454534433
Farwa Alkhalaf, M. Orams
Half Moon Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Saudi Arabia and is located on the Persian Gulf. Empirical data regarding Saudi marine and coastal recreation and tourism is very limited. This study used a self-reply questionnaire to investigate beach visitors’ (n=280) characteristics, motivations and activities. Results revealed that visitors were predominantly Saudis (95%) from the Eastern Province who visited Half Moon Beach for the purpose of enjoying the beauty of nature, the sea and sand and to relax. Visitors (39%) were mostly satisfied with the overall experience but many (23%) expressed negative comments about their beach visits. They were dissatisfied with the low level of cleanliness of the beach and facilities, a lack of services and facilities and the limited number of sea and beach-related activities. Visitors mostly (79%) supported more development of more activities at the beach. Furthermore, visitors (47%) suggested that activities should carefully target families and children and provide options that engage the whole family. Many visitors (37%) suggested that females are an important segment and should be targeted with activities that respect their cultural and religious practices and give them more chances to enjoy the beach visits.
{"title":"Coastal Tourism in Saudi Arabia.An Exploratory Study of Half Moon Beach","authors":"Farwa Alkhalaf, M. Orams","doi":"10.3727/154427321x16270454534433","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3727/154427321x16270454534433","url":null,"abstract":"Half Moon Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Saudi Arabia and is located on the Persian Gulf. Empirical data regarding Saudi marine and coastal recreation and tourism is very limited. This study used a self-reply questionnaire to investigate beach visitors’ (n=280) characteristics, motivations and activities. Results revealed that visitors were predominantly Saudis (95%) from the Eastern Province who visited Half Moon Beach for the purpose of enjoying the beauty of nature, the sea and sand and to relax. Visitors (39%) were mostly satisfied with the overall experience but many (23%) expressed negative comments about their beach visits. They were dissatisfied with the low level of cleanliness of the beach and facilities, a lack of services and facilities and the limited number of sea and beach-related activities. Visitors mostly (79%) supported more development of more activities at the beach. Furthermore, visitors (47%) suggested that activities should carefully target families and children and provide options that engage the whole family. Many visitors (37%) suggested that females are an important segment and should be targeted with activities that respect their cultural and religious practices and give them more chances to enjoy the beach visits.","PeriodicalId":35146,"journal":{"name":"Tourism in Marine Environments","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69754292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-10-14DOI: 10.3727/154427320x15960647825531
Thibaut Barra, L. Bejder, M. Dalleau, Sylvain Delaspre, Anne-Emmanuelle Landes, M. Harvey, Ludovic Hoarau
The effect of nature-based tourism on wildlife has been the focus of much attention. Studies have demonstrated how boat-based cetacean-watching tourism can cause both short-term and long-term effects on targeted populations. However, limited attention has been given to the effect of swim-with activities on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). This study qualified whale responses to swim-with activities off Reunion Island during the 2018 humpback whales breeding season. We used both under- and above-water videos collected from social media outlets, commercial whale-watching operators, and audiovisual professionals. We documented a high rate of agonistic whale behaviors (during 42.1% of all observations; n = 164) towards swimmers within videos containing swim-with events. We documented seven agonistic behaviors including threat, attack, or defense behaviors that were predominantly exhibited by mother/calf groups (73.8%; n = 121) and by singletons (16.5%; n = 27). Pectoral shears (27.4%) and fluke thrashes (23.2%) were the most exhibited agonistic whale behaviors aimed towards swimmers, both of which pose a danger and serious injury to swimmers. During swim-with attempts whales changed their behavioral state (82.3%, n = 159) and used avoidance tactics to avoid swimmers (56.1%, n = 92). Whales exhibited a higher rate of agonistic behaviors when swim groups were active and dispersed, in contrast to when they were quiet and compact. To mitigate whale disturbance and improve swimmer safety, we recommend avoiding swimming with whale groups containing calfs. Our findings support the implementation of strong regulations and educational tools to ensure a sustainable practice of whale watching off the Reunion Island.
{"title":"Social Media Reveal High Rates of Agonistic Behaviors of Humpback Whales in Response to Swim-with Activities Off Reunion Island","authors":"Thibaut Barra, L. Bejder, M. Dalleau, Sylvain Delaspre, Anne-Emmanuelle Landes, M. Harvey, Ludovic Hoarau","doi":"10.3727/154427320x15960647825531","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3727/154427320x15960647825531","url":null,"abstract":"The effect of nature-based tourism on wildlife has been the focus of much attention. Studies have demonstrated how boat-based cetacean-watching tourism can cause both short-term and long-term effects on targeted populations. However, limited attention has been given to the effect of\u0000 swim-with activities on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). This study qualified whale responses to swim-with activities off Reunion Island during the 2018 humpback whales breeding season. We used both under- and above-water videos collected from social media outlets, commercial\u0000 whale-watching operators, and audiovisual professionals. We documented a high rate of agonistic whale behaviors (during 42.1% of all observations; n = 164) towards swimmers within videos containing swim-with events. We documented seven agonistic behaviors including threat, attack, or\u0000 defense behaviors that were predominantly exhibited by mother/calf groups (73.8%; n = 121) and by singletons (16.5%; n = 27). Pectoral shears (27.4%) and fluke thrashes (23.2%) were the most exhibited agonistic whale behaviors aimed towards swimmers, both of which pose a danger\u0000 and serious injury to swimmers. During swim-with attempts whales changed their behavioral state (82.3%, n = 159) and used avoidance tactics to avoid swimmers (56.1%, n = 92). Whales exhibited a higher rate of agonistic behaviors when swim groups were active and dispersed, in\u0000 contrast to when they were quiet and compact. To mitigate whale disturbance and improve swimmer safety, we recommend avoiding swimming with whale groups containing calfs. Our findings support the implementation of strong regulations and educational tools to ensure a sustainable practice of\u0000 whale watching off the Reunion Island.","PeriodicalId":35146,"journal":{"name":"Tourism in Marine Environments","volume":"15 1","pages":"191-209"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49178503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-10-14DOI: 10.3727/154427320x15943283422072
V. Senigaglia, L. Bejder
Marine wildlife tourism attractions often use food rewards to ensure close-up encounters with freeranging animals. In Bunbury, Western Australia, the Dolphin Discovery Centre (DDC) conducts a foodprovision program where bottlenose dolphins (N = 22; between 2000 and 2018) are offered food rewards to encourage their visitation at a beach in front of the DDC. We used historical records on individual beach visits by adult female dolphins collected by the DDC from 2000 to 2018 to develop generalized mixed effects models (GLMM) to test whether the frequency of beach visitation was influenced by their reproductive status (pregnant, lactating, nonreproductive) or climatic events (El Niño-Southern Oscillation phases) that could affect prey availability. We also quantified the behavioral budget of dolphins during food-provisioning sessions and documented intra- and interspecific aggressive behaviors using individual focal follows collected in 2017–2018. Provisioned females spend most of the time resting within the interaction area (66.3%) and aggressive interactions arise as a consequence of dominance behavior over food access. Visitation rates were most influenced by reproductive status with pregnant and lactating females visiting the provisioning area more frequently (z = 2.085, p = 0.037 and z = 2.437, p = 0.014, respectively). Females that frequently visit the provisioning area expose their dependent calves to regular human interactions at an early age when they are more susceptible to behavioral conditioning. Such experiences could cause the loss of awareness towards humans and promote maladaptive behaviors such as begging that increase risk of entanglement in fishing gear, boat strikes, and propeller injuries.
{"title":"Pregnancy Cravings: Visitation at a Food-Provisioning Site is Driven by the Reproductive Status of Bottlenose Dolphins","authors":"V. Senigaglia, L. Bejder","doi":"10.3727/154427320x15943283422072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3727/154427320x15943283422072","url":null,"abstract":"Marine wildlife tourism attractions often use food rewards to ensure close-up encounters with freeranging animals. In Bunbury, Western Australia, the Dolphin Discovery Centre (DDC) conducts a foodprovision program where bottlenose dolphins (N = 22; between 2000 and 2018) are\u0000 offered food rewards to encourage their visitation at a beach in front of the DDC. We used historical records on individual beach visits by adult female dolphins collected by the DDC from 2000 to 2018 to develop generalized mixed effects models (GLMM) to test whether the frequency of beach\u0000 visitation was influenced by their reproductive status (pregnant, lactating, nonreproductive) or climatic events (El Niño-Southern Oscillation phases) that could affect prey availability. We also quantified the behavioral budget of dolphins during food-provisioning sessions and documented\u0000 intra- and interspecific aggressive behaviors using individual focal follows collected in 2017–2018. Provisioned females spend most of the time resting within the interaction area (66.3%) and aggressive interactions arise as a consequence of dominance behavior over food access. Visitation\u0000 rates were most influenced by reproductive status with pregnant and lactating females visiting the provisioning area more frequently (z = 2.085, p = 0.037 and z = 2.437, p = 0.014, respectively). Females that frequently visit the provisioning area expose their dependent\u0000 calves to regular human interactions at an early age when they are more susceptible to behavioral conditioning. Such experiences could cause the loss of awareness towards humans and promote maladaptive behaviors such as begging that increase risk of entanglement in fishing gear, boat strikes,\u0000 and propeller injuries.","PeriodicalId":35146,"journal":{"name":"Tourism in Marine Environments","volume":"15 1","pages":"237-248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46832416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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