Dolphins feed and rest less when boats are nearby

Close approaches by boats impede the feeding and resting habits of Indo-Pacifc bottlenose dolphins.

The dolphins are frequent targets of Australia’s dolphin watching industry, which brings boats in close proximity to the dolphins.

Reseachers from CSIRO conducted controlled boat experiments and found less resting when boats passed by the dolphins at distances of 50 meters, than at distances of 150 meters or with controlled approaches. When boats came within 50 meters, dolphins were also observed to stay closer to one another.