Boat traffic and dolphin watching tourism can significantly disrupt wild dolphin behavior and welfare. Understanding impacts helps develop sustainable wildlife tourism.
Wild dolphins face increasing welfare pressure from boat traffic and tourism. High-speed vessels cause injury from propeller strikes and bow wave pressure. Persistent following by tourism boats interrupts rest periods essential for dolphin health. Swim-with-dolphin activities cause acute stress responses — accelerated swimming, avoidance, and group dispersal — that habituate poorly and indicate genuine welfare harm. Responsible wildlife watching guidelines specifying minimum approach distances, speed limits, and maximum encounter times significantly reduce harm.