Bottlenose Dolphin Responses to Boat Traffic Affected by Boat Characteristics and Degree of Compliance to Code of Conduct

Levels of boat traffic in coastal seas have been steadily increasing many parts the world, introducing pressures on marine wildlife through disturbance. The appropriate management human activities is important not only to preserve wildlife, but also for local communities that depend ecotourism employment and their economy. This study presents further insight into bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) responses boats New Quay Bay (West Wales) within Cardigan Special Area Conservation. region heavily dependent tourism, regulated a long-standing Code Conduct. Based long-term dataset spanning months April October years 2010–2018, found compliance code behaviour increased positive towards boats. Dolphin individual named different types were examined greater detail. Speed boats, small motorboats, kayaks break most often, resulting higher rates negative response by dolphins. Visitor passenger formed majority area, showed than other general recreational crafts. Suggestions are made better protection population, as well role citizen science can play help achieve this goal working directly with trip recruitment observers.