Question

exercise sixteen

research what possible impacts could tourism vessels have on the environment?
what impact is tourism having on the hectors dolphins in the akaroa region?

useful website:
http://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience/research/biology-and-conservation-of-marine-mammals/

new zealand school of tourism
us24727 v3
describe and compare impacts of tourism on the environment.

Explanation:

Identify the core research questions

1. What possible impacts could tourism vessels have on the marine environment?
2. What specific impact is tourism having on the Hector's Dolphins in the Akaroa region?

Analyze general impacts of tourism vessels on the marine environment

• Noise pollution: Underwater engine noise disrupts marine mammal communication, navigation, and echolocation.
• Physical disturbance: Risk of vessel strikes (collisions) injuring or killing marine life, and propeller damage.
• Pollution: Discharge of sewage, greywater, fuel leaks, oil spills, and litter.
• Habitat degradation: Anchoring on sensitive seafloors or reefs.

Analyze specific impacts on Hector's Dolphins in Akaroa

• Behavioral disruption: Dolphins spend less time resting, socializing, and feeding when vessels are present.
• Avoidance behavior: Dolphins may actively avoid preferred shallow-water habitats to escape vessel noise and activity.
• Increased stress: Constant presence of tour boats and swim-with-dolphin vessels elevates physiological stress levels.
• Risk of injury: High vessel density increases the likelihood of boat strikes on these small, coastal dolphins.

Answer:

Based on research regarding marine tourism and the specific conservation of Hector's Dolphins in Akaroa, New Zealand:

1. General Impacts of Tourism Vessels on the Marine Environment:

• Noise Pollution: Engine noise disrupts underwater communication, navigation, and echolocation of marine mammals.
• Water Pollution: Accidental fuel leaks, oil spills, greywater discharge, and litter degrade water quality.
• Physical Disturbance: Vessel movement can cause habitat fragmentation, while anchors can damage benthic ecosystems.
• Vessel Strikes: Increased boat traffic elevates the risk of physical collisions with marine wildlife.

1. Specific Impacts on Hector's Dolphins in Akaroa:

• Behavioral Disruption: The presence of tour boats and swim-with-dolphin operations significantly reduces the time dolphins spend resting, socializing, and nursing their young.
• Habitat Displacement: High vessel density forces dolphins to abandon preferred shallow, sheltered coastal areas for deeper, less optimal waters to avoid disturbance.
• Acoustic Masking: Boat engine noise masks the high-frequency clicks used by Hector's dolphins for communication and foraging.
• Increased Stress and Strike Risk: Constant close-range interactions lead to chronic physiological stress and a higher probability of propeller injuries or boat strikes.