What Works in Conservation 2021
| , , ,14. Marine and freshwater mammal conservation
14.5 Threat: Human intrusions and disturbance
Texte intégral
14.5.1 Recreational activities and tourism
Likely to be beneficial
Introduce and enforce regulations for marine and freshwater mammal watching tours
1Four studies evaluated the effects of introducing regulations for marine and freshwater mammal watching tours on marine mammals. One Study was in each of the North Atlantic Ocean (the Azores), the Cananéia estuary (Brazil), the South Pacific Ocean (Australia) and the Bass Strait (Australia).
2COMMUNITY RESPONSE (0 STUDIES)
3POPULATION RESPONSE (0 STUDIES)
4BEHAVIOUR (4 STUDIES)
5Behaviour change (4 studies): Two controlled studies in the North Atlantic Ocean and South Pacific Ocean found that when whale-watching vessels followed approach regulations, fewer sperm whales and humpback whale pods changed their behaviours (e.g. swimming speed, aerial displays) or avoided the vessels compared to when regulations were not followed, but direction of movement and diving patterns or diving behaviours did not differ. One replicated, controlled study in the Cananéia estuary found that when tour boats followed approach regulations, fewer Guiana dolphins displayed negative behaviours (e.g. moving away, diving, groups separating). One study in the Bass Strait found that when boats approached a seal colony to 75 m, more seals remained on shore than when boats approached to 25 m. Assessment: likely to be beneficial (effectiveness 80 %; certainty 60 %; harms 0 %).
https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/2838
Limit, cease or prohibit feeding of marine and freshwater mammals by tourists
6One study evaluated the effects of setting limits on feeding of marine mammals by tourists. The study was in Shark Bay (Australia).
7COMMUNITY RESPONSE (0 STUDIES)
8POPULATION RESPONSE (1 STUDY)
9Survival (1 study): One controlled, before-and-after study in Shark Bay found that after setting limits on feeding of bottlenose dolphins by tourists, the survival of calves born to females being fed increased and was similar to calves of non-fed mothers.
10BEHAVIOUR (0 STUDIES)
11Assessment: likely to be beneficial (effectiveness 60 %; certainty 40 %; harms 0 %).
https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/2845
Use volunteers to deter tourists from harassing marine and freshwater mammals at wildlife-viewing sites
12One study evaluated the effects of using volunteers to deter tourists from harassing marine and freshwater mammals at wildlife-viewing sites. The study was at the Ohau Stream waterfall (New Zealand).
13COMMUNITY RESPONSE (0 STUDIES)
14POPULATION RESPONSE (0 STUDIES)
15BEHAVIOUR (0 STUDIES)
16OTHER (1 STUDY)
17Change in human behaviour (1 study): One randomized, controlled study at the Ohau Stream waterfall found that the presence of an official-looking volunteer resulted in fewer tourists harassing New Zealand fur seals at a waterfall.
18Assessment: likely to be beneficial (effectiveness 60 %; certainty 40 %; harms 0 %).
https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/2844
Unknown effectiveness
Inform the public of ways to reduce disturbance to marine and freshwater mammals (e.g. use educational signs)
19One study evaluated the effects of informing the public of ways to reduce disturbance to marine and freshwater mammals. The study was in the South Pacific Ocean (New Zealand).
20COMMUNITY RESPONSE (0 STUDIES)
21POPULATION RESPONSE (0 STUDIES)
22BEHAVIOUR (0 STUDIES)
23OTHER (1 STUDY)
24Change in human behaviour (1 study): One controlled study in the South Pacific Ocean found that tourist groups that observed information signs approached and disturbed New Zealand fur seals in similar numbers to those that did not.
25Assessment: unknown effectiveness (effectiveness 20 %; certainty 30 %; harms 0 %).
https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/2843
Train tourist guides to minimize disturbance and promote marine and freshwater mammal conservation
26One study evaluated the effects of training tourist guides to minimize disturbance and promote marine and freshwater mammal conservation. The study was in the Kenai Fjords (Alaska).
27COMMUNITY RESPONSE (0 STUDIES)
28POPULATION RESPONSE (0 STUDIES)
29BEHAVIOUR (1 STUDY)
30Behaviour change (1 study): One before-and-after study in the Kenai Fjords found that fewer harbour seals were disturbed during kayak excursions after training was provided to kayak guides.
31Assessment: unknown effectiveness (effectiveness 60 %; certainty 27 %; harms 0 %).
https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/2840
No evidence found (no assessment)
32We have captured no evidence for the following interventions:
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Create designated areas or access points for recreational activities
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Introduce permits or licences for marine and freshwater mammal watching tours
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Introduce permits or licences for recreational watersports.
14.5.2 Work and other activities
No evidence found (no assessment)
33We have captured no evidence for the following interventions:
-
Introduce regulations for flying drones over marine and freshwater mammals
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Introduce regulations for the use of underwater drones in proximity to marine and freshwater mammals.
Table des illustrations
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URL | http://books.openedition.org/obp/docannexe/image/25320/img-2.jpg |
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