C. hectori

Whether dolphins behave differently between observation sitesand towards specific types of watercraft are questions manyresearchers ask. This book (Volume III of III) outlines a studywhich investigated dolphin orientation, quadrant preference andswimming direction in relation to tour-boat presence at two NewZealand harbours. Individual and sequential behaviour patterns werealso investigated. The results obtained were compared to dolphinbehaviour in the presence of a private yacht. Behaviours werecategorised as avoidance, positive or neutral behaviour. It wasfound that there were no significant changes over time in theproportions of behaviour exhibited within these behavioural groups.To determine any long term trends, behavioural responses totour-boat presence at Lyttelton harbour were examined over a sixyear period, 1999-2005, which represents the longest conductedstudy in this specific area on one population of dolphin. Therewere no suggestions of long term trends over the six years thatwould indicate that the dolphin population was adapting to or beinginfluenced by tourism (and other) boats. This book provides a newinsight into dolphin behaviour in the presence of tour-boats andprivate watercraft.