Are dolphin-watching boats routes an effective tool for managing tourism in marine protected areas?

Abstract

Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, is endangered and is one of the main target species for dolphin-watching in Brazil. This study aimed to investigate the compliance of routes of dolphin-watching boats in the Tibau do Sul Coastal Wildlife Reserve (REFAUTS) with the current legislation. The ‘route’ tool of a GPS navigation system enabled the recording of the route and speed of the boats and boat trip duration in the REFAUTS. The kernel map was constructed from the geographical coordinates during the tourist boat trips and showed the presence intensity of the tourist boats for Dolphin Bay and Madeiro Bay. At REFAUTS, tourist boats stayed longer and moved above the speed allowed by law. These boats showed low levels of compliance with the current legislation, which could result in damage to the Guiana dolphins. The prioritization of actions to promote the appropriate management of the REFAUTS, sustainability of tourism, and the conservation of the Guiana dolphins should focus on the boat operators and tourists.