Tourism growth altering spinner dolphins area of occupation in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to record the occupation of spinner dolphins at the northeastern end of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago -a new occupation area. Data indicates that the area of the Inter Islands is the one in which the spinner dolphins present a longer permanence, defining a new pattern of occupation, with an annual tendency to stay for longer periods in the region. This change of permanence area may be related to the increase of tourism in Fernando de Noronha. The study points to the area of the Inter Islands as crucial for the conservation of spinner dolphin habits in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago.