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What is the context of this research?

The Drowned Cayes (DC) are located within the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon, just off the coast of Belize City. Prior to the 2001, the area was relatively undeveloped with minimal human activity. Since 2001, development and human activities have increased due to an exponentially cruise ship industry.



Dolphins choose activity centers based on food availability and predation risks. The presence of humans has been shown to negatively impact habitat use and behavior in other areas. In some cases dolphins will actively avoid areas of high human traffic--a major concern if dolphins avoid optimal habitat in order to avoid humans. This project will be the first to study the dolphin population in the DC since 2001. Our goal is to correlate any changes with development and increased human activity.





What is the significance of this project?

Previous researchers emphasized the need for long-term monitoring of the dolphin population using the Drowned Cayes. However continued funding has been unavailable. In the meantime, the cruise ship tourism industry has grown exponentially, with the annual number of tourists increasing over 6000% between 1998 (14k) and 2004 (850k). Without scientific evidence, decision makers in Belize have no way to determine whether this increase in human activity has deleteriously affected the population. The results from this study will be used to help establish guidelines for ecotourism, reduce human impacts on dolphins and other wildlife in the Drowned Cayes, and influence policy regarding marine mammal conservation in Belize and beyond.

What are the goals of the project?