While contact with dolphins is often a unique and incredible experience for us, it is important to realise that ‘watching’ activity can have an adverse effect on the dolphins themselves.
Research shows that in cases where human–wildlife interactions turn into large-scale tourism industries, these activities can negatively impact wildlife – for example – by disrupting resting or feeding. Wildlife tourism therefore needs regulations aiming to ensure both a healthy wild population of animals and satisfactory wildlife encounters for humans.
Andre Steckenreuter, Graduate School of Environment, Macquarie University
Journal of Environmental Management;
http://www.sciencealert.com.au/features/20120801-22978-2.html