Dolphins and high speed ferries operating from
Poole Harbour
This study investigated whether bottlenose dolphins
showed signs of disturbance from the noise generated
by a newly introduced high-speed ferry service operating
out of Poole Harbour. The preliminary results of
this study suggest that although analysis of the
acoustics of the ferry indicate that there is potential
for disturbance, the local group of dolphins were
unlikely to be affected.
There were no discernible changes in dolphin behaviour
since the high-speed ferry service began operating
in the area. Further research into this subject
continues as part of the Durlston Dolphin Research
Programme. It is important to stress that the preliminary
findings of this study apply to only one site, one
ferry service and one group of bottlenose dolphins.
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