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.