Controlling the Ecotourist in a Wild Dolphin Feeding Program: Is Education the Answer?

Abstract

The effectiveness of an education program for tourists who hand-feed wild dolphins at Tangalooma, Moreton Island, in eastern Australia, was evaluated. Data were gathered on tourist behavior during feeding sessions before and after the education policy was implemented. Results demonstrated that, after implementation of the education program, inappropriate behaviors such as touching of dolphins were significantly reduced. The study supports the claim that education is an important strategy when compliance with management regulations is necessary to protect wildlife in ecotourism settings.

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Notes on contributors

Greg J. E. Hill

Mark B. Orams is with the Centre for Tourism Research at Massey University Albany, North Shore, New Zealand. Greg J. E. Hill is with the Faculty of Science at Northern Territory University in Darwin, Australia.