The study, published in the journal "Current Biology," found that whale-watching boats in the Gulf of Maine caused North Atlantic right whales to increase their heart rate and alter their swimming patterns. The researchers say that these changes could have negative consequences for the whales, which are already endangered.
"We found that the presence of whale-watching boats caused right whales to exhibit signs of stress, including increased heart rate and changes in swimming behavior," said study lead author Dr. Peter Corkeron, a research scientist at the New England Aquarium. "These changes could have negative consequences for the whales, such as reduced feeding efficiency, increased energy expenditure, and reduced reproductive success."
The researchers conducted the study by attaching heart rate monitors and GPS tracking devices to North Atlantic right whales. They then tracked the whales' movements and heart rates in relation to the presence of whale-watching boats.
The results showed that the whales' heart rates increased significantly when they were within 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of a whale-watching boat. The whales also changed their swimming patterns, swimming faster and in a more erratic manner.
The researchers say that the whales' stress response is likely due to the noise and disturbance caused by whale-watching boats. The boats' engines, propellers, and passengers can create a lot of noise, which can be stressful for the whales. The boats can also disrupt the whales' normal behavior, making it difficult for them to feed and reproduce.
The study's findings have implications for the management of whale-watching activities. The researchers recommend that whale-watching operators take steps to reduce the stress on whales, such as staying a safe distance from the whales, avoiding sudden changes in speed or direction, and limiting the number of boats in a given area.
"We need to find ways to balance the needs of the whale-watching industry with the need to protect these endangered animals," said Corkeron. "Our study provides some important information that can help us to do that."
