Impacts of Whale-Watching on the Short-Term Behavior of Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in a Marine Protected Area in the Southeastern Pacific

Whale-watching (WW) is an activity which has been increasing worldwide due to the great interest of tourists and economic benefits it provides local communities. However, reported that this affects behavioral patterns some cetaceans, although for species such as fin whale ( Balaenoptera physalus ) not extensively studied. To identify effects WW on species, we studied its traveling resting behaviors in a locality north-central Chile from 2015 2018. Using theodolite, calculated response variables swim speed, directness index, reorientation each behavior. We used number boats scenarios “before”, “during”, “after” presence possible factors explain differences whales, along with year, month, group size, distance observation point. Reorientation increased significantly index decreased both “before” “during” scenarios, indicating more erratic sinuous movements boats. These changes movement are commonly evasion cetaceans For behavior, swimming speed increased, trends showed decrease scenario, suggests perturbation whales potentially associated direction left. During trajectories became straighter (decrease reorientation) thus (more movements) behavior less by increases. Notwithstanding fact tourism development study area small scale, found generates adverse reflected whales’ patterns. This kind information valuable adjustment and/or design management strategies fundamental continue be sustainable activity.