Small-scale spatial distributions of long-finned pilot whales change over time, but foraging hot spots are consistent: Significance for marine wildlife tourism management

Data collected opportunistically aboard marine wildlife tourism vessels are an inexpensive source of spatial information on the target species. Although these data are often challenging to analyze, they can be used to monitor spatiotemporal changes in species distribution and behavior. Disruptions from whale-watching vessels to behaviors such as foraging can be particularly harmful to cetaceans, but impacts could be reduced if areas essential for these sensitive behaviors are identified. We used data collected onboard whale-watching vessels to explore space-use patterns in long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) off northern Cape Breton Island, Canada, an area where tourism is essential. Encounters with pilot whales between 2011–2016 occurred twice as far offshore than during 2003–2006 and 2008, and foraging activity decreased. Despite the changes in distribution and activity budgets, we identified two hot spots of foraging activity that persisted through time. These identified foraging hot spots comprised only a small proportion (20 km²) of the range used by whale-watching vessels. Adaptive local management (e.g., voluntary codes of conduct) focused on limiting interactions in these energetically important areas may help reduce any potential impacts from whale-watching and promote the continued viability of the whale population and the tourism industry that relies on it.