For shore-based studies, mean leg speed may not be the most appropriate parameter to determine effects of human activity. Linearity, a measure of how straight a course was traveled, increased when boats were within 100-300m. Higher values were recorded during boat and post boat conditions than during no boat conditions, indicating that dolphin groups traveled in a more direct fashion during these times. Reorientation rates were higher when boats were within 101-300m, indicating that dolphins changed course more often when boats were present. Whistles may be an indication of excitement levels within the group.
More work is necessary to determine if whistles can be used as a reliable indicator of disturbance.