Human interaction greatly influences the behavior and distribution of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). This project focuses on the distribution and behavior of bottlenose dolphins in the Drowned Cayes, Belize. Prior to the 2000s, the area was relatively undeveloped and undisturbed and had minimal human activity. Since the turn of the millennium, development and ecotourism activity has flourished in the area, increasing by more than 800,000 visitors from 1998-2006. Boat-based surveys were conducted in 2015 and were combined with previous survey data collected from 2005-2012 and compared to behavioral survey results from 1999-2000. Total dolphin observation time as a percent of total survey time and average number of dolphins per sighting were 17.2% and 2.7 in 1999-2000 and 10.8% and 1.6 for 2005-2015. The low number of dolphins and the low observation times suggest that the dolphin population in the Drowned Cayes have decreased since the 1990s. Eighty-nine percent of the total observation time for 2015 occurred on days in which there were zero cruise ships in the area suggesting that this decline may be in relation to increased human activity. Furthermore, foraging was the main behavior observed for both 1999-2000 and 2005-2015 data sets, suggesting that the Drowned Cayes area is used as a foraging ground. However, in 1999-2000 the foraging percentage was significantly higher than the 2005-2015 data set, dropping 28.9% and there was a 23.6% increase in traveling behavior between the two data sets. This could be a result of increased human activity. Additionally, survey photographs and results were used in the creation of the first dolphin photo identification database for the country. The guidelines used for photo analysis for photo quality and fin distinctiveness were tested to determine if they are easy to use and give consistent and reliable results regardless of judge. An intraclass correlation model calculated substantial agreement (ICC = 0.7) between judges’ scores, demonstrating consistent results, regardless of experience level. Therefore, the guideline can be used as a standard among multiple researchers.

A raíz de la contaminación ambiental generada por los cruceros, estos han implementado regulaciones y acciones ambientales con la finalidad de disminuir el impacto que provocan como la contaminación de agua y aire. Es así como todos los cruceros han implementado sus propias acciones ambientales acorde con las regulaciones de la Organización Marítima Internacional y los gobiernos regionales. Por tal motivo, esta investigación tuvo como objetivo describir las acciones de responsabilidad ambiental en el rubro de los cruceros, es decir, investigar las regulaciones existentes para los cruceros con el fin de velar por la sostenibilidad del medio ambiente. La presente investigación utilizó el método de revisión de literatura con un enfoque integrador, puesto que se analizaron fuentes académicas y se formularon conclusiones particulares en base al análisis de la responsabilidad ambiental en el rubro de cruceros. Se obtuvo como hallazgo que el trabajo en conjunto de los dirigentes de las compañías de cruceros se ha enfocado en reducir considerablemente el impacto ambiental a través de acciones obligatorias y voluntarias enfocándose en cuatro temas: la eficiencia energética y de combustible, el agua y tratamiento de aguas residuales, gestión de residuos y conservación del ecosistema. Asimismo, las líneas de cruceros reafirman su compromiso con la sostenibilidad, puesto que cumplen las regulaciones existentes en materia ambiental. / As a result of the environmental pollution generated by the cruise ships, they have implemented regulations and environmental actions in order to reduce the impact they cause such as water and air pollution. This is how all cruise ships have implemented their own environmental actions in accordance with the regulations of the International Maritime Organization and regional governments. For this reason, this research aims to describe the actions of environmental responsibility in the area of ​​cruises, that is, to investigate the existing regulations for cruises in order to ensure the sustainability of the environment. This research used the literature review method with an integrative approach, since academic sources were analyzed and particular conclusions were formulated based on the analysis of environmental responsibility in the cruise industry. It was obtained as a finding that the joint work of the leaders of the cruise companies has focused on considerably reducing the environmental impact through mandatory and voluntary actions focusing on four: energy and fuel efficiency, water and water treatment waste, waste management and ecosystem conservation. Likewise, cruise lines reaffirm their commitment to sustainability since they comply with existing regulations on environmental matters. / Trabajo de investigación

The purpose of this study was to examine Royal Caribbean's crisis communications response following the return of their cruise ships to Labadee, Haiti, soon after the Januaty 12, 20 I 0 earthquake. A case study method was used to evaluate both sides of the situation and Royal Caribbean's crisis communications response is evaluated against a target standard of five benchmarks. The first benchmark requires recognizing that a crisis has occurred. The second benchmark involved having an immediate response, by getting the story out first, even if all the facts are not yet available. The third benchmark conveyed the importance of directly communicating with key stakeholders. The fourth benchmark, an all-time favorite, reiterates the importance of telling the truth, bad and good, and keeping it consistent. The fifth benchmark focuses on companies putting people first and conveying a genuine concern for those affected. This study begins with an introduction of concerned parties, locations and issues. The crisis situation presented is the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred on January 12, 2010 in Haiti. It continues with a discussion of the communication crisis that resulted from Royal Caribbean's decision to continue cruise trips to its port of Labadee on Haiti, following the disastrous earthquake's widespread devastation. Praise and criticism for Royal Caribbean was equally considered, as was the cruise line's crisis management, specifically its series of crisis communications and their short and long-term implications. In conclusion, analysis suggested that Royal Caribbean underutilized crisis communication techniques. It is essential that a company have a swift response and communicate to the public what is being done to make sure that a crisis is handled effectively.

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Architecture

The purpose of this study was to explore the socio-cultural impacts of cruise ship tourism on Port Vila residents and their coping strategies. The study was conducted in Port Vila over the months of June and July 2006. It employs the use of a qualitative research methodology, of participant observation, and semi-structured interviews with a range of tourism stakeholders, including the government, the church and chiefs, as well as a number of small businesses such as public transport operators, small indigenous tour operators and market vendors. These observations and interviews were conducted at the Mama’s Haus project, Centre Point Market Place, and the main wharf area. This thesis was initially aimed at exploring the strategies that the residents of Port Vila used to cope with the impacts caused by cruise ship tourism. As the research progressed, it become apparent from primary data collected that market vendors have not just adapted to the impacts of cruise ship tourism, but that the consequences of their adaptation may be seen as empowering them. They are empowered not just economically, but also psychologically, socially and politically. However, it must be acknowledged that not all small tourist operators in this study felt positively about the impacts of cruise ship tourism; some may be seen as being disempowered. Furthermore, the empowerment of these market vendors is dependent on the continuous flow of cruise ship visits to Port Vila; something beyond their control. The cancellation of future trips or decrease in the number of cruise ship voyages will have significant consequences for the sustainability of this informal sector and the longevity of these micro-enterprises. The study finding implies that coping strategies should not just address how residents and communities cope or respond to tourism, but should also go further by addressing the consequences of the coping strategies adopted.