Patterns of association in captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in a swim program

The relationship between patterns of association, and the rates and distribution of behaviors that are considered stressful in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a swim program with humans is poorly understood. This relationship was elucidated by measuring stress indirectly through the occurrence of behaviors previously reported when dolphins were captured in nets. Comparisons of patterns of association, and behavioral repertoires recorded before, during, and after swim sessions with humans, indicated no significant change in patterns of association due to human swimmers. There were no correlations between frequencies of interaction, behavioral repertoires, and position in the dominance hierarchy for dolphins that interacted more with humans. Furthermore, rates of air inspiration, and aggression did not increase in the presence of humans. These findings suggest that swimming with humans does not appear to induce stress in dolphins.