Turtle-snorkel activities negatively impact the behavioural budget and evasive responses of Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Akumal Bay, Mexico

We assessed the impact of snorkeller presence on 96 green turtle (Chelonia mydas) behavioural budgets at Akumal Bay Mexico. We compared the behaviour of turtles in the presence vs the absence of tourists, and between zones that restrict snorkeler access to turtles. Variation in all behaviour was attributed to whether snorkelers were present, and their behaviour during encounters. In the presence of tourists, rates of evasive behaviour significantly increased, while the time turtles engaged in all other behaviours significantly reduced. In addition, rates of evasive behaviour significantly reduced following the introduction of zones that restrict snorkeler presence.