The allure of dolphins captivates many, drawing people to coastal areas to witness these intelligent creatures. This often leads to a desire for closer encounters, fostering appreciation for their complex marine ecosystems.
Dolphin Presence Near Coastal Areas
Dolphins, particularly bottlenose dolphins, are often observed near human structures like docks. Coastal waters provide abundant food sources like fish, squid, and crustaceans, which congregate in shallower areas or around structures, making them attractive feeding grounds. Dolphins employ various hunting strategies, including herding fish toward the shoreline or into confined spaces, bringing them close to land.
These marine mammals also utilize coastal regions as travel routes, following seasonal migrations or moving between different feeding areas. Shallow and calmer waters offer protection from larger predators and provide a more manageable environment for resting or raising young calves. Dolphins exhibit natural curiosity, occasionally approaching boats or structures out of interest, which is distinct from seeking human interaction.
Why Active Attraction Is Harmful and Illegal
Actively attempting to attract dolphins can lead to significant negative consequences for both the animals and humans. Providing food alters dolphins’ natural behaviors, causing them to lose their inherent wariness of people and boats. This dependency can decrease their willingness to forage for food independently and may even change their migratory patterns.
Dolphins accustomed to human handouts face increased risks of injury from boat strikes, including severe propeller wounds, as they approach vessels seeking food. They can also become entangled in fishing gear when attempting to take bait or catch. Consuming inappropriate food items, spoiled food, or non-food items from humans can also lead to illness or even death.
Human interaction also poses a risk of disease transmission, as dolphins can contract pathogens like Brucella ceti or the fungal disease lobomycosis from people, and vice versa. Dolphins that become conditioned to receiving food may exhibit aggressive behaviors if handouts are not provided, leading to bites or other injuries for humans.
Legal Protections for Marine Mammals
In the United States, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 serves as the primary legal framework safeguarding dolphins and other marine mammals. This comprehensive legislation prohibits the “taking” of marine mammals, a term that broadly includes harassing, hunting, capturing, or killing them.
Under the MMPA, “harassment” includes any act that could injure a marine mammal (Level A) or disturb its behavioral patterns like feeding, breeding, or migration (Level B). This legal definition specifically includes feeding or attempting to feed wild marine mammals.
Violations of the MMPA can result in substantial penalties, including civil fines that may reach up to $100,000, criminal fines, and imprisonment for up to one year. In certain cases, the vessels involved in the illegal activity may also be subject to forfeiture. Similar legal protections for marine mammals exist in other countries and are supported by international agreements.
Safe and Ethical Dolphin Viewing
Responsible observation is important when encountering dolphins. Maintain a safe distance of at least 50 yards (approximately 150 feet) to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. Passive observation allows dolphins to continue their activities without interruption or habituation.
Approaching, chasing, feeding, or attempting to swim with dolphins is not advisable due to the potential harm to the animals and the inherent risks to humans. When viewing from a boat, operating at slow speeds, avoiding sudden movements, and never pursuing dolphins are important practices. Supporting organizations dedicated to marine conservation further contributes to the long-term well-being of these animals. If an injured or stranded dolphin is sighted, reporting it to local authorities, such as the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline, is the appropriate action.