Boaters Asked to Stay a Safe Distance from Wild Dolphins NOAA Fisheries Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are urging all boaters to keep their distance from wild dolphins. NOAA recommends that people remain at least 50 yards from dolphins and use binoculars if they want a better look. (Learn more about
Law enforcement officers will take appropriate action if they observe illegal activities, such as feeding or harassment of wild dolphins. Concerned citizens witnessing illegal activities can call a NOAA hotline: (800) 853-1964.
Questions and answers about general behavior around dolphins are available online.
For more information, contact Ki**********@no**.gov.
Boaters Asked to Stay a Safe Distance from Wild Dolphins
NOAA Fisheries Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are urging all boaters to keep their distance from wild dolphins. NOAA recommends that people remain at least 50 yards from dolphins and use binoculars if they want a better look. (Learn more about
responsible dolphin viewing.) Feeding wild dolphins is harmful, because dolphins lose their natural wariness of humans and become used to receiving “free” handouts – decreasing their willingness to find food on their own. It can also lead to other destructive behavior, such as dolphins that raid fishermen’s lines, get entangled in fishing hooks and line, or become injured or killed by passing boats.Law enforcement officers will take appropriate action if they observe illegal activities, such as feeding or harassment of wild dolphins. Concerned citizens witnessing illegal activities can call a NOAA hotline: (800) 853-1964.
Questions and answers about general behavior around dolphins are available
online.For more information, contact Ki**********@no**.gov.