Experts still don’t know if they are actually trying to communicate or are simply doing it for fun.
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This Aug. 15, 2012 photo provided by Murdoch University dolphin researcher Julian Tyne shows people swimming near dolphins in Makako Bay in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
The federal government has proposed new guidelines for protecting spinner dolphins in Hawaii that would keep swimmers and vessels at least 50 yards from the marine animals.
The National Marine Fisheries Service says spinner dolphins – known for their spinning leaps through the air – are facing risks of reduced fitness when tourists engage with them during their slumbering hours.
The National Marine Fisheries Service proposal expected to be announced Tuesday would allow some limited exceptions, given dolphins sometimes approach people.
But the rule would likely shut down or greatly disrupt Hawaii’s dolphin tour industry as it now operates. But although nearshore waters effectively protect the nocturnal dolphin species from tiger sharks, the waters do not save them from humans.
“Dolphin-directed activities have grown dramatically in recent years, and the easily accessible Hawaiian spinner dolphins face heavy and increasing pressures from people seeking a dolphin experience”, the agency said. They warn of cruel capturing techniques, low dolphin survival rates, diseases, exposure to pollution, and disrupted social interactions as plenty reasons not to visit such a site.
The NMFS (NMFS) plans to hold public meetings next month with the final decision coming in 2017.
The nocturnal species feeds during the night on crustaceans and small fish who come out after dusk, leaving the daylight hours for sleep.
Swimmers would be required to stay 50 yards away from the animals at all times.
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The ban would encompass all waters within two miles of shore. As a result, they can appear awake and active even when they are asleep. That makes them easy for tour groups to find. It also would apply farther from shore in designated waters between Maui, Lanai and Kahoolawe islands.
