New Regulations for Hawaii’s Spinner Dolphins
People will no longer be permitted to swim with spinner dolphins off the Hawaii coast as US lawmakers approved a ban on Tuesday prohibiting this popular tourist activity.
Details of the Ban
The new rules prohibit individuals from coming within 50 yards of Hawaiian spinner dolphins that are within 2 miles from the coast of Hawaii. This regulation applies not only to swimmers but also to boats, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and even drones. Consequently, many dolphin-watching tour group activities in Hawaii will be effectively ended.
Impact on Spinner Dolphins
Spinner dolphins are nocturnal creatures that use shallow bays to rest during the day. This behavior makes them accessible to humans and an easy target for tour groups seeking to interact with them. However, scientists warn that these interactions negatively impact the well-being of the dolphins, disturbing them during essential periods for relaxation, nurturing their young, and recovering from nocturnal foraging.
“Spinner dolphins disturbed during this crucial period may engage in avoidance or distress behaviors. Furthermore, a lack of consistent, undisturbed resting periods can reduce their energy for hunting and caring for their young,” states NOAA Fisheries.
Moreover, though spinner dolphins can “swim away” from humans and vessels, doing so interrupts their rest. NOAA Fisheries emphasizes that this places them in a state of vigilance, forcing them to expend energy to increase their swimming speed or change direction. Prolonged and close encounters with humans or vessels might compel spinner dolphins to alter their habitats, making them more susceptible to predators.
Guidelines for Human Interaction
The ban does not apply to individuals or vessels who inadvertently come within 50 yards of a Hawaiian spinner dolphin, provided they make no attempt to engage or pursue the animal and take immediate steps to move away.
Future Protections for Spinner Dolphins
Following this ban, NOAA Fisheries is proposing to close certain areas in Hawaii from 6am to 3pm to further protect spinner dolphins during critical rest times. These areas include parts of Kealakekua, Hōnaunau, Kauhakō (Ho‘okena), and Makako Bays on Hawai‘i Island, as well as La Perouse Bay on Maui. NOAA Fisheries is accepting public comment on the proposed rule until December 27.
