Swimming with dolphins has become a popular vacation activity, often offered at seaside resorts. This week, however, swimming with a certain type of Hawaiian dolphin became off-limits.
A final rule issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries prohibits humans, vessels and objects from swimming with, approaching or remaining within 50 yards of Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
This rule was put in place to protect the dolphins and prevent their disturbance, said the NOAA Fisheries.
“Spinner dolphins are probably the most frequently encountered cetacean in nearshore waters of the Pacific Islands Region,” according to the administration. They earned their common name from their signature spinning leaps out of the water and can also be identified by their long, slender beaks.
NOAA Fisheries said spinning dolphins are regarded as the “most acrobatic of dolphins” and that they can spin up to seven times in the air before going back into the water. This behavior could be used primarily for acoustic signaling or communication, according to experts. It might also be a way to remove ectoparasites.
A 2016 Condé Nast Traveler article explained that federal regulators at that time were already looking for ways to prevent people from harassing spinner dolphins. Due to chronic disturbances the dolphins were not getting enough sleep and were stressed out, said the outlet.
According to NOAA Fisheries, the final rule on spinner dolphins applies to people, vessels and objects that block the path of a spinner dolphin and it applies within 2 nautical miles from the shores of the Hawaiian Islands as well as designated waters bounded by the islands of Lāna‘i, Maui, and Kahoʻolawe.
In addition to publishing the official rule, NOAA Fisheries has proposed that mandatory time-area closures of Hawaiian spinner dolphins’ essential daytime habitats be established at five selected sites in the Main Hawaiian Islands. NOAA is accepting comments on the proposal through Dec. 27.
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