The Dolphin Project
MMPA
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibits the 'taking' of marine mammals. The term 'taking' means to harass, hunt, capture, kill or feed or attempt any of these activities. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) encourages the public to keep a distance of 50 yards from wild dolphins. The Dolphin Project adheres to this law and reports any violations. On several occasions there have been observations of wild dolphin abuse during surveys. TDP teams were able to document the violations and report them to NMFS and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
TDP distributes brochures to the public that explains the proper procedures for viewing marine mammals safely and legally. TDP also educates the public through its Education Outreach program which our volunteers bring to schools and organizations across Georgia and lower South Carolina.
Feeding and harassing wild dolphins alters their natural behavior. Mother dolphins that feed from boats will teach their young to feed from boats. This can be dangerous and deadly. People feed the dolphins things that are not natural for their diet such as marshmallows and hot dogs, even non-food items such as plastics. Dead fish and discarded bait are not normal for dolphins to eat. Dolphins hunt for their food, they are not scavengers. Such items will make dolphins sick. Going to boats can be injurious and fatal for dolphins when they are hit by the boats and propellers.
Human interaction with dolphins can also make them sick. Dolphins are mammals like humans. Disease can spread quickly through dolphin populations.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibits the 'taking' of marine mammals. The term 'taking' means to harass, hunt, capture, kill or feed or attempt any of these activities. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) encourages the public to keep a distance of 50 yards from wild dolphins. The Dolphin Project adheres to this law and reports any violations. On several occasions there have been observations of wild dolphin abuse during surveys. TDP teams were able to document the violations and report them to NMFS and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
TDP distributes brochures to the public that explains the proper procedures for viewing marine mammals safely and legally. TDP also educates the public through its Education Outreach program which our volunteers bring to schools and organizations across Georgia and lower South Carolina.
Feeding and harassing wild dolphins alters their natural behavior. Mother dolphins that feed from boats will teach their young to feed from boats. This can be dangerous and deadly. People feed the dolphins things that are not natural for their diet such as marshmallows and hot dogs, even non-food items such as plastics. Dead fish and discarded bait are not normal for dolphins to eat. Dolphins hunt for their food, they are not scavengers. Such items will make dolphins sick. Going to boats can be injurious and fatal for dolphins when they are hit by the boats and propellers.
Human interaction with dolphins can also make them sick. Dolphins are mammals like humans. Disease can spread quickly through dolphin populations.
Boat captain feeding dolphins-Savannah
DOLPHIN EMERGENCY
Georgia DNR:
800-241-4113 or
912-262-3336
GA DNR-Coast/Clay George: 912-269-7587
South Carolina DNR:
(bus hrs) 843-953-9015 or
(after hrs) 800-922-5431
Georgia DNR:
800-241-4113 or
912-262-3336
GA DNR-Coast/Clay George: 912-269-7587
South Carolina DNR:
(bus hrs) 843-953-9015 or
(after hrs) 800-922-5431
The Dolphin Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization. The Dolphin Project, Inc does not advocate, support or practice unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, age, national origin, language, gender, sexual preference or physical handicap. ©2010 The Dolphin Project Inc. All rights reserved.This includes but is not limited to artwork, photographs and data. Material cannot be reproduced, published or used in any manner without the expressed written consent of The Dolphin Project, Inc.
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ProtectWildDolphin tag
Contact TDP
About Us
History
Membership
Training
Surveys
........Q & A
........Info & Fees
........Survey Forms
........Skippers
...............Zone Charts
........Team Leaders
........Photographers
........NMFS Permit
........MMPA
........Research Data
News & Events
Volunteers
Edu-Outreach
Adopt-A-Dolphin
Bottlenose Boutique
Sponsors & Links
Dolphin Facts
Photos
ProtectWildDolphin tag
Contact TDP
