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 volunteers assist NOAA in distributing the "DO NOT FEED DOLPHIN signs (seen to the left) to marinas, community docks and private clubs on the coast. If you know of a location in need of a sign, please notify INFO@thedolphinproject.org.

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.
Savannah charter boat captain feeding dolphins-
DOLPHIN EMERGENCY
1-800-2SAVEME
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.
P.O. Box 60753
Savannah, Georgia 31420    
912-727-3177
thedolphinproject.info@gmail.com
MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT
Click  on the photo to see a
DON'T FEED WILD DOLPHINS Public Service Announcement
VOLUNTEERS  for  RESEARCH ~ CONSERVATION ~ EDUCATION