Swim and make friends

[heckstar]

I was looking at Cal/girl pictures and noticed that they had pictures of them playing w/ a Dolphin (very nice pics CG). Where else might you see them on St. John or St Thomas? I think that would be so cool to be able to swim w/ them (for free). anyone?? anyone???

[California Girl]

Thanks for your kind words. That dolphin just showed up and played with us for about 1/2 hr. and then moved on. I've heard that she (her "unofficial" name is Splash, I think) is often around, and sometimes brings her baby (who is probably full-grown now).

St. John Ruth knows more details about Splash, or do a search here on the forum as we had a few discussions when I first posted those pictures.

I have to tell you that it was a life changing experience for those who were in the water with her. I, on the other hand, opted to stay on the boat and take pictures!

[Gromit]

Sorry to rain on the parade here but this is truly not a good idea and definitely illegal, especially in the USVI.

Also most people don't realize it but wild dolphins can be extremely dangerous. We all think of them as Flipper but they can seriously hurt people. This is no joke. I participated in two classes over the years that discussed Dolphin behavior and environment preservation. We saw a video of someone in Ft. Lauderdale reaching down to pet a dolphin from a boat (illegal there as well) and literally had the flesh from their arm ripped off. Not only did they end up in the hopsital but a $5,000 fine as well for interfering with the dolphins in their habitat. People feed the dolphins during the peak tourist season and the mothers don't teach the babies to hunt becasue peopel are giving them food. When the people leave, the mothers and a babies starve to death.

Any Marine Biologist will tell you if they were on a sinking boat and had sharks on one side and wild dolphins on the other that they would jump in with the sharks. Sharks will only kill something if they're hungry. Dolphins will kill something for entertainment.

From a New York Times article in 1999:
http://www.fishingnj.org/artdolphagress.htm

Sorry to be such a negative nelly here but I really want to discourage folks doing anything with these beautiful and wild creatures other than watching from a safe distance.

I truly love these creatures and its important that people keep their interaction with these beautiful mammals in perspective.

Ask yourself this: would you walk up to a wild bear and pet it? Truly, there is no difference.

Lecture over.

[Teresa_Rae]

We've been going to STJ for the past 6 years and have never even seen a dolphin, so I'd guess your chances of catching a glimpse are quite low.

There are other places that have "swim with the dolphins" programs (I presume those dolphins are in captivity and trained) but they don't have anything like that on STJ. I have seen a brochure for somewhere in the BVIs that has a dolphin excursion, but I don't remember any details.

[Captain John]

This was a thrill of a life time. These dolphins were so curious and full of fun, jumping, splashing, going around and around it was hard to tell who was having more fun, the dolphins or the humans.
The video is only 4 minutes long but they played with us for 45 minutes or so.

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Capt John

[California Girl]

If it will ease your mind any, Gromit, the dolphin who swam with us did it completely on her own volition and kept out of arm's reach. You could not quite get close enough to touch, but she kept coming back and had a lot of fun with the people in the water. What are you going to do if it's the dolphin's choice to snuggle up to you? She was anything but hostile.

[Gromit]

CA Girl, I hear you. A Marine Biologist would have told you to get out of the water.

I know how magical the encounter with Dolphins can be. They are delightful to watch. They are truly fascinating creatures. Certainly it's one thing if they show up near you and you choose to hang around.

But I guess my real point with the original poster (who was asking how to find dolphins) is that one should NEVER go looking for a wild dolphin and we certainly shouldn't encourage these interactions on this board since it is against the law.

Much like we don't encourage people to touch the coral or break a peice off to take home with them or talk about drug use or discuss where to buy drugs on island.

IMHO, while my position my be unpopular (who doesn't love dolphins?) there are just some things that shouldn't be encouraged or sought out intentionally.

Just my .02.

[DELETED]

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[heckstar]

Hey gromit, thanks for the warning about Dolphines. I read the article you had on your response. It does make me think twice about swimming w/ a wild Dolphine. But if one swims by, I don't think I could contain myself . I would have to interacting with it. But I would keep my distance, Arms length (don't worry I have long arms) and certainly would not feed it unless he/she begged... Nooooooooo just kidding, Wellllll.... No! I would respect the law, just as you pointed out about protecting the wild habitat. But, as it has been pointed out I probably won't see one during my trip, But you never know

[Gromit]

In case anyone needed more info and so you don't think I am just makin this stuff up...this is from the NOAA Government web site:

DOLPHIN FEEDING AND HARASSMENT IS HARMFUL AND ILLEGAL,
FEDERAL AGENCY REMINDS PUBLIC AND BOATERS

July 13, 2000 — NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service reminds people enjoying the Carolinas' coastal waters that it is against federal law to feed and to harass wild dolphins. It is important that people going to the beaches or boating on local waterways be well informed about wild dolphin safety and health concerns, and the federal laws in place to protect the animals.

Dolphin feeding and harassment continues to occur throughout the Carolinas, especially during the summer season. Agency officials are concerned that people are unaware that feeding or harassing wild marine mammals is dangerous to both animals and humans and illegal under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. People who engage in such interactions also risk their own safety. The federal marine mammal viewing guidelines developed by NOAA Fisheries recommend observing wild dolphins from a safe distance of at least 50 yards and using binoculars or telephoto lenses to get a good view of the animals.

"We understand that people find it tempting to feed and to interact with wild dolphins," said Trevor Spradlin, a marine mammal biologist in the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources. "However, people need to realize that feeding wild dolphins is harmful and is therefore illegal under federal law. The best way to protect the dolphins' health and welfare is to observe the animals at a respectful distance and to resist feeding them."

Feeding and harassing dolphins in the wild is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act because these activities change the animals' natural behavior in ways that put them at increased risk of injury or death, and may impact their ability or willingness to forage for food. The prohibition on feeding was upheld in 1993 by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and is widely supported by scientific research and environmental organizations since it is known to be harmful for many species of wildlife.

"We are concerned that viewing marine mammals in the wild can be dangerous to both the animals and to people if not conducted properly and according to established guidelines," said Spradlin. "There are numerous examples of marine mammals being injured by boats when people get too close, or of animals being harmed when people try to feed them. In addition, there are several examples of people being injured by marine mammals when they frighten or attempt to touch, swim-with or feed the animals."

"Our goal is to promote safe and responsible viewing practices of wild marine mammals that the public and tour operators can follow when in the natural habitat of marine mammals," said Spradlin. "That is why we've recently partnered with the "Watchable Wildlife Program," to adopt its already established guidelines for viewing wild terrestrial animals into the marine viewing community. Just as terrestrial wildlife officials and scientists have successfully taught proper conduct in the wilderness through messages like ‘Don't Feed the Bears and View Wildlife from a Safe Distance', we hope to educate the public about the importance of respecting the needs of marine wildlife, and allowing wild marine mammals to stay wild."

NOAA Fisheries will continue to post warning signs and distribute educational materials to help educate the public and commercial operators about the harmful consequences of interactions with dolphins.

"We encourage people to learn about wild marine mammals and observe them in their natural habitat. Therefore, we work to educate the public about the dangers of interacting with them so that we may prevent the need for an enforcement action," added Jeff Randonski, NOAA Fisheries special agent. "If you see a marine mammal violation, such as people feeding wild dolphins or chasing them with boats, please call our Enforcement hotline at (800) 853-1964."

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA Fisheries ‘Protect Dolphins' campaign
Viewing Protected Marine Species in the Wild
Watchable Wildlife Program

Media Contact:
Stephanie Dorezas, NOAA Fisheries, (301) 713-2370.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/s458.htm

[RickG]

Mmmmm, Dolphin Fish. Some call it Mahi Mahi, but I know the real name. Dolphin Fish.

Cheers, RickG

[heckstar]

Okay, okay fine... A body length away!



I'm sorry, I don't mean to make light of what you are trying to get across. I can see how feeding and messing with dolphins can be harmful to both swimmer and Dolphin. Thank you for educating us on the dangers of wild Dolphins

[bobcside]

Dolphin Fish! Quite tasty TOO..... The colors are just awesome when they are just under the surface by the boat. Almost makes you want to let em go. Yea, Right..

[bayer40601]

...harassing dolphins in the wild is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act

Maybe I'm just dense, but I fail to see how what was described above by CA Girl amounts to "harassment."

[California Girl]

That article you posted keeps mentioning "feeding and harrassment" and there was absolutely no feeding or harrassment involved. That dolphin joined us by its own accord and left when it got tired of playing. No one tracked it down and tied it to the boat and force fed it.