Protect Dolphins Campaign
Don't feed wild dolphins.......It's illegal and it kills
Feeding and harassment are both illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Harassment, as defined in the MMPA, means any act of pursuit, torment or annoyance that has the potential to injure or disrupt the behavior of wild marine mammals. Violations of the MMPA can result in civil and criminal penalties with fines up to $20,000 and one year in jail.
To report marine mammal violations, such as feeding wild dolphins or harassment please contact the NOAA Fisheries Service Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964
The mother and calf pictured have been illegally fed by humans in Panama City, FL. Both animals have also had a past history of fishing hook entanglement
Risks to dolphins that have been illegally feed:
- Alteration of natural behavior (teaching calves "begging" behavior)
- Loss of wariness to humans and vessels
- Ingestion of inappropriate food
- Become nuisance animals
- Develop aggressive behavior toward people
- Entanglement or Hooking
- Depredation of catch and/or bait
Southeast Region Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines
- Remain a respectful distance from the animal. The minimum recommended distances are: 50 yards for dolphins and 100 yards for whales
- Observation time should be limited to 30 minutes
- Marine mammals should not be encircled or trapped between watercrafts, or watercraft and shore
- If approached by a marine mammal, put your watercraft's engine in neutral and allow the animal to pass. Any vessel movement should be from the rear of the animal pursuit of marine mammals and sea turtles is prohibited by Federal Law
- Never feed or attempt to feed marine mammals
