How to Interact With Dolphins Responsibly: What Every Tourist Must Know

As amusing and friendly they could be, dolphins could still be disturbed when around human beings.

Truly, dolphins can attract tourists which later boost the tourism industry in a certain place. However, their engagements with humans must be cautioned in order to protect the marine mammal and the public as well.

A report on NBC News said that humans wanting to see dolphins up close while swimming in the waters are actually depriving the animal of sleep and rest.

For one, spinner dolphins are fond of sleeping on day time while at night, they feed in more open waters. However, it was during the day that more tourists want interaction and play with the dolphins. Researchers then pointed out that this could have adverse effects on the animal.

"When deprived of their necessary 'zzzz's,' they gradually show a decreased ability to process information and remain attentive to environmental stimuli. In technical lingo, we call this a 'vigilance decrement,'" said marine scientist David Johnston in the NBC report.

Read Also: 7 Disturbing Facts That Reveal the Mean Side of Dolphins

What tourists should do

A lot of tips have already been suggested for tourists to have a safe but still unforgettable interaction with dolphins.

The World Wide Fund for Nature emphasized that dolphins are threatened with underwater noise pollution, including naval activities, seismic surveys and construction under the sea.

These activities can stress and injure cetaceans as these interferes with their ability to communicate, reproduce, and even find prey. Therefore, tourists must be reminded of this.

An entry in Travel Daily News enumerated some of the things tourists must do when interacting with dolphins.

First, tourists must practice responsible behavior when around dolphins. They should avoid feeding or touching the dolphins unless instructed by the tour guide. They must respect the dolphins' space and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle or disturb them.

Second, tourists must also follow the rules and regulations in the areas of dolphin encounters. These regulations are being implemented to protect the dolphins and their habitat. Those who want to interact with dolphins must strictly follow any restrictions regarding distance to ensure an unforgettable experience with them.

Third, travelers must also follow the tour guide or instructor as they are the ones who are knowledgeable about the local marine life. They are expected to provide valuable insights about dolphins and their behavior, and one will have a safe and educational experience if he or she will follow his or her tour guide.

The fifth rule is that tourists should be patient because dolphin encounters are not always guaranteed given that the behavior patterns of these animals might vary.

Next is that it is not advisable to feed dolphins as it teaches them to be dependent on humans, according to Dolphins Plus.

Lastly, when fishing, unused bait should not be thrown in the waters as fishing lines, fish hooks, and discarded netting are considered as big threats to dolphins.

Co-existence with humans

Research has shown that dolphins and humans have history of its coexistence.

However, there are still a number of things human beings need to learn about these marine mammals in order to understand their unique and varying behavioral patterns.

Swimming with dolphins can be a wonderful experience, however, this should not be done in the wild to avoid dangers.

Related Article: 10 Disturbing Facts About Dolphins You'll Wish You Never Knew!

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