Dolphin-Human Interaction Programs: Policies, Problems And Alternatives

”We examine dolphin protection policy, particularly the question of harassment, as it pertains to recreational human-dolphin interactions both in the wild and in captivity. To understand such interactions and their implications, current scientific understanding of dolphin physiology, psychology and sociology is considered, as well as current and historical aspects of law, policy and practice. Several questions are addressed here: Why have existing (and proposed) regulations regarding dolphin harassment come under attack in recent years? What does the best available evidence tell us about dolphins, and how might that inform the term harassment under the MMPA? And finally, how ought U.S. law and policy direct the management of recreational dolphin- human interactions? We conclude that current policy measures are inconsistent and deficient, and we offer alternative practices and policies to better advance the future well-being of both humans and dolphins.”

1. Executive Summary
2. Scope of Interaction Policy, Assumptions, Terminology
3. Contemporary Dolphin-Human Interactions
   3.1 Dolphins on Display
   3.2 Swimming with Dolphins in Captivity
   3.3 Swimming with Dolphins in the Wild
   3.3 Interactions in Captivity Vs. the Wild
4. About Dolphins
5. Dolphins and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972
   5.1 Key Terms Defined
6. Dolphin-Human Interaction Policy Dispute
   6.1 Proposed Regulatory Changes Concerning Dolphin Harassment
   6.2 Swim-with-Dolphin Programs in the Wild: Support and Resistance
   6.3 Swim-with-Dolphin Programs in Captivity: Support and Resistance
7. Evaluating Dolphin-Human Interaction Policy
   7.1 The Best Evidence and the Question of Harassment
   7.2 The “Educational Value” of Dolphins in Captivity
8. Recommendations