You wouldn’t feed a bear? Don’t feed wild dolphins!
Bottlenose dolphin seeking human-sourced food. (Photo by Sarasota Dolphin Research Program/CZS, taken under NMFS permit 15543.)
A great way to help wild dolphins is to leave them alone - and we've got the research to back that up! Dr. Katie McHugh of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, a Chicago Zoological Society program in collaboration with Mote Marine Lab, tells Hayley and Joe what she's learned as a scientist in the world's longest running study of a wild dolphin population. Sarasota Bay, Florida, is one of many places where people and wild dolphins share the environment. Tune in to learn about the lives of these marine mammals and how humans - including boaters, anglers and coastal residents and visitors - can be good neighbors. That includes never feeding wild dolphins.
Resources:
- Dolphin-friendly fishing and viewing tips
- Sarasota Dolphin Research Program: www.sarasotadolphin.org
- Report injured, dead or distressed marine mammals and sea turtles:
- In Sarasota and Manatee counties, Florida, Mote's Stranding Investigations Program: 888-345-2335
- Anywhere in Florida: FWC Wildlife Alert hotline, 1 (888) 404-FWCC (3922).
- Elsewhere: See NOAA's stranding network phone numbers or get the smartphone app Dolphin and Whale 911.