Dolphin SMART Teaches about Dolphin Viewing Etiquette & Negative Effects of Human Contact with Wild Dolphins
With gentle gulf waves spilling onto 32 mile s of sugar white sands, the Alabama Gulf Coast lures both visitors and residents to enjoy a remarkably diverse and robust ecosystem. As more individuals discover this quiet coastal community, several local organizations have partnered to encourage the proper management and stewardship of these vital natural resources through the Nature Tourism Initiative.
What is Dolphin SMART?
Among its accomplishments, the initiative - which is spearheaded by Joanne McDonough - partnered with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in a new program designed to protect wild dolphins. Dolphin SMART began in the Florida Keys as a voluntary participation program for businesses that seek to educate people about responsible viewing of wild dolphins. It was developed by NOAA�s National Marine Sanctuary and National Marine Fisheries Service, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the Dolphin Ecology Project.
Human Contact with Wild Dolphins
Although many people want to swim with the dolphins, it is important to realize that only trained dolphins can be safely handled. Human contact with wild dolphins can be a traumatic experience for the dolphins and is not recommended by experts.
Do You Have Dolphin Etiquette?
The acronym "SMART" is a reminder of the basic principles of dolphin viewing etiquette:
- Stay at least 50 yards from dolphins
- Move away slowly if the dolphins show signs of disturbance
- Always put your vessel engine in neutral when dolphins are near
- Refrain from feeding, touching or swimming with wild dolphins
- Teach others to be Dolphin SMART
How to Become Dolphin SMART and Help Save the Dolphins
Businesses complete a rigorous training program and on-site evaluation to achieve this distinction and help save the dolphins. A recognized business can easily be identified as Dolphin SMART by displaying a flag and/or decals on their vessel featuring the Dolphin SMART logo and current calendar year, as well as the use of the Dolphin SMART logo in their advertising. Each year, the charter will be evaluated to ensure it is continuing to meet program standards.
Locally, this program is made possible in Alabama through the support of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Coastal Section), the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium.
For more information, visit the Dolphin SMART program page or call local program coordinator Kelly Brinkman at 251-621-1216, ext. 232.
The Nature Tourism Initiative is funded by Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Extension and the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information on this program, contact Nature Tourism Specialist Joanne McDonough or call 251-974-4634.