Dolphin Tales: Dangers of human interaction for dolphins, manatees
Southwest Florida is home to our endearing bottlenose dolphins year-round. They are found all along the coast as they cruise our shallow coastal waters. Our coastal communities are growing, and this means more people and boats in and on the waterways. How do we enjoy viewing our endearing bottlenose dolphins and other sea life, while insuring their protection from human interaction?
While boating, it is important to view bottlenose dolphins and manatees from at least 50 yards (150 feet) away. You can also use binoculars to get a closer look. You are likely to see a lot more of these animals and their natural behavior if you don’t disturb them. If dolphins or manatees do approach your boat, put your engine in neutral so that they can pass by safely.
A boat strike is a major, often fatal, threat to dolphins and manatees. Impact from the boat’s hull or the spinning propeller can cause severe trauma, deep lacerations and internal injuries. Since both dolphins and manatees are mammals and have to breathe air at the surface, they are vulnerable to boat strikes. Even when a dolphin or manatee survives a strike, severe soft-tissue injuries leave them more susceptible to infections. Disfigurement to a dolphin’s dorsal or pectoral fins is not uncommon. One such dolphin is “Uno.” He is missing a pectoral fin and is quite the celebrity at Jug Creek Marina in Bokeelia.
Keep in mind that feeding wild dolphins or manatees is illegal. This interaction attracts these wild animals to boats which is one of their biggest dangers. Feeding is not only highly disruptive to their natural foraging, but it causes dolphins and manatees to lose their natural fear of humans and become far more susceptible to boat strikes and fishing gear entanglements.
If you see a dolphin or manatee in distress or injured, report it immediately. You can call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-3922 or the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at (877) 942-5343. Stranded dolphins and manatees are usually sick or injured. Do not attempt to push them back into the water. Also, don’t attempt to detangle any marine animal that has been entangled. Report it immediately and wait for help. If you have your GPS coordinates, it is very helpful to share them with the hotline.
Captain Cathy Eagle has spent over 45 years boating on our local waters. As a professional charter captain, she specializes in dolphin and nature tours. You can reach her at CaptainCathy.com or call /text (239) 994-2572. Welcome aboard!