Very little research has been conducted on the
dolphin populations in the Keys of Florida. A large number of dolphin tour
operators are concentrated in and around Key West, providing dolphin viewing
and interaction excursions, including snorkeling and diving, in the waters off
the southern tip of Florida. Such viewing activities carry a high potential for
disturbance of dolphins in the wild. In addition, the drastic increase in
commercial operators over short period of time has resulted in problems such as
a large density of boats in the same area; new captains that are inexperienced;
lack of education about regulations and laws; lack of awareness about dolphin
behavior and signs of disturbance; increased competition between tour
operators; and potential increase of dolphin harassment. Compounding these
problems are the expectations of the tourists who travel to the Keys in order
to swim with the dolphins and personally interact with these animals in the
wild. Such expectations are fed by advertising that promotes these activities,
which are considered illegal under government protective regulations.
As a result, a potentially small resident group of dolphins is being impacted
by high number of ‘viewing’ vessels. WDCS, in collaboration with the
NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service and NOAA/Sanctuaries program, are
developing a voluntary education and compliance scheme directly with dolphin
tour operators in the region. This scheme, now termed ‘Dolphin
SMART’, will focus on the positive influence tour operators can have on
educating the public about dolphins, their habitat and how to best view them
from a distance. The program will train and acknowledge those operators who
follow a code of conduct and series of guidelines that insure that their
activities will not disturb or harass dolphins during their boating trips. This
program is scheduled to begin in September, 2006.
