Better Dolphin Etiquette

Wild animals are big attractions these days, with eco-tourism growing. But inserting people into the wild is not without risk.

With that in mind, NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has partnered with an eco-tourism company to help protect wild dolphins in the Keys.

The program promotes these 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.

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• Whale-Dolphin Hybrid Has Baby 'Wholphin'
• Image Gallery: Under the Sea: Life in the Sanctuaries