Swimming with dolphins – banned by officials in Hawaii

Swimming with dolphins might be fun, but it is not good for their social life. Officials proposed to ban this activity in Hawaii because the dolphins are being deprived and become stressed out after humans swim with them. The problem is this swimming with dolphins is one if the most popular activities in that state. Their industry will be affected if people will not be able to do this.

The law would cover waters for two nautical miles, where the dolphins are resting after they spend all night playing with humans. There are two companies who take customers close enough to find dolphins and swim with them. They hope there will be a middle ground between them and the authorities. Most people who went there were impressed by this experience and said it was one of the most beautiful moments of their lives.

Researchers are worried that dolphins are burning calories at a higher rate because they have to be prepared when humans come to them. This thing could contribute to a chronic level of stress and their ability to reproduce will be in danger.

However, you should not worry if you go to Hawaii this year because the authorities will decide next year what will happen with them. They think tour operators could follow the rule and still have a big income. People will pay just to see the dolphins closer to them.

Hawaii’s dolphins are famous for spinning around.  Some people think they like to play, but the truth is this might be a way of alerting others to danger. They are awake during the night when they eat fish. When the day comes, they hide from sharks or bigger fish who could hurt them.

What is really interesting about them is that while they sleep half of their brain is asleep and the other half is awake. This is helping them stay in the water and breathe. If you find them in a place, it is possible they will return to the same area. That is how tourists know where they should go.

Dolphins are friendly mammals that have no problem in staying close to people. However, we do not know how dangerous we can be for them. We will see what the officials will decide about swimming with them.  What do you think about the decision the authorities will make?

Image source: Pixabay