Spinner Dolphin - Human Interaction
EIS and Rule-making
In recent years there has been an increase in human/spinner dolphin interactions in the main Hawaiian Islands. Commercial operators that offer "swim with wild dolphin" tours and individuals that swim or kayak from shore have been interacting with the dolphins during times when these animals are at rest. Scientific research has shown that the dolphins' behaviors have been affected by such human disturbances. The Protected Resources Division is drafting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the potential rulemaking under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to provide more protection to Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
Scoping process
Kealakekua Bay: Resting habitat for
Hawaiian spinner dolphins
To learn about the results from the October/November 2006 public scoping meetings, please view the following:
Research
To learn about current and past research on human impacts to the Hawaiian spinner dolphin please view the following:
The Protected Resources Division has partnered with communities here in Hawaii who are concerned about human impacts to spinner dolphins. These groups monitor spinner dolphin resting bays and provide information and educational materials to visiting public and tourists.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities monitoring spinner dolphins, please contact:
es when these animals are at rest. Scientific research has shown that the dolphins' behaviors have been affected by such human disturbances. The Protected Resources Division is drafting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the potential rulemaking under the 
