Dolphin Watching

We are regular beach goers and water users at the Point. Recently, over the Xmas season we noticed a small boat, which seemed loaded with tourists speeding up to and circling around our 'custodians' of the sea, the Dolphins. It was blatantly obvious that the idiot (lets call him 'Dolphin Dolt') piloting this craft didn't know the first thing about working with wild dolphins, or tourists for that matter. In fact the behavior & methods used in watching the Dolphins in this instance, could result in the dolphins leaving the area for good. Was he a licensed operator..I wonder?

There are some golden rules involved in viewing wild dolphins which boat operators should follow and practice.Here is a brief summary of the rules. 'Dolphin Dolt' broke every one of the rules on the occasions we spotted him chasing the pods.

• Do not charge toward or chase the dolphins with a boat, or drive through a group, separating them. (For example, do not try to get dolphins to bow ride by driving fast through the pod.)
• Approach dolphins slowly from behind and to the side, not head on or directly behind.
• Do not approach closer than 300 feet (100 meters) (a few places have even stricter minimum distances). Of course, sometimes the Dolphins will close the gap to "inspect" a boat or person in the water or, in the case of dolphins, to ride on the bow. In this case, allow the animals to control the nature and duration of the interaction.
• Do not make sudden changes of speed, direction, or noise when close to the whales.
• Do not reach out to try to touch dolphins.
• Do not feed whales or dolphins.
• Do not throw litter into the water.

Our intrepid dolphin chasing & watching entrepreneur who was launching from main beach should be regulated before he drives the pods away. He should also be forced to put something back into the ocean, by means of carbon credits, or donations to appropriate NGO's IE- the Centre for Dolphin Studies Plett, etc. Supertubes Surfing Foundation, etc. Enterprises of this kind purely for one individuals financial gain is a wasted opportunity for nature and the animals themselves.

At its best, Dolphin watching teaches people to appreciate dolphins, helps researchers study them, contributes to the conservation of the animals, and helps ensure the economic security of local communities (Surfers & J-bay Locals alike) which serve as protectors of marine habitat.

Some operators, or individuals however, (like our Dolphin Dolt) have haphazard or unsafe practices. They may make money from the dolphins without putting anything back to research, education, or conservation. As well, careless dolphin-watch practices can bother the animals, perhaps causing them to steer clear of boats or even to abandon an area. Once again, I reiterate that dolphin watching that is only purely commercial is a wasted opportunity.

Lastly, there was a time when locals would not have tolerated boats so close to the surfing areas, and especially not interfering with the marine wildlife. Dolphin Dolt was right at backline in the take off zones.

Save our seas - preserve our dunes & beaches.