33 Tourists Reported for Harassing Wild Dolphins in Hawaii

Swimming in groups while chasing dolphin pods
Caught by authorities' drone footage enforcement

On the 26th, swimmers chasing a pod of spinner dolphins while snorkeling off the coast of Hawaii [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Authorities in Hawaii, USA, have filed charges against 33 tourists for swimming in groups and harassing a pod of wild dolphins by chasing them.

According to the Associated Press on the 29th (local time), the tourists were snorkeling near the coast of Big Island on the 26th and pursued a pod of dolphins. This incident was captured on drone footage by authorities, leading to enforcement action.

Officers who arrived at the scene caught the tourists in contact with the dolphins and informed them of the legal violations. Subsequently, officials from the State of Hawaii and federal government investigated the matter and booked 33 individuals.

The State Department of Land and Natural Resources stated in a press release, "The swimmers in the video appear to be aggressively chasing and surrounding the pod of dolphins, harassing them."

Meanwhile, since 2021, the United States has prohibited swimming within a 45-meter radius of spinner dolphins near Hawaiian beaches. This regulation applies to waters within 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) of the Big Island and the areas surrounding the islands of Lanai, Maui, and Kahoolawe.

Spinner dolphins, commonly found in Hawaii, are nocturnal and move to shallow bays during the day to rest. This behavior helps them avoid predators such as snake sharks. However, when people gather around or chase the dolphins during the day, it disrupts their rest.

Because dolphins continue swimming even during the day, they may appear to be awake at first glance. In reality, they sleep with one half of their brain while keeping the other half awake to surface and breathe.