NOAA bans swimming with Hawaii’s nocturnal spinner dolphins

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Tuesday finalized a rule banning interacting with or swimming within 50 yards of a Hawaiian spinner dolphin.

Authorized under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, under the new rule people cannot swim with, approach or remain within 50 yards of a Hawaiian spinner dolphin that is within 2 nautical miles of the shore of the Hawaiian Islands, as well as certain designated waters. The new rule not only applies to people, but to vessels and objects, such as boats, paddleboards, drones and more. 

Swimming with spinner dolphins, which are nocturnal and feed at night, is a common tourist attraction in Hawaii. However, the NOAA rule aims to protect the dolphins and their habitat, allowing them to rest undisturbed during the day. 

“Like all animals, Hawaiian spinner dolphins need rest. Spinner dolphins are nocturnal feeders that perform critical resting behaviors during the day while in safe, nearshore areas,” the NOAA said in a news release. “But for decades, spinner dolphins in Hawaiʻi have experienced intense viewing pressure from commercial and recreational wildlife viewers seeking close encounters with the charismatic marine mammals.”

“A new regulation will now require the public to respect spinner dolphins’ space so they can shelter undisturbed in their resting habitat close to shore.”

The new rule will go into effect on Oct. 28.