Hawaii might ban the tourist activity of swimming with dolphins. Dolphins have been a magnet for tourists over the past decades. However, officials say tourism harms the dolphins because they cannot rest or socialize. The National Marine Fisheries Service (MNFS) wants to stop swimming with, or approaching within 50 metres of, dolphins. That would end many tour activities, such as sailing alongside the dolphins and snorkeling with them.
The MNFS said the ban would not have a big impact on Hawaii's tourist trade. It said: "We think that by identifying 50 metres as the minimum distance, there still can be a viable tourist industry." Tour operators disagree. One warned: "It would be the end of legitimate dolphin swimming. We couldn’t offer the people the quality interaction that they expect." Dolphins are most active at night and sleep and relax during the day.
