Hawaii is proposing a on the tourist of swimming with dolphins off the Hawaiian . The dolphins have been a magnet for tourists over the decades. However, officials say the tourism is to the dolphins because they are supposed to be and socializing. The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to prohibit swimming with, or within 50 metres of, Hawaii's spinner dolphins. That would many tour group activities, such as alongside the dolphins in a boat and snorkeling with .
Ann Garrett, from the National Marine Fisheries Service, said she didn't think the would have a big on Hawaii's tourist . She said: "We think that by identifying 50 metres as the distance, there still can be a tourist industry." Tour operators disagreed. Tour company owner Kevin Merrill warned: "It would be the end of dolphin swimming. We couldn’t offer the people the interaction that they expect." Dolphins are most active at and sleep and relax during the day. Garrett said the affects the dolphins' health and .