Authorities Hawaii are proposing a ban the popular tourist activity swimming dolphins off the Hawaiian coast. The dolphins have served a magnet for tourists the past few decades. However, federal officials say the increasing tourism is harmful to the dolphins because they are supposed to be resting and socializing. The National Marine Fisheries Service the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposes to prohibit swimming with, or approaching 50 metres of, Hawaii's spinner dolphins. That would put an end many tour group activities, which involve sailing alongside the creatures a boat and snorkeling with them.
Ann Garrett, a spokeswoman the National Marine Fisheries Service, said she didn't think the ban would have a big impact the tourist trade Hawaii. Ms Garrett said: "We think that identifying 50 metres as the minimum distance, there still can be a viable tourist industry Hawaii." Tour operators disagreed Garrett's assessment. Tour company owner Kevin Merrill warned: "It would be the end legitimate dolphin swimming. We couldn’t offer the people the quality interaction that they expect." Dolphins typically are most active night and sleep and relax the day, which is when the tourists interact them. Garrett said the interaction disrupts the dolphins' health and fitness.
