Current Events > Hawaii Authorities Open Cases Against 33 Swimmers Who Harassed Dolphins

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https://twitter.com/ap/status/1641105433866715138?s=46

Hawaii authorities say video shows 33 swimmers harassing wild pod of dolphins

It's against federal law to swim within 50 yards of spinner dolphins in Hawaii's nearshore waters.

HONOLULU -- Hawaii authorities on Tuesday say they have referred 33 people to U.S. law enforcement after the group allegedly harassed a pod of wild dolphins in waters off the Big Island.

It's against federal law to swim within 50 yards (45 meters) of spinner dolphins in Hawaii's nearshore waters. The prohibition went into effect in 2021 amid concerns that so many tourists were swimming with dolphins that the nocturnal animals weren't getting the rest they need during the day to be able to forage for food at night.

The rule applies to areas within 2 nautical miles (3.7 kilometers) of the Hawaiian Islands and in designated waters surrounded by the islands of Lanai, Maui and Kahoolawe.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a news release that its enforcement officers came upon the 33 swimmers in Honaunau Bay on Sunday during a routine patrol.

Aerial footage shot by drone shows snorkelers following dolphins as they swim away. The department said its video and photos showed swimmers "who appear to be aggressively pursuing, corralling and harassing the pod."

Enforcement officers contacted the group while they were in the water, and told them about the violation. Uniformed officers met the swimmers on land where state and federal officials launched a joint investigation.

Hawaii's spinner dolphins feast on fish and small crustaceans that surface from the ocean's depths at night. When the sun rises, they head for shallow bays to hide from tiger sharks and other predators.

To the untrained eye, the dolphins appear to be awake during the day because they're swimming.

But because they sleep by resting half of their brains and keeping the other half awake to surface and breathe, they may be sleeping even when they're maneuvering through the water.

https://abc7news.com/amp/dolphins-harassed-dolphin-harassment-hawaii-spinner-swim-with/13041624/

Good

Throw them in the filthiest prison they can

Good, people who harass wildlife or damage natural areas are scum

Federal law violation? Imagine showing up to federal prison and being asked what you're in for and saying "I swam with the dolphins" and knowing nobody us going to be afraid of you.

Yeah, leave the dolphins alone people.

20 years in prison will suffice

MC_BatCommander posted...

Good, people who harass wildlife or damage natural areas are scum

Then how will I have a phone?

I assume there are signs indicating this or something because otherwise they could easily not know that's not okay.

if they were harassing dolphins they should be punished. it's not ok to harass wildlife just because you want to.

edit: the video shows people swimming towards dolphins. obviously if that is an issue they should receive a fine but shouldn't receive jail time unless they were doing something actively malicious.

Aggressive swimmers will be aggressive swimmers

[LFAQs-redacted-quote]


i read what was posted in the op and responded based on that and the video

Dolphins are nature's assholes anyway

Master_Bass posted...

Yeah, leave the dolphins alone people.

And definitely dont give them any viagra or god help us! GOD HELP US ALL!!!

Sorry just watched pitch meeting for cocaine bear

But can you tell the difference between Mahi Mahi and maki maki?

Poor dolphins

Maybe a fine plus jail time will teach them to respect nature.

Oh no people wanted to swim with dolphins, the horror.

adab

deoxxys posted...

Oh no people wanted to swim with dolphins, the horror.

They chased and terrified the dolphins who were trying to rest away from predators.