Written By Michele Roldán-Shaw
Photography by Donna Huffman

nyone who grew up watching the television show “Flipper” probably still holds on to the dream of having a dolphin for a best friend. This fascinating mammal seems almost like a sea-bound version of a dog—playful, intelligent and friendly with a natural affinity towards humankind. But the reality is this: dolphins are wild animals and intimate contact with people can be harmful to them as well as to us.

Not too long ago it was considered acceptable and “cute” for boaters to feed dolphins scraps of food out of their hands. Locals and tourists alike loved to take pictures of their children cozying up to a friendly blue bottlenose, petting its snout and undoubtedly hoping the dolphin was about to leap out of the water in a fountain of spray and do a couple of tricks as payment for its snack.

But then regrettable things started happening. People were getting bit by these supposedly tame, loving creatures. Handout seeking dolphins were injured by boat propellers. A few animals became sick from ingesting beer, potato chips and peanut butter sandwiches (dolphins are supposed to eat fish, remember?) and there was even a disconcerting report of somebody shoving a hot dog down a dolphin’s blowhole. Okay, so maybe dolphins weren’t going to replace dogs as “man’s best friend” after all.

It’s not that we’ve lost our love for this amazing creature — far from it. Just about anyone, young or old, male or female, who frequents the waters of the Lowcountry will tell you that there’s nothing quite like seeing a sleek, graceful dolphin ply the waters at sunset. (Especially if it’s a momma with her baby!) It’s just that now scientists are telling us the best thing we can do for dolphins is to basically leave them alone. And besides giving them their space, we need to cultivate environmentally sound habits in general if we want our local dolphin populations to thrive.

Recent literature published by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the Southeast Region has provided a set of basic guidelines for safe viewing of marine life. The NMFS includes references to dolphins, sea turtles, whales and manatees. But for our purposes in this article, we will look particularly at dolphins, as they are the most common species we encounter in the May River. Keep in mind, however, that these practices generally apply to turtles, sharks or any other creature you may happen to run across.

Observe dolphins from a distance. Many of us have had exciting close encounters with dolphins out on the water. In fact, it can often seem as though these naturally curious animals approach humans intentionally. However, the NMFS advises people to stay a minimum of 50 yards away from dolphins. This is both to ensure that they won’t be disturbed (if dolphins could talk they might say “Hey, you’re messing up my fishing!”) and to avoid injuring them with boat propellers, nets, fishing hooks and lines, etc. It is especially important to observe this practice when encountering protective mothers and their young; the marshes are their nurseries and they don’t deserve to feel threatened.

Be aware of where you are in relation to dolphins. It is important to make sure that dolphins always have an “escape route,” especially in some of the smaller creeks. They should never feel trapped, cut off from open water, or blocked in their movements. The NMFS advises that boats travel in a predictable manner and never try to chase dolphins around. If there are several boats near a dolphin, it becomes even more important to give the animal its space so that it won’t feel encircled by so many crafts. In the event that a dolphin approaches you, as they sometimes do, especially if they have been fed in the past, the proper conduct is to cut the motor and let them pass.

Limit observation time to half an hour. According to the NMFS, prolonged exposure to humans and boats could disturb the dolphins and interrupt their natural activities. Dolphins are complex animals with their own social structures and habits; upsetting that balance could be very detrimental to them. Scientists also believe that excessive familiarity with humans could lead to a loss of the dolphins’ natural wariness, which is key to protecting them from threats such as boat propellers and even shark attacks. The best thing to do after a few satisfying minutes of dolphin watching is to ease on out and let them be.

Do not feed the dolphins. Wild animals have been hunting up their own food for millennia. When we feed them, it often causes them to become dependent on our handouts, eventually making them incapable of getting food for themselves. Especially the youngsters; if mom teaches them to beg instead of to hunt, they become severely handicapped. An additional problem is the aggressive behavior that animals may resort to if they aren’t given the treats they’ve come to expect. So, while it may be fun to feed dolphins, it’s ultimately harmful to them and it is also illegal.

Dolphins are not pets. They are wild animals and therefore unpredictable. If your fantasy is to swim with dolphins, go to one of those water parks with trained animals in swimming pools. Don’t try it in the wild—one educational pamphlet cites the case of a woman who fed a pair of dolphins then jumped into the water to swim with them; she ended up having to pry her left leg from Flipper’s sharp-toothed jaws. It’s also worth mentioning that from a legal standpoint, the instant you feed, hunt, harass, capture or kill a dolphin you become a criminal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

When it comes to river etiquette, a little common sense goes a long way. Tread lightly and be respectful, just the way you would want someone to act in your house. Try to refrain from excessive noise, speed, and disruptive behavior, as this can be a huge bother to creatures who are trying to build their nests, get their supper, rear their young, etc. Above all, don’t litter! Anything you bring to the river environment should be carried back out. Consider yourself a guest and try to be as little of an intrusion as possible. Chances are, you will find that quiet observation of creatures doing their natural thing is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have on the water.