The Key West Dolphin SMART training held on December 7, 2024 was a success! Five dolphin viewing companies were represented. This training included three new presentations including, “The Business Value of Dolphin SMART,” “How does Dolphin SMART Aid Conservation,” and “Dolphin SMART Proud Supporters.” The growing interest and participation in Dolphin SMART is a testament to the commitment that the Key West dolphin-viewing operators hold in protecting and conserving the local wild dolphin population.
NOAA Fisheries and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary also held training for volunteers who assist in the annual monitoring and evaluation components of the Dolphin SMART Program. Participants used a range finder to estimate the distance of objects to ensure accuracy for determining a 50 yard approach to dolphins during upcoming year end evaluations for dolphin tour operators.
In addition, this workshop marked the launch of the ‘Proud Supporter’ component of the Dolphin SMART program. A ‘Proud Supporter’ can be a company or organization that promotes dolphin viewing tours or responsible viewing of wild dolphins but is not eligible to participate in the Dolphin SMART program as an operator (i.e. commercial businesses that solely or opportunistically view wild dolphins). Examples of companies or organizations that might be interested in participating in the ‘Proud Supporter’ campaign include commercial businesses who offer services operating in and around dolphin habitat, such as marinas, fishing piers or waterfront restaurants. Travel consultants or booking agents, non-profit organizations and the media are other entities that would benefit from a partnership with Dolphin SMART.
WDCS partnered with NOAA’s Fisheries Service, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Program and Dolphin Ecology Project to establish the program in Key West, Florida in 2007 through funding support from NOAA Fisheries and the “Protect Wild Dolphins” license plate through Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. The founding sponsors continue to expand the program in other areas of Florida and the southeast United States, including Alabama.
The acronym “SMART” is a reminder of the basic principles of dolphin viewing etiquette:
• Stay at least 50 yards from dolphins
• Move away slowly if the dolphins show signs of disturbance
• Always put your vessel engine in neutral when dolphins are near
• Refrain from feeding, touching or swimming with wild dolphins
• Teach others to be Dolphin SMART.
For more information about Dolphin SMART, visit www.dolphinsmart.org