Attending a training workshop is the first step to becoming recognized as Dolphin SMART, so be sure not miss this opportunity! The training workshop will offer a comprehensive review of the Dolphin SMART program and its benefits to wild dolphin populations and to businesses that chose to participate. There will also be presentations by researchers about local dolphin populations and natural dolphin behaviors. All area dolphin viewing businesses, as well as businesses and organizations interested in becoming Proud Supporters of Dolphin SMART, are encouraged to attend to learn more about the program benefits and how to participate.
If you are interested in becoming Dolphin SMART but cannot attend one of the three workshops, please let us know so we can work to accommodate your business for future workshops.
The workshops are open to the public and anyone interested in wild dolphin conservation. Please feel free to forward this email to other interested parties.
WHO: Dolphin viewing, eco-tour, and charter business owners and captains. All coastal business owners and the general public are also welcome.
WHAT: Dolphin SMART Training workshop
WHEN & WHERE:
Ft. Myers/Port Charlotte area on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 8a.m-12p.m. at Lee County Parks and Recreation Support Services Facility (6490 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919). The facility is located half a mile south of College Parkway at the last light before the Cape Coral Bridge.
Sarasota/Bradenton area on Thursday, May 13, 2010, 8a.m-12p.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center in the Jean Purcell Hendry Conference Hall. Mote is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa area on Monday, May 17, 2010, 8a.m-12p.m. at Island Way Grill. Located at 20 Island Way, Clearwater, FL 33757; just off the Clearwater Beach causeway between downtown and Clearwater beach.
RSVP:
RSVP by Monday, May 10, 2025 is appreciated.
For more information on Dolphin SMART or the training workshop, please visit www.dolphinsmart.org
For additional questions or to RSVP, contact:
Jessica Powell
Dolphin SMART Regional Coordinator
727-824-5327
[email protected]
Background
Dolphin SMART helps wild dolphins by encouraging responsible dolphin viewing practices that reduce potential stress to the animals, while providing participating businesses recognition and marketing incentives. Dolphin SMART participants are businesses that view wild dolphins. Proud Supporters of Dolphin SMART are an exciting new addition to the program that allow local businesses and organizations to also support the Dolphin SMART mission. Proud Supporters increase awareness of the program by educating customers on how they can help wild dolphins by booking tours with recognized Dolphin SMART businesses and practicing responsible viewing anytime they are viewing wild dolphins. Expanding Dolphin SMART to central, southwest Florida is an important step in ensuring healthy populations of wild dolphins in the future.