Boaters Warned About Hostile Dolphin

S A R A S O T A, Fla., Nov. 18 -- Federal officials want to halt the spirit of giving—at least on the waterways where Beggar the dolphin bobs from boat to boat, looking for handouts.

It’s illegal and it’s dangerous to feed dolphins, federalofficials say. Especially for the dolphin, which can become used tobeing hand fed and stop hunting on its own. Plus, this dolphinsometimes bites.

“The next time Beggar comes alongside your boat and looksexpectantly for a handout, please let him wander off to find anatural meal,” said Eugene Proulx of the fisheries division of theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “It’s safer for Beggar, safer for you.”

Kathy Wang, a NOAA biologist, said feeding poses anotherproblem. “Fed dolphins may be less wary of people, making themsusceptible to injury from boats.”

Lesson: Don’t Feed the Animals

Beggar, who patrols a stretch of water near the Venice Inletsoliciting the softhearted, also has bitten people. Some of theinjuries have required medical attention.

On the legal front, the Marine Mammal Protection Act forbidsfeeding or harassing wild dolphins. Violators risk a year behindbars and a $20,000 fine.

NOAA’s Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement is on a campaign tostop the feedings through stricter enforcement, including chargingand fining recreational boaters, and increased educationalprograms.

The agency has scheduled a town meeting for Tuesday at NokomisCommunity Park to focus on Beggar and the feeding and harassing ofdolphins in general.

Marine wildlife officers have installed a sign near the waterwayexplaining the law and listing a telephone number for people tocall to report offenses.

In July 1999, an administrative law judge upheld a $4,500 fineagainst a Panama City boat rental company and its boat operator forillegally feeding dolphins.

The incident happened during a June 1998 excursion off PanamaCity’s Shell Island and nearby jetty—a destination poplar withresidents and tourists for feeding the local dolphin population,according to NOAA.