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Are humans a threat to dolphins?

Mar 16, 2011 No comments By Blair Irvine

 

Human activities are the biggest threat to Sarasota Bay dolphins.

Some people hook dolphins with fishing gear accidentally, and dolphins can become entangled in fishing line, which can kill or seriously injure them.

Some people try to feed dolphins which can make the dolphins sick or make them less wary of other threats. Feeding dolphins is called “provisioning” them, and it is illegal under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Dolphins also absorb human pollutants through the food chain.

Boats strike dolphins from time to time – about 5% of Sarasota Bay dolphins have boat strike scars.

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Blair Irvine

About the author

I manage the SDRP website, serve as President of the Dolphin Biology Research Institute, and otherwise volunteer as needed. I started the SDRP in 1970 with then High School student Randy Wells, and I led the research through the 70’s. Randy took over in the early 80s when I changed careers. Since then, my non-dolphin interests mostly have been in the area of human behavioral health. With NIH support, much of my research has involved Internet interventions and training programs. My graduate degrees are in Zoology (MS), Exercise Physiology (MAPE), and Health Education (PhD).
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