CONSERVATION THROUGH RESPONSIBLE VIEWING
We are blessed to live and operate on the Wai’anae Coast of O’ahu, Hawai’i. We happen to share this pristine coastline with several resident pods of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. They live and play on this side of the island, and we are honored to be able to witness them in their natural environment.
Sadly, over the years we’ve seen a growth in swim with dolphins tours here on our coast. These tours insist on dropping people directly into the path of these wild animals. Scientists say this invasive activity is the likely cause for a noticeable decline in Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin sightings and activity.
We are committed to view our nai’a (dolphin) friends in a respectful, safe, and responsible manner. This means only viewing them from aboard our catamaran and following the strict guidelines of NOAA’s Dolphin SMART program.
Dolphin SMART is a unique voluntary recognition and education program encouraging responsible viewing of wild dolphins. Program participation is for commercial businesses conducting and booking wild dolphin tours, or any commercial vessel that may opportunistically view wild dolphins.
Ocean Joy Cruises is proud to support the efforts of NOAA’s Dolphin SMART program in promoting responsible stewardship of wild dolphins in coastal waterways. We were one of the first two recognized Dolphin SMART participants in the state of Hawai’i.
DOLPHIN SMART PROGRAM PURPOSE:
1.
Minimize the potential of wild dolphin harassment caused by commercial viewing activities
2.
Reduce expectations of close interaction with wild dolphins in a manner that may cause harassment
3.
Eliminate advertising that creates expectations of engaging in activities that may cause harassment
4.
Promote stewardship of local coastal waterways
The Dolphin SMART program offers participation incentives for businesses that follow the program criteria and educate their customers about the importance of minimizing wild dolphin harassment. It also includes an important research component that provides insight about the daily lives of the local, wild dolphin populations. For more information about Dolphin SMART, please visit dolphinsmart.org.
NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is a scientific agency within the US Department of Commerce focused on the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere. NOAA warns of dangerous weather charts seas and skies, guides the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources, and conducts research to improve understanding and stewardship of the environment.
