Will Hawaii Ban Swimming With Dolphins?

Image: PHOTO: Dolphin saying hi. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Image: PHOTO: Dolphin saying hi. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Mon August 29, 2016

One of Hawaii's most popular tourism activities may soon be a thing of the past. The swiming with dolphins programs may soon be banned according to The Weather Network and Mother Nature Network.

Hawaii's spinner dolphins retreat to shallow waters to rest during the day but they are known for being social and nurturing, which only drives attention from tourists.

"People chase the dolphins with selfie sticks," Victor Lozano, owner of Oahu's Dolphin Excursions, told The Guardian.

Other nations face criticism for animal tourism, such as Thailand for their elephant rides. And there has also been debate about captive dolphin programs in both Hawaii and the Caribbean.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Hawaii Lava Tours Going with the Flow [/READMORE]

According to the Weather Network, if the regulations in Hawaii are passed, the ban would cover all water space within two nautical miles of the Hawaiian Islands, including the waters between Lanai, Maui, and Kahoolawe.

Read here for more on swimming with dolphin programs here.


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