Guide to Marine Mammal Encounters Information kindly provided by Project Pod

F a u n a Dolphins Manatees Sea Turtles Guide to Marine Mammal Encounters How to be Turtle Friendly F l o r a Mud Flats Sea Grasses Mangroves You are here:

Estero Bay's wildlife makes it a precious spot in southwest Florida. In particular, its population of marine mammals has made it a popular area for nature enthusiasts. If we all follow a few simple rules, we can help to insure that these magnificent creatures will be around for many generations to come. NEVER FEED DOLPHINS or MANATEES. They are hunters and foragers, not beggars. Feeding disrupts their natural behavior and encourages them to approach boats, increasing their chances of injury. Dead fish and other foods are often contaminated and can cause sickness or death. Dolphins who become accustomed to begging sometimes take bait fish from fishing lines. This puts them at high risk of ingesting fish hooks, resulting in a slow and painful death. Additionally, feeding or harassing any marine mammal is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and punishable by up to $20,000 and one year in jail. Do not approach closely. Dolphins and manatees are easily disturbed by the activity of boats and personal watercraft. For this reason, observers should maintain a distance of 50 yards...close enough to get a good look at them, especially with binoculars. If dolphins or manatees approach you, then maintain your speed and direction and enjoy the view! However, do not try to follow them once they leave. Do not try to swim with dolphins or manatees. They are large, powerful, wild animals and a number of people have been injured when attempting to swim with them. Swimming into a group of dolphins or manatees can also be very disturbing to them so, as always, enjoy them from a distance. Obey no-wake zones. These slow-speed areas are clearly posted and occur at various points throughout the bay. They often coincide with "hotspots" for wildlife activity, so it is vital to travel at slow speeds through these areas. A number of both manatees and dolphins in Estero Bay have been hit by watercraft. These unfortunate accidents can be curtailed by obeying posted no-wake zones and keeping an eye out for surfacing wildlife. If you witness the feeding or harassment of marine mammals you should contact: NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hot Line 1-800-853-1964 You can obtain more information from: OFFICE OF PROTECTED RESOURCES National Marine Fisheries Service 1335 East West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-713-2289 http://kingfish.ssp.nmfs.gov/