Spinner dolphins need more protection

HONOLULU Federal authorities are studying whether more regulations are needed to limit human interaction with spinner dolphins.Spinner dolphins feed for much of the night, then come into nearshore bays to rest and play during the day in their natural state.

But increasingly, they are having to spend their much-needed rest time dealing adoring humans.
People swim from the beaches, paddle kayaks and board tour boats to get near the dolphins.
Chris Yates is the assistant regional administrator for protected resources at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service.

He says a lot of what happens is beyond the bounds of responsible wildlife viewing.
Federal authorities plan to hold a series of public meetings on the topic later this month.