Hawaii Authorities Say 33 Swimmers Were Harassing Dolphins

Hawaii Authorities Say 33 Swimmers Were Harassing Dolphins
Department enforcement officers speak to swimmers in Honaunau, Hawaii, on March 26, 2023, after the swimmers allegedly harassed a pod of wild spinner dolphins. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources via AP
The Associated Press
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HONOLULU—Hawaii authorities said they have referred 33 people to U.S. law enforcement after the group allegedly harassed a pod of wild dolphins in waters off the Big Island.

It’s against federal law to swim within 50 yards of spinner dolphins in Hawaii’s nearshore waters. The prohibition went into effect in 2021 amid concerns that so many tourists were swimming with dolphins that the nocturnal animals weren’t getting the rest they need during the day to be able to forage for food at night.