As summer begins in the Maltese islands, you see more and more dolphins in the Mediterranean, especially bottlenose dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins are wild dolphins to which rules of behaviour apply. Not for these dolphins of course, but for us, especially if you are on a boat or jet ski.
EcoMarine’s Code of Conduct regarding Wild Dolphins
Dolphins are increasingly spotted around Malta, Gozo and Comino, especially by tourists and crew on the many Malta boat tours around the islands. People who sail private boats or jet skis often try to feed these bottlenose dolphins and sail around them for better photos. Of course, you can’t do that.
You disrupt the dolphins’ natural behaviour. Especially foraging (the process in which dolphins actively search for food). It is also disastrous for newborns and young dolphins if they cannot maintain their natural behaviour. Otherwise, they will not survive.
These mammals also get caught in the fishing nets and suffer injuries. This human activity, fishing, poses a threat to these beautiful animals. Discovering these animals in the surrounding sea is a precious memory, so let us recognise that we are handling this responsibly for marine conservation.
EcoMarine Malta ensures that rules are followed and responsibly watches dolphins in the wild. You are not allowed to interact with wild dolphins. However, you can do so at the Marine land dolphin sanctuary in Malta.
The life of dolphins in captivity often leads to criticism, therefore it is nice that we respect dolphins in the wild for this very reason and observe them safely so that they can live as long as possible. Bottlenose dolphins can live up to 50 years. Isn’t it great if we can keep them safe in the natural waters? Surely that is much nicer than keeping them in captivity purely as entertainment?
EcoMarine’s Guidelines
So, there are rules to follow. Here’s a top five:
- Respect natural behaviour: Do not interfere with dolphins’ normal movements.
- Keep your distance: Never approach dolphins closer than 100 metres.
- No rubbish or food: Do not throw anything into the water near the dolphins.
- Avoid sudden movements: No abrupt changes in speed or direction.
- Limit observation time: Maximum 30 minutes per boat, one boat at a time.
Playful Dolphins
Let’s not forget how special these marine mammals are. Their playful behaviour, such as ‘bow riding’ (playing in the waves made by boats), creates a spectacular scene that is delightful to watch. Sometimes you might see just three of them, but they can swim in groups of up to 40 bottlenose dolphins. It’s beautiful to witness, and something we must cherish and protect.
Conservation plans for the bottlenose dolphins focus on tourism as well as commercial maritime traffic, marine litter, and underwater noise. EcoMarine Malta educates people about what to do and not to do and what is important to know about the wildlife in the waters around the Maltese islands, especially during the summer months.
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