Ten Things You Can Do to Help a Wild Dolphin

Dolphins are wonderful intelligent animals. Sadly some dolphin species are on the endangered species federal list. Here are 10 things that you can do to help a wild dolphin.

1. If you ever see a wild dolphin don't feed them. It is against federal law and is harmful to the dolphin. That includes tossing leftover fishing bait over the side of the boat and releasing fish that you caught in the presence of dolphins.

2. When you are fishing make sure that you gear and terminal tackle are in good shape. If the line breaks and there is a fish with a hook stuck in it a dolphin could eat the fish. Avoid fishing in areas where dolphins are feeding so they do not think that your bait is a snack.

3. While fishing to do cast your line towards a dolphin.

4. If you find that dolphins are taking an interest in your bate consider fishing in another location. If dolphins do not leave your area or begin to follow your vessel, it is recommended that you should cease your fishing activity for a short time. This will discourage the dolphin's behavior. Remember fishing success may decline at a site where dolphins are actively feeding so in the long run it is a good idea to keep away from dolphins when fishing.

5. Use fishing hooks that are corrodible hooks, any hook that is not stainless steel. Also it is believed that circle hooks reduce injuries to fish and dolphins.

6. If you hook a dolphin and the hook is set, cut the line as close to the dolphin as safely possible. If the hook isn't set, put slack on the line and give the dolphin time to release itself. Never try to reel in a dolphin that may be hooked.

7. Keep used fishing line from leaving your boat. Make sure to collect any used or broken fishing lines to discard in recycling bins.

8. Keep at least 50 yards away from wild dolphins while boating or using a personal watercraft.

9. If the dolphin that you see is injured, entangled, or sick report it. In addition to reporting it, if you see a dolphin on land there are some things you should and shouldn't do. Don't push the dolphin back into the water, that is illegal and it will prevent the animal from receiving proper care. Keep the area around the blowhole clear of water and sand. Place wet towels on the dolphin to help protect their skin from the sun.

10. Donate to organizations that are helping dolphins and sign petitions for dolphin's safety.
Donate at http://www.bluevoice.org/donate.shtml
Sign a petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/golfinho/

The next time that you see a wild dolphin, keep all of these tips in mind.