The Spinner Dolphin

I have had the opportunity to learn about many different types of marine organisms and ocean habitats. I was surprised that there was such variety in the kinds of marine life. It was difficult for me to choose a favorite. I found the spinner dolphin to be especially interesting.

Did you know that the spinner dolphin lives in the Pacific Ocean? It makes it's home in the eastern tropical and subtropical Pacific region. This area benefits spinner dolphins because it is a habitat of high salinity. They can be found in a subtidal environment as well. It can be found in off shore and inshore waters. (www.sharkfriends.com)The favorite food of the spinner dolphin is tuna. The spinner dolphin enjoys midwater fish and squid as well. It is different from other dolphins in that it feeds at night. Sometimes they get into trouble because they are so hungry they may swim into a fisherman's net to get to the tuna. (www.Dspark.com)

Not only does the spinner dolphin get caught in fishing nets, man also purposefully fishes for these dolphins. Man is the primary predator because 100,000 dolphins are killed each year in nets for food or sport. The species is also commercially harvested. These actions threaten the survival of the species. (www.ea.gov.au/coast) As a result, the Marine Mammal Protection Act protects the dolphin. There are restrictions on where fisherman can fish. The spinner dolphin is an endangered species. (www.dolphinjourneys.com)

Unfortunately, man also affects the survival of the spinner dolphin through pollution. Dolphins are adversely affected when plastic is dumped into rivers and oceans because the dolphin mistakes it for food. Additionally, chemical waste caused many dolphins to die in 1991 and 1992 due to a virus. (www.Melbourne.net/animal)Like other mammals, the spinner dolphins produce sexually. Their offspring are called calves. I was surprised to learn that spinner dolphins are pregnant up to one year. (www.geocities.com) The spinner dolphin is not a primary producer. The under sea kelp forests are the primary producer in it's food web. (www.askjeeves.com)

After studying many forms of marine life, the spinner dolphin is still my favorite marine organism. It is very beautiful and if I lived in a location which was close to the ocean, I would love watching them swim. I think watching them swim and interact with each other would be a beautiful sight. Sadly, it is a terrible thing that spinner dolphins are so endangered by humans who over fish them and hunt them for sport. I wish more could be done through government legislation to protect them.