A judge fined a tour operator $2,500 for illegally harassing Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Natural resources officers with the State of Hawai'i investigated dolphin tour operator Casey Phillips Cho for harassing Hawaiian spinner dolphins, which is illegal.
A final rule prohibits swimming with, approaching, or remaining within 50 yards of spinner dolphins. A proposed rule may establish time-area closures of select nearshore resting areas.
Eleven projects aimed at restoring sea turtles, marine mammals, oysters, and birds are approved to move forward in all five Gulf states, and in Mexico.