The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has reported a man has been fined $431 for hand-feeding a wild dolphin from a boat during a fishing trip in Tin Can Bay.
Senior Wildlife Officer, Tina Ball said QPWS officers reviewed an online video, which showed several adult dolphins and a calf approaching the boat.
“The video then shows the man cutting a mullet in pieces and feeding it to one of the adult dolphins on several occasions,” Ms Ball said.
“During the investigation, the man admitted to hand-feeding a wild dolphin at Snapper Creek while his brother recorded the interaction.”
She said both brothers told Wildlife Officers they were not aware it was an offence to feed wild dolphins as they knew people could pay to feed dolphins at Barnacles Café, in Tin Can Bay.
“Strict conditions apply to the feeding activities at Barnacles Café, including the type and the amount of fish the dolphins can be fed, and how long the fish can be frozen for to ensure freshness,” Ms Ball said.
“This is a regulated activity overseen by the Department of Environment and Science and ensures the dolphins don’t receive all of their daily food intake at Barnacles Café so they continue to hunt for fish in the wild.”
She said the fine of $431 was much lower than the maximum fine a court could impose for feeding a wild dolphin, which is $11,500.
“Skippers must not approach within 150 metres in front of and behind a pod of dolphins and 50 metres if approaching from the sides of the pod,” Ms Ball said.
“If a dolphin approaches a boat within these distances the skipper must disengage the gears or withdraw from the area at a speed less than six knots.
“People who ignore these rules risk maximum penalties up to $17,000,” the Senior Wildlife Officer said.
