May 06, 2021
Dolphin Stewardship Program Funding
Dolphin strand feeding is a rare behavior that only occurs in the Lowcountry and a few other select areas globally. To help protect this phenomenon, in 2017, the Town initiated the Kiawah Island Dolphin Education Program in cooperation with NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN). The program utilizes trained volunteers and observers, called educators, that are stationed at Captain Sam’s inlet to observe and record dolphin behavior, educate beachgoers, and reduce negative interactions between people and dolphins. The Town of Kiawah Island currently provides funding for the program. LMMN also has a similar program on the Seabrook side of the inlet with support from the Town of Seabrook Island.
During 2020, LMMN educators logged 668 hours on the beach, recorded 722 dolphin sightings, and spoke with
5,997 beachgoers. This year’s report indicated the following observations:
• Dolphins spend a more significant proportion of time in or near the inlet than previously known and this indicates the dolphins rely on this inlet more heavily than initially thought.
• The team observed strand feeding every month of the year, with the majority occurring during July.
• At least 11 different dolphins have been documented strand feeding in the inlet, all of which appear to be part of a pod (a dolphin family unit) that lives all year in the river. This is a tiny portion of the population, and chronic harassment could cause the animals to retreat.
• A three-year-old calf (known as Kai) is often seen watching others strand feed, working the edges closely with its mother, and other behaviors that appear its learning the process. No new calves were identified this year.
• Kayakers are responsible for most of the negative interactions with dolphins, typically by approaching too closely and disrupting feeding behavior.
• When an educator was present, visitors were more likely to stay back from the dolphins and avoid disturbing their behavior.
If you visit Captain Sam’s Inlet to watch this behavior:
• Stand 15 yards (18 steps) from the water’s edge.
• Do not attempt to wade in, touch, or grab the dolphins.
• If you are in a boat or kayak, stay 50 yards from the dolphins.
• Do not feed or encourage dolphins to approach you or your boat.
• Never approach or separate mother/calf pairs.
For more information on the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, visit www.lowcountrymarinemammalnetwork.org. If you are interested in volunteering, email info@lowcountrymarinemammalnetwork.org.