Swimming with dolphins may be banned

 

Authorities in Hawaii are proposing a ban on the popular tourist activity of swimming with dolphins off the Hawaiian coast. The dolphins have served as a magnet for tourists over the past few decades. However, federal officials say the increasing tourism is harmful to the dolphins because they are supposed to be resting and socializing. The National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposes to prohibit swimming with, or approaching within 50 metres of, Hawaii's spinner dolphins. That would put an end to many tour group activities, which involve sailing alongside the creatures in a boat and snorkeling with them.

Ann Garrett, a spokeswoman for the National Marine Fisheries Service, said she didn't think the ban would have a big impact on the tourist trade in Hawaii. Ms Garrett said: "We think that by identifying 50 metres as the minimum distance, there still can be a viable tourist industry in Hawaii." Tour operators disagreed with Garrett's assessment. Tour company owner Kevin Merrill warned: "It would be the end of legitimate dolphin swimming. We couldn’t offer the people the quality interaction that they expect." Dolphins typically are most active at night and sleep and relax during the day, which is when the tourists interact with them. Garrett said the interaction disrupts the dolphins' health and fitness.

1. TOURISM: Students A strongly believe no tourism should make money animals; Students B strongly believe the opposite. 

2. ANIMALS: What do you think of animals being used in / for these things? What could we replace the animals with? Discuss this with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

  • Zoos
  • Circuses
  • Hunting
  • Police
  • Drug testing
  • Sports racing

3. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

  1. proposing
  2. magnet
  3. harmful
  4. prohibit
  5. approaching
  6. impact
  7. distance
  8. viable
  9. assessment
  10. disrupts
  1. detrimental
  2. workable
  3. ban
  4. effect
  5. suggesting
  6. gap
  7. judgement
  8. lure
  9. disturbs
  10. nearing

4.Role play

Role A — Hiking

You think hiking is the best tourist activity. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their activities. Also, tell the others which is the most boring of these (and why): a museum, shopping or a bus tour.

Role B — A museum

You think a museum is the best tourist activity. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their activities. Also, tell the others which is the most boring of these (and why): hiking, shopping or a bus tour.

Role C — Shopping

You think shopping is the best tourist activity. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their activities. Also, tell the others which is the most boring of these (and why): a museum, hiking or a bus tour.

Role D — A bus tour

You think a bus tour is the best tourist activity. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their activities. Also, tell the others which is the most boring of these (and why): a museum, shopping or hiking.

OR

  • scuba diving
  • amusement park
  • outdoor cafes
  • safari

5.Discussion:

  1. What do you think of swimming with dolphins?
  2. What do you know about Hawaii?
  3. Do we have the right to use dolphins as a tourist activity?
  4. What do you think of the proposed ban?
  5. What do you think it's like to snorkel with dolphins?
  6. What harm does this kind of tourism do to dolphins?
  7. Should we end using any animals for tourism and entertainment?
  8. Do you think the dolphins like swimming with humans?
  1. How would the ban affect Hawaii's tourist industry?
  2. Is 50 metres a good distance between tourists and dolphins?
  3. What happens if the dolphins swim near the boats?
  4. Is there such a thing as 'legitimate dolphin swimming'?
  5. What could tour companies do instead of dolphin swimming?
  6. Would it be better to offer night swimming with dolphins?
  7. How can we better protect dolphins?
  8. What advice do you have for tourists wanting to swim with dolphins?
  9. What questions would you like to ask the federal officials?

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