Controlling the Ecotourist in a Wild Dolphin Feeding Program: Is Education the Answer?

The effectiveness of an education program for tourists who hand-feed wild dolphins at Tangalooma, Moreton Island in eastern Australia was evaluated. Data were gathered on tourist behavior during feeding sessions before and after the education policy was implemented. After implementation of the education program, inappropriate behaviors such as touching of dolphins were significantly reduced. Contains 25 references. (Author/PVD)