Hobbies And Interests
Boating
The abundance of fish in the Navesink River attracts both humans and dolphins who look for that food source. Boat traffic can create a hazard for the dolphins, particularly during summer months when boating is active on the river. Sheila Dean of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center indicated the danger of watercraft was a primary concern for the dolphins' safety. NOAA requests boat operators move their vehicles predictably and cautiously through the waters, remaining at least 50 feet away for safety.
Fishing
The act of fishing also may present a danger for the dolphins. The Navesink is a haven for menhaden, also known as mossbunker, pogy or fat back, popular to both human and dolphin. Dolphins may get caught up in fishing lines or even on hooks when trollling craft move through the river. NOAA experts suggest reeling in lines and moving elsewhere on the river to fish when encountering dolphins and taking care to collect all fishing line rather than letting it fall into the water. Discarded bait can make them sick, so dispose of the bait elsewhere.
Feeding
People seem to love to feed the dolphins since it brings the creatures closer and makes them lively. Feeding disrupts their natural instincts, however, and can cause long-term difficulties for the dolphins. Youngsters must be taught to forage for food, and they may starve if they learn only to get handouts from people. Visitors to the Navesink need to remember that feeding wild dolphins is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violations can lead to $20,000 in fines and a year of jail time.
Bites
Dolphins may pose dangers to humans since they are wild animals and do bite for a variety of reasons. They may accidentally catch a hand holding food or purposely bite when angry, frightened or frustrated. Those that have gotten used to being fed by humans may get aggressive when not given the food they have grown accustomed to receiving. These may not be playful nips either. One woman spent a week in the hospital to recover from a bite incurred while swimming with dolphins.