WAVE Workshop

South Carolina waters are home to several marine mammal and sea turtle species. Boaters often share the same waterways, creating a dynamic coexistence where responsible boating and viewing practices are essential to minimize the impact on ecosystems and species that inhabit these environments.  Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) are the only resident marine mammal in South Carolina year-round. They have ranging patterns extending across the South Carolina coast and within the estuarine systems. In the Charleston area alone, there is a resident population of about 300 dolphins.  Despite dolphins being federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972), there have been long-standing issues of human interaction towards these dolphins, with boat strikes and entanglements in marine debris being common causes of mortality. The illegal feeding, touching, and harassment from commercial and recreational boaters also continues to be a source of disturbance to local dolphins. Dolphins that engage in strand feeding, a rare foraging strategy, face greater levels of disturbance as this behavior happens near shorelines. NOAA has documented incidents of people, both from land and vessel/kayak, trying to interact with or feed dolphins during strand feeding. People have also been reported for trying to grab, jump, or stand on the animals.  Human interaction with marine mammals can cause disturbance towards the animals. Studies have shown that human disturbance, especially the presence of tour vessels and other watercraft, can lead to a decline in dolphin abundance in that area or can cause them to change and/or stop their normal foraging behavior. Other critical behaviors, such as maternal care and resting are also particularly vulnerable to disturbance. In addition to marine mammals, sea turtle populations are also at risk due to the result of human activities. Four species of sea turtles (loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, green and leatherback) can be found in South Carolina's near shore waters April through November, or nesting on our beaches from May through October. Sea turtles face significant threats including accidental capture in commercial fisheries, nesting site disturbance, and collisions with boats, all of which jeopardize their reproductive success and overall population health.