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Captivity Requirements
Swim-With-The-Dolphin Programs

 

 

 

 

Swim-with-the-dolphin (SWTD) programs


The USDA was given the responsibility for setting standards for captive facilities in 1994. At this time, no regulations existed for dolphin interaction programs, such as “swim-with-the-dolphins” (SWTD) programs or petting pools.

Tragically, in the mid 1990’s SWTD programs increased in popularity and the industry quickly grew. The USDA eventually developed guidelines for these programs, which resulted in a final rule being published in the Federal Register. Unfortunately, these guidelines were quickly suspended in 1999 soon after the final rule was published. This was due to extensive lobbying overwhelming pressure from the captive marine mammal industry. As a result, the USDA still does not regulate dolphin interaction programs!