Dolphin strand feeding — legal viewing distance and federal penalties

Strand feeding is a cooperative behaviour in which dolphins herd fish onto a mud bank or shoreline and briefly beach themselves to take them; SCDNR describes it as "seen in only a few dolphin populations worldwide." It occurs on the creeks and banks around Mount Pleasant, Kiawah and the Stono. LEGAL POSITION AS PUBLISHED: SCDNR (news release dated 2022-03-18) states "boaters must remain at least 50 yards from dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles and 100 yards from large whales," that "Never feed dolphins. it is illegal," and that "Bottlenose dolphins are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which makes it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal." SCDNR states "Fines for feeding and/or harassing dolphins can reach up to $100,000." NOAA Fisheries publishes the same 50-yard (150-foot) minimum for wild dolphins and porpoises "by land or sea," notes that in some locations the minimum is 100 yards, and states that violations of the MMPA's feeding and harassment prohibitions can carry fines up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. NOAA specifically addresses shore viewing of strand feeding: if you witness it from shore, follow the same distancing requirements and give the animals a wide berth. NOAA lists feeding, swimming with, riding, petting, touching, or attempting to interact with wild marine mammals as prohibited conduct. Verified 2026-09-04.