Swim-with-the-dolphin programs.

CFR · 2024-01-01 · US · Title 9

Swim-with-the-dolphin programs shall comply with the requirements in this section, as well as with all other applicable requirements of the regulations pertaining to marine mammals. (a) (1) The horizontal dimension for each area must be at least three times the average adult body length of the species of cetacean used in the program; (2) The minimum surface area required for each area is calculated as follows: (i) (ii) (iii) (3) The average depth for sea pens, lagoons, and similar natural enclosures at low tide shall be at least 9 feet. The average depth for any manmade enclosure or other structure not subject to tidal action shall be at least 9 feet. A portion of each area may be excluded when calculating the average depth, but the excluded portion may not be used in calculating whether the interactive, buffer, and sanctuary area meet the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(4) of this section. (4) The minimum volume required for each animal is calculated as follows: (b) (c) (1) Licensee or manager—at least one full-time staff member with at least 6 years experience in a professional or managerial position dealing with captive cetaceans; (2) Head trainer/behaviorist—at least one full-time staff member with at least 6 years experience in training cetaceans for SWTD behaviors in the past 10 years, or an equivalent amount of experience involving in-water training of cetaceans, who serves as the head trainer for the SWTD program; (3) Trainer/supervising attendant—a

official document · source cfr-2024 · id 9:§ 3.111