Stenella longirostris , that swim in the shallow coastal waters around the Hawaiian islands. Earthtrust is conducting this study of wild dolphin behavior with the aim of establishing their important habitats, social structures, and longevity This research will enrich our knowledge of dolphin behavior and heighten awareness of the ways humans impact it. Conservation in a larger sense is also served by increasing our knowledge of spinner dolphins.
Spinners are one of the two major species which die by the millions in the tuna purse seine nets.
Most people are unaware that Congress has just legalized importing tuna caught by killing dolphins. There is no question that the tuna-porpoise slaughter, in terms of numbers killed, is the most dangerous problem to cetaceans today. The interaction of humans with wild dolphins is a special gift - one that should be valued and protected. The current trend towards environmental awareness is accompanied by people seeking ways to change their relationship with nature. In Hawaii this has been demonstrated in recent years by the increasing numbers of people who have discovered the accessibility of the exuberant Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and avidly pursue trying to swim with them.