On Tuesday, May 23, And You Creations had the pleasure of inviting Adam Kurtz, Marine Wildlife Management Coordinator from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), to our monthly boat crew meeting. The purpose of this meeting was to enhance our understanding of responsible marine wildlife viewing in Hawaii and to learn how to protect marine wildlife while ensuring an enjoyable experience for our guests.
During the meeting, our boat captains and crews familiarize themselves with the rules and guidelines governing marine wildlife encounters. It was an invaluable opportunity for our AYC team to deepen their knowledge of the Hawaiian marine life we encounter on our tours and the necessary protocols for interacting with them. Our team actively engaged with Adam by asking numerous questions about the rules, regulations, spinner dolphins, humpback whales, monk seals, Hawaiian sea turtles, and more. Moving forward, And You Creations is committed to providing additional educational opportunities like this, enabling our team to become even more knowledgeable about Hawaiian marine life and offer accurate and engaging information to our guests.
Since December 2021, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has implemented a statewide ban prohibiting swimming with dolphins within 2 nautical miles of the shore. This regulation is a response to the declining population of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. As one of the popular dolphin swimming tour operators on the west side of Oahu, Dolphins and You faced the challenge of adapting our operations, which we had refined over three decades. Despite our long-standing history in dolphin swimming, we embraced these changes as an opportunity to diversify our tour offerings. We formed partnerships with local naturalists to deepen our understanding of wildlife and the surrounding environment. Sharing this knowledge with our guests, along with information on sustainability efforts, Hawaiian history, and culture, has enriched the informational aspect of our tours, a change that has been well-received by our guests and fulfilling for us.
Following the change in regulations, And You Creations, including Dolphins and You, strictly adheres to the rules and shows utmost respect for Hawaiian marine life. We strive to educate our guests on these rules and the importance of viewing marine life responsibly. We emphasize the significance of following the guidelines and assuming the responsibility that comes with observing marine wildlife.
And You Creations is a tour company based in Honolulu, Oahu Island, Hawaii. Our tours include Dolphins and You (Dolphin Watching + Water Activities), Turtles and You (Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkeling), Nature and You: Waimea (Waimea Waterfall Hike and Swim), Nature and You: Manoa (Manoa Falls Hiking), Island and You (Oahu Circle Island tour), and Ocean and You (Waikiki Party Cruise). We prioritize environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, community well-being, and quality education in all our tour offerings. Recognized by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association as a Sustainable Tour provider in 2016, And You Creations is dedicated to promoting sustainable ecotourism.
