Bermuda's dolphin encounter programme should remain unaffected by recent changes in the US rules governing such interactions between people and the marine-mammals.

The news came yesterday from Dolphin Quest co-owner and veterinarian Dr. Rae Stone.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) last month introduced new rules to govern swim-with-dolphin programmes such as Dolphin Quest.

These include a three-to-one interaction ratio between people and dolphins and new standards for veterinary care.

Dr. Stone told The Royal Gazette that she did not think the rules would affect Dolphin Quest Bermuda.

"Our facilities and programmes are recognised as leaders in this area.

"We meet and exceed USDA standards,'' she stressed, before adding that the local branch also complied fully with Bermudian regulations.

"The Bermuda facility works with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to ensure it meets standards in Bermuda.'' The USDA introduced the rules to address animal-right groups' concerns about the programmes which see humans swim with dolphins. Animal right groups feel the programmes unduly stress the marine-mammals.

But Dr. Stone noted: "Our commitment, first and foremost, is to the animals.'' Dolphin Quest runs three facilities -- in Hawaii, Moorea and Bermuda.

Dolphin Quest's habitat at Southampton Princess houses seven Atlantic bottle nose dolphins in its three-acre facility which allows humans to interact with them.

SEA