Once again, as a person who conducts reef surveys throughout the Caribbean (mostly in the Bahamian archipelago), I must convey what most professional Ph.D. marine biologists and senior research zoologists have found: the business ventures that capture free-roaming wild ocean mammals like dolphins and place them in captivity, to perform for tourists for food handouts, is not a best-practice for the health of the Caribbean environment. I know at least 2 dozen marine biologists and senior zoological researchers (Smithsonian Institution)and none of them are members of PETA. They conduct thorough scientific studies and conclude that the expansion of dolphin business ventures supported by tourist dollars, like the money spent to participate in the Dolphin Encounter on Blue Lagoon, is harmful not only directely to the dolphin pod populations, but to many other marine plants and creatures which are interlocked with dolphins in the natural web. Tourist awareness of sound research findings, which support the termination of the capture of wild dolphins seems appropriate for this board, for most are conscientious and desire to learn all they can about the Caribbean and what it has to offer. Robert

Fine, an intelligent reply is appreciated. But when someone asks about something she is excited about for her children and someone responds like she is the wicked witch, well, that is not only noninformative and a turnoff but also tends to alienate others. I know about Porpoises and programs like this but it should be remembered that many don't and the last thing any conservationist wants is the quick cruel reply by some do gooder to an honest question by someone who is seeking advice.