NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : U.S. Acts to Forbid Feeding of Dolphins

Citing hazards posed by “dolphin feeding” cruises, the government moved to ban all public feeding of wild dolphins, seals and other marine mammals in U.S. coastal waters. The public has 45 days to comment on the rule, which probably will take effect Jan. 1, National Marine Fisheries Service officials said. The officials worry that the feedings will disrupt natural eating habits. The fisheries staff found that heavily fed dolphins tended to congregate around any boat, increasing the risk of injury or capture. It fears that the easy food source could make dolphins reluctant to migrate normally.