Dolphins strand feeding on Seabrook Island is an unforgettable viewing experience. Residents and vacationing guests on Seabrook Island enjoy many magical opportunities to witness nature in action. Deer, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and our beloved bottlenose dolphins coexist harmoniously with our island residents and guests. On occasion, you may witness dolphin strand feeding when you visit Seabrook Island or Kiawah Island.
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Meet the Lowcountry’s Dolphins on Seabrook Island
The bottlenose dolphins are omnipresent in the coastal waterways bordering Seabrook Island. Residents and guests are privileged to observe the dolphins swimming along the shoreline and meandering in and out of the tidal creeks. The greater Charleston area hosts a resident population of about 350 dolphins.
In the Kiawah/Seabrook/Stono River area, we have about 25 resident dolphins.
The population swells seasonally as these majestic mammals migrate north and south.
Our local population stays here year-round. On occasion, you may witness them engage in the rare act of dolphin strand feeding.
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What Is Dolphin Strand Feeding?
Dolphin strand feeding is a learned hunting behavior where dolphins push fish along the shoreline. The dolphins give an extra push driving the fish up on the sandy beach where the dolphins feed on them before sliding back into the water!
The delicate act of dolphin strand feeding is at risk of becoming extinct! It is our hope that through education and the dedicated work of people like Lauren Rust and her volunteers at the Lowcountry Mammal Network, this learned feeding behavior will be preserved for future generations to experience.
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Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network
I recently enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Lauren Rust, Executive Director of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network. The LMMN’s mission is to protect Charleston’s local marine mammals through:
- Scientific research
- Community Outreach
- Educational programs
LMMN provides education to beach visitors, engages local school children to become marine stewards in their backyards, and encourages local organizations and businesses to follow best viewing practices to reduce harassment of wild dolphins.
They are always looking for volunteers! When you live on Seabrook Island or Kiawah Island this is a great way to help support the ecology of the island.
With many years of experience working with the marine mammal community, LMMN aims to act as a bridge between the scientific and local communities.
Providing For Seabrook’s Dolphins
Thanks to grants from the Towns of Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, LMMN is continuing an outreach program started by NOAA in 2015 to provide education and outreach to beach visitors on Kiawah and Seabrook Islands about strand feeding dolphins.
In 2019, this program was awarded an Achievement Award by the Municipal Association of South Carolina for the program’s innovation, excellence, and partnerships.
The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network is dependent on volunteers to fulfill their mission.
Seabrook Island is fortunate to have several residents who graciously offer their time and knowledge to help offer information and guidance to guests and residents who encounter our resident dolphins.
What to Do When You Encounter Dolphins Strandfeeding
If you encounter dolphins strand feeding, please follow these important viewing practices:
- Keep a distance of at least 50 yards between you and dolphins if you are on a boat or vessel
- Turn motor to neutral when dolphins are near or feeding
- Keep a distance of at least 15 yards between you and dolphins if you are on the beach
- Never touch dolphins or disturb them, especially during feeding. (It is illegal)
- Keep dogs leashed
- Report any inappropriate action to beach patrol
If you would like to learn more about our bottlenose dolphins and how you can help, please contact the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network directly. Donations are gratefully accepted to support the mission of this vital non-profit organization. Click HERE to donate. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Brooke at info@lowcountrymarinemammalnetwork.org.
Live Where the Dolphins Play on Seabrook Island
Witness the magic of our Lowcountry sea mammals year-round when you live on Seabrook Island. Pam Harrington Exclusives has been serving buyers and sellers on the Lowcountry barrier islands for over 45 years.
Our sales professionals live and work on the islands. We know about enjoying the island, and where the best places to buy are based on your interests.
Contact our agents when you start your journey to living on Seabrook Island.
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