Karen Thomson has volunteered for the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network’s Dolphin Conservation Education Program for five years. As a volunteer, she plays the important role of providing education and outreach to the residents and visitors of Kiawah Island about strand feeding dolphins. 

“I love dolphins and I love nature. I want this for my grandkids, my great grandkids, and my great great grandkids,” Thomson said. "We have to be respectful of both the dolphins and Captain Sam's Spit for our future generations."

Strand feeding is unique behavior for dolphins and not common in most parts of the world. Young learn this behavior from their mothers. When dolphins are gearing up to strand feed, they work as a team to “herd” fish and direct the fish towards the shore. By using the power of the water, they push fish onto the shore, lunge themselves onto the shore, and enjoy their fish meal.

In Kiawah, the area known as Captain Sam’s Spit is where dolphin strand feeding occurs. 

Over the years, the number of beachgoers walking to Captain Sam’s Spit have increased during peak seasons to 50 to 60 people during strand feeding. Thomson said most people are respectful and thrilled to see this unique behavior in person. 

The Kiawah and Seabrook Islands’ Dolphin Conservation Education Program is an outreach program started by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 2015. Volunteers have the opportunity to directly speak with beachgoers about how to protect the dolphins and what strand-feeding is. 

Educators are present on the beach daily during peak feeding times. Typically, this is a four-hour commitment with a 30-minute walk along the beach each way to Captain Sam’s Spit and volunteers participate at least twice a month. In addition to providing information to beachgoers, volunteers also place and later pick up temporary signs along the strand feeding area and must be able to put the cart along the beach back to Beachwalker County Park. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Lauren Rust at lauren@lmmn.org. 

We can all be good stewards by respecting our finned friends. When you’re on Captain Sam’s Spit, keep your distance while enjoying nature. Remember to:

• Keep at least 45 feet distance from feeding dolphins on land and 150 feet from any watercraft. Dolphins scan the shore to ensure there are no obstructions and if they see you as one, they will not use the beach where you are for strand-feeding. 
• Keep quiet while dolphins are feeding. Disruptions can cause them to stop feeding and leave the area.
• Avoid touching, disturbing, or feeding dolphins—it's against the law. Dolphins are federally protected animals.
• Keep fishing lines away from dolphins.
• Avoid swimming in Captain Sam's Spit to keep dolphins safe.

Learn more about the Dolphin Conservation Education Program here

Photo provided by Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network

We have volunteers doing great work on Kiawah Island every day and we thank you for dedicating your time, passion, and resources to better our community!