FIU Dolphin study worries some dolphin advocates

KEY WEST, Fla. (WSVN) -- What some are calling dangerous to dolphins others call harmless and helpful. Researchers are taking aim at the mammals, and they say it is for a good reason.

At the Center of Key West's latest dolphin debate, scientist Jennifer Lewis said, "This info will give us a better understanding of forces driving animal movement."

Lewis is a Florida International University student, who is studying the movement of dolphins for her Ph.D., but how she's doing it is making some waves.

Lewis uses a crossbow to shoot the dolphins. A 6 mm dart strikes the mammal, which then leaves her with a piece of the dolphin's DNA. "It' a small crossbow with a modified tip on it. It's modified so it only goes in so deep and it's really small," said Jennifer. "We have very serious concerns about the health of our dolphins."

The director of a local dolphin advocacy group calls this cruel. Sheri Sullinger of the Florida Keys Wild Dolphin Alliance said this procedure can give the dolphins an infection or something worse. "We have concerns that this is possibly lethal for them in some way," she said.

Similar techniques that Jennifer Lewis uses, are also used worldwide. She has a permit to use the crossbow from the federal government and approval from FIU.

In a statement, FIU said, "There is no evidence that collecting a small piece of the dolphin's skin causes any problem for them or that they have any lasting reaction to the experience. We would never be involved in any activity that hurts them or affects their behavior in any way."

But Captain John Baltzell believes there will be a lasting impact for his industry, which is now caught in the crossfire, and dolphins will stop approaching the popular dolphin tour boats because of Jennifer's research. "We're concerned that the dolphins will be afraid of the boats," said Baltzell. "We've built up this relationship for 20-something years."

Lewis does not have a timetable for her study. Once she gets everything she needs, it will be completed.

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