Marineland Dolphin Adventure and GACFS are dedicated to fostering the preservation and protection of marine life. Our mission is to utilize interactive education and on-site research to inspire visitors to value and respect marine mammals and their environment.

Whether we live on a coast or in a landlocked area, the ocean has many impacts on our lives. It is home to the majority of animal diversity and supports all life on our planet by regulating our climate and producing about half of the oxygen we breathe. As the global population grows, the ocean remains a major source of food and a significant economic driver, supporting one in six jobs in the United States alone. Given our reliance on the ocean, the immense challenges it faces will impact all species on earth, including us. For all its importance, the ocean remains largely unexplored and unprotected.

We aspire to serve as a link between the public and the marine world, promoting awareness of our fragile marine and coastal environments and inspiring a commitment to protection of these precious resources.

How Can You Help Protect Our Oceans?

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

• Remember to cut apart plastic beverage rings. Marine mammals can become entangled in the loops, which can be harmful and potentially fatal.
• Properly dispose of toxic wastes, such as oil from automobile engines or lawnmowers. Never dump waste chemicals down a sewer which can pollute water sources.
• Limit your use of disposable products, particularly plastic.
• Take a canvas bag with you when you shop instead of using paper and plastic ones from stores.

Keep your distance from marine animals in the wild:

• Never feed or attempt to feed wild marine mammals or sea turtles. This creates a dependence on humans for food rather than on their own predatory abilities, and encourages them to approach boats and dangerous areas with high vessel traffic.
• Keep a minimum distance of at least 50 yards from dolphins, 100 yards from whales, and 500 yards from right whales – it’s the law!
• If approached by a marine mammal or sea turtle, put your watercraft’s engine in neutral and allow the animal to pass.

If you encounter a stranded marine mammal, get help:

If you come across a stranded marine mammal, DO NOT PUSH IT BACK. Marine mammals such as dolphins typically strand because of injury or illness, and they require expert assistance.

If you encounter any wildlife in distress in the state of Florida, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline at 1-888-404-3922.