I have never been to Bonaire-YET! I am planning my first trip for the end of May or the early part of June. I am VERY excited! I have been watching the postings on this site for awhile. Reading up on all the "what to do's" and the "where to stay's". I have not yet decided on where to stay. I still have some questions. I have decided on what to do. That is why I am going to Bonaire to begin with. SCUBA! However, I was reading on the Bonaire Marine Park site and one thing really seems to be bothering me. Looking under Fishing Regulations, there is a list of Bonaire's game fish. The third fish from the bottom of this is DOLPHIN. I have always thought dolphin and whales were protected by the government. If this is true, then why is it considered a game fish? After looking at this page on the BMP site, I went to the Protected Species page. There it states 'marine mammals such as whales, porpoises and DOLPHINS are fully protected locally and internationally.' (Just like I thought.) So does anyone know if they fish for dolphin in Bonaire? Or do you think this is just an oversite by the BMP? I am thinking about E-mailing them next. If this is an oversite, I think they should correct it as soon as possible. What do you all think? We don't need some people thinking that it is okay to fish for them and decrease their population. Every time I dive, I am contantly looking for them. I enjoy them and think they are beautiful creatures. Thank you for letting me express my opinions and concerns.

Tiffany,

The reference is to dolphin _fish_, also known as Mahi-Mahi, Dorado, or Dradu here locally.

This is what they look like:



The dolphins you refer to are mammals and rather different, except for the unfortunate similarity in names.

Don't worry Dolphin mammals (porpoises) are well loved and respected here, and are NOT eaten or hunted or fished for.

Jake

Pointless information department here, it is the same fish you see on most fountains in Italy, with big lips.

You both are a "fountain" of information!

Ok, i could not resist. This is a closeup of Tritin fountain by Bernini in Rome. When I realized that all these fish were Mahi Mahi it was a revelation and insight on those canny Romans

Nice pic, Seb...when was this one taken? Just curious...a recent one or an old vacation shot from a while back? Can you imagine trying to pany fry up this statue?? LOL. Carole