(AP) — Federal officials have taken a step toward protecting Hawaiʻi’s spinner dolphins. West Hawaiʻi Today reports the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published a final environmental impact statement that proposes limiting how close people can get to spinner dolphins. The proposal sets a 50-yard barrier around the dolphins for swimmers, vessels and aircraft. It would also prohibit putting people or vehicles in the path of the mammals. If approved, the measure would limit interactions within 2 nautical miles of Hawaiʻi’s shores. After Aug. 30, NOAA can make a final agency decision. If approved, a final rule would usually go into effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

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