“This Is Harassment – Not Interaction” is a targeted conservation campaign developed by HEPCA to address the increasing pressure on wild dolphin populations in the Red Sea caused by irresponsible tourism practices.
While many people believe they are enjoying harmless encounters with dolphins, actions such as chasing, surrounding, touching, and overcrowding these animals disrupt their natural behavior, increase stress levels, and can threaten their long-term survival—especially for calves and resting groups.
The campaign is built on a clear communication approach:
Expose the reality of harmful practices through real footage and reports
Reframe public understanding of dolphin behavior and stress
Define these actions as violations, not entertainment
Encourage public and industry accountability through sharing, awareness, and reporting
“This Is Harassment” also highlights successful conservation models in the Red Sea, such as the regulated management of dolphin interaction in sites like Samadai Reef, demonstrating that responsible tourism and wildlife protection can coexist when guidelines are respected.
The campaign actively engages:
Tourists and ocean lovers
Dive centers and marine tourism operators
Boat crews and guides
Governmental authorities and environmental bodies
By combining awareness, science, and public participation, the campaign aims to:
Reduce harmful dolphin interactions
Strengthen adherence to existing guidelines
Support enforcement through reporting mechanisms
Promote a culture of respect toward marine life
Ultimately, “This Is Harassment” is not just a campaign—it is a call to protect one of the Red Sea’s most iconic species through collective responsibility and action.
Download printable version of Watching Dolphins Guidelines
https://hepca.b-cdn.net/files/resources/07df5-Guidelines%20for%20viewing%20marine%20life%20%20(2)_1652943788.pdf
