Between Species: Celebrating The Dolphin-Human Bond

Toni Frohoff & Brenda Peterson, eds.
Sierra Club Books, San Francisco, CA.
2003. 373 pp., ISBN 1-57805-070-7.

Reviewed by Rob Harle (Australia)

recluse@lis.net.au

This book is an easy and pleasurable read. As the title, Celebrating the Dolphin-Human Bond suggests, all aspects of this "bond" are explored; including findings from scientific research, stories from mythology, poetry honouring these marvellous creatures and a glimpse into the historical relationship between humans and dolphins.

The book is an anthology with a large number of contributors from quite disparate areas of dolphin interest. It is divided into four parts with a number of appendices which discuss; conservation issues, human-dolphin interaction guidelines, relevant organizations and a recommended reading list. Part One investigates the human-dolphin bond specifically. Part Two looks at the global distribution of dolphins with fascinating stories from Brazil to Australia to Europe. Part Three goes beyond the myths and folk tales and investigates the 'real life of dolphins' backed up by considerable scientific research. Part Four investigates and provides guidelines for a shared future between humans and dolphins.

Dolphins belong to the Cetacean species, there are subspecies within this group such as Odontoceti which as well as dolphins include whales and porpoises, the book uses the term dolphin very loosely to include all of these species. As John Lilly points out, one very important thing which is characteristic of all these species, apart from being mammals, is cetaceans have larger brains than humans. This in itself may not be significant, however, the section of the brain known as the 'silent areas', "... which is involved with thinking, imagination, long-term goals, ethics etc." (pp. 80-81) is larger in these mammals than in humans. "The belief that humans are the pre-eminent thinkers, doers, and feelers on this planet is denied by these investigations". (p. 80).

This fact alone justifies the book's main thesis. Basically this states, that any actions on our part concerning dolphins should consider such actions from the dolphin's perspective and welfare, not ours. These creatures are not to be treated as captives, slaves or entertainment curiosities any more than we would treat fellow humans in such a manner. Lilly goes so far as to suggest that Cetaceans be afforded rights and protection under law just as we are.

Another important aspect of this book, discussed by many of the contributors, is that even our best intentioned interactions with dolphins can be quite harmful to them both individually and as a group. Such programs as, "swim-with-the dolphins" involving holiday makers and even academic researchers, unless carried out carefully and with specific restraints cause problems in dolphin societies. Certain commercial fishing practices, "acoustic pollution", environmental pollution and boating activities which interrupt the dolphin's day to day living patterns are serious threats to their actual survival.

There has been considerable energy of late put into the problem of how to go about communicating with extra-terrestrial beings –intelligent species which may be very different to ourselves –this was also discussed in a recent issue of Leonardo Almanac. It seems to me the means to help solve this very difficult problem, both conceptually and practically are right under our noses. If we accept that dolphins may be as intelligent as ourselves, or more intelligent, then perhaps we should put serious scientific effort into finding a way of establishing genuine communication with these beings. If we can do this it would greatly enhance our possibility of communicating with other forms of intelligent life in the universe, should such life exist.

The simple style of the book, intended primarily for general readership, tends to mask the depth and extent of serious scientific research which has been necessary to compile such an anthology. This might be a little off-putting to some scientists (and hard-edged commercial sea-tour operators), paradoxically I would suggest it is just these people who need to read the book.