Robert Meister (Third from Right), Managing Director, Dolphin Encounters Ltd., receives accreditation on behalf of Dolphin Encounters from the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

Only marine life parks, aquariums, zoos and research facilities that meet the Alliance's rigid standards and guidelines are granted accreditation. The Alliance's accreditation committee made the announcement recently at the organization's annual meeting held in Alexandria, Virginia.

"Earning accreditation by the Alliance means Dolphin Encounters has gone above and beyond the standards required by government regulation in caring for marine mammals," said Alliance Board President Jay Sweeney. "The Alliance is proud of its members and the enormous contributions they make in marine mammal care, conservation and education."

Dolphin Encounters, which is home to 16 Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins is one of Nassau's foremost attractions. The facility offers guests the unique opportunity to interact one-on-one with these intelligent animals in either the "Close Encounter" or "Swim With The Dolphins" programme. Their main objective is to heighten guest's awareness of the needs of marine mammals and their environment with an emphasis on education and entertainment. Dolphin Encounters - Project B.E.A.C.H., the non-profit element of Dolphin Encounters, was developed to provide unique opportunities for marine education for Bahamian students and teachers. Developed in close consultation with the Bahamas Department of Education Standards, the National Science Teachers Association Standards, and BREEF, Project BEACH offers ten innovative educational programmes that have been embraced by thousands of students and teachers throughout The Bahamas and abroad.

To earn accreditation, an institution is inspected by a team of marine mammal professionals. The team evaluates all aspects of the organization's operation including animal care areas and programmes, including enrichment; veterinary care and diets; the physical facilities; and marine mammal public education and conservation programmes.

"To receive accreditation by such a respected organization as the Alliance is a special honour. It stands as a testament to the importance we place on the care and well-being of our animals and the education we impart to our guests and the greater community," said Robert Meister, managing director of Dolphin Encounters Ltd. "We are exceptionally proud of our facility which continues to gain international recognition as a leader in marine parks."

The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums is an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations.

Dolphin Encounters is also a member of IMATA, the International Marine Animal Trainers Association, the largest organization of its kind. The facility has been member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums since 1997. To learn more about Dolphin Encounters or Project BEACH visit their website at www.dolphinencounters.com or call 363-7150. To learn more about AMMPA, visit their website at www.ammpa.org.