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This study demonstrates that boat operators in Bocas del Toro, Panama are interested in dolphin conservation and sustainable tourism but are not familiar with the Panamanian whalewatching guidelines. Fifty-three percent of the 15 boat operators interviewed for this study said they have whalewatching received training, however, none of the boat operators follow the whalewhale guidelines. All boat operators approach dolphins closer than 100 meters. Sixty percent of the operators drive their boats 30 meters or less from the dolphins. Forty percent of the boat operators said they did not know if Panama had whalewatching guidelines, 33% said no there were no whalewatching guidelines and 27% said that there were guidelines. Even though boat operators were not aware of the guidelines in Panama, all of the boat operators would like to received training and 80% said it is was important to them for a politician they are voting for support dolphin conservation.