The dolphins at Monkey Mia are wild, come and go as they please, and are not reliant upon humans for their complete diet. At the beach they are fed up to three times per day and only under the strict guidance of D.E.C. (Department of Environment and Conservation) officers. The dolphins receive a maximum of 2 kg of fish per day, requiring them to remain self-sufficient; their average daily intake being between 8-15 kg. The dolphins are not fed after 1 pm.