News Archives

November, 2002

Dolphins facing capture in St. Lucia

St. Lucia is one of the crown jewels of the Caribbean, laden with white sand beaches and surrounded by crystal blue water. Its pristine reputation threatens to be irrevocably tarnished by plans to capture twelve wild dolphins for a new swim-with-the-dolphins attraction on the island. Timing is crucial for these dolphins as, so far, this project is only in the planning stages. The authorities in St. Lucia need to hear from you today!

Minvielle & Chastanet, Ltd., a large company based in St. Lucia, and its partners have proposed plans to capture the wild dolphins and keep them in sea pens as part of a new dolphin interaction program in an effort to boost tourism on the island. Dolphin Fantaseas, one of the partners and the outfit that would capture and train the dolphins, is telling the public that confining these creatures teaches people to respect nature. Given that dolphin captures are notoriously violent and inhumane, it is clear that teaching a respect for nature is not at the heart of this venture.

The Caribbean, and St. Lucia in particular, already boasts a thriving dolphin watching industry in which dolphin lovers and eco-conscious individuals can get an "up close and personal" glimpse into the life of a wild dolphin. Plans for a captive dolphin facility not only darken St. Lucia's outlook as an eco-tourist destination, but they also threaten to take away jobs from the existing dolphin watching industry and the freedom of St. Lucia's dolphins.

The proposed facility is to be built in an inlet at the entrance to Castries Harbor, an area well known for its polluted water and proximity to the local airport. It is reported that in times of heavy rain, the bay fills up with plastic and other rubbish from the Castries River, which will undoubtedly affect the health and well-being of any dolphins held captive in these waters.

There are other negative consequences for St. Lucia and the dolphins should this proposal be approved. The permits to capture the wild dolphins from St. Lucia's territorial waters goes against the SPAW Protocol to which St. Lucia is a signatory. Proceeding with this capture is sure to ignite international protest.

A petition has been set up on-line for protests to the capture of wild dolphins in St. Lucia and to encourage St. Lucians to follow the example of the many countries in South and Central America whose authorities have come to realize that dolphins are not suited for captivity. You can add your name by visiting www.gopetition.com and can find additional information at http://stluciadolphins.tripod.com/help.html.