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“We have reached the conclusion that if
Costa Rica wants to raise the ecological flag to protect life all over
the planet, how can we condone activities which disrespect wild animals?”
– Dr. Abel Pacheco, President
Echoing the sentiment of Costa Rica’s president, countries around
the world are joining a rapidly expanding trend to protect dolphins by
prohibiting their capture and display.
Internationally, nations are beginning to work cooperatively to protect
wild dolphins and their ocean habitat. Through the efforts of organizations
such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora and Fauna) and UNEP (United Nations Environment
Program), and treaties like the SPAW Protocol (Specially Protected Areas
and Wildlife), safeguards for the future of dolphins and other marine
mammals are finally being discussed and implemented.
“We will not permit the abuse and exploitation
of any species.” – Jorge Salazar,
Minister of Environment, following the rescue and release of two captive
dolphins in Nicaragua
The United Nations created its Environment Program, UNEP, to works with
governments around the world to identify biodiversity-rich areas and designate
specially protected areas for wildlife. For example, in the Caribbean
and other regions, UNEP is supporting projects to protect the marine environment,
making it safer for dolphins and whales.
The UN designated 2002 as the Year of Ecotourism to signal its commitment
to protecting wildlife species and their habitats by promoting the principles
of sustainable tourism. Ecotourism offers many benefits including economic
security for host communities, conservation of natural resources and native
cultures, and an increased awareness of conservation for travelers. Traditional
tourism, which sought only to entertain travelers, contributes to the
deterioration of natural landscapes, threats to wildlife and biodiversity,
marine and coastal pollution, poor water quality, poverty, displacement
of indigenous and local communities, and the erosion of cultural traditions.
The UN’s inauguration of the Year of Ecotourism represents a giant
leap forward in worldwide efforts to protect our planet.
“Is this what we want to be getting into?
Putting St. Lucia on the map as part of a region which allows its animals
to be incarcerated and die? Because that’s how it’s going to
look. How are our ecotourists going to like that?” –
Christopher Hackshaw, Chairman, St. Lucia Whale and Dolphin Watching Association
in response to a proposed captive dolphin facility on the island
On January 18, 1990, the United States joined 16 countries in the western
hemisphere in signing the SPAW (Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife)
Protocol. This comprehensive treaty utilizes an “ecosystem”
approach to conservation, aiming to protect rare and fragile ecosystems
and habitats, thereby protecting the endangered and threatened species
residing in them. The SPAW Protocol will go a long way in halting the
violent taking of wild dolphins and other marine mammals to supply the
captivity industry.
“The Bill is a simple but powerful statement.
This legislation says that the people and government of the County of
Maui recognize that cetaceans are intelligent beings who deserve to remain
in their natural habitats.” –
Jo Anne Johnson, Councilmember, Maui County Council
Australia, 1985:
Australia imposes a ban on the display of cetaceans.
Australia, 1994:
The territory of Queensland bans the capture of dolphins.
United Kingdom 1990:
The United Kingdom enacts the strictest standards in the world for captive
marine mammal welfare. The last dolphinarium closes in 1993.
Scotland, 1991:
All surrounding seas within 200 miles are designated as marine mammal
sanctuaries. Scotland is one of Europe’s primary tourism destinations
for whale and dolphin watching.
Hungary, 1992:
Hungary closes its only dolphinarium and prohibits any future dolphin
imports.
United States, 1989: The United States marine animal display industry
begins a self-imposed moratorium on all captures of Atlantic bottlenose
dolphins.
Canada, 1992:
The Canadian Government ceases to grant permits for the capture of cetaceans
in national waters.
United States, 1992:
The State of South Carolina becomes the first in the nation to prohibit
the capture and display of cetaceans.
United States, 2002:
Maui, Hawaii approves measure to ban any displays of captive marine mammals.
This move is hailed by the whale and dolphin watching industry and ecotourism
community.
Argentina, early 1990’s:
The premature deaths of 12 dolphins prompt authorities to suspend any
future imports of dolphins into the country.
Chile, 1999:
The Fisheries Authority forbids the capture of dolphins from Chilean seas.
Mexico, 2001:
The Secretary of Environment enacts an emergency moratorium on all dolphin
captures as a response to the controversy in Baja.
Guatemala, 2001:
Guatemala environmental officials confiscate two dolphins abandoned by
their trainers. The animals are rehabilitated and successfully released.
The legislature is now working on a bill to prohibit future dolphin captures.
Costa Rica, 2002:
President Abel Pacheco signs into law a bill to ban any wild animal acts,
such as circuses and marine shows, from the country.
Nicaragua, 2002:
Government officials confiscate two dolphins due to animal welfare concerns
and permitting irregularities. The dolphins are released back into their
home waters.
Dominican Republic, 2003:
The country’s National Academy of Sciences joins a lawsuit against
the government for granting permits to capture dolphins in a marine sanctuary.
This case is ongoing. For the first time, the government requests drafting
of dolphin care requirements by a scientific body.
Panama, 2003:
The Panamanian Congress’s Environmental Commission unanimously approves
a measure to prohibit wild animal displays and the capture of dolphins.
Nicaragua, 2003:
The Government of Nicaragua formalizes measures to ban the use of dolphins
for commercial purposes.
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