Stop The Solomon Islands Dolphin Debacle

In what may be the biggest single marine mammal abduction ever, between

60 and 200 wild dolphins have been captured off the Solomon Islands. In

the midst of massive civil unrest, profit-driven foreign entities have taken

advantage of the local government’s instability and local villagers’ economic

desperation to commission the capture of the dolphins for about $260 each.

When resold into captivity to foreign marine parks, the trained dolphins

can be expected to fetch at least $30,000 each.

Although the capture apparently

happened in April, reports of it have only emerged recently. The shallow,

kennel-like holding pens have spelled the doom of several dolphins already;

at least three captive dolphins have died reportedly from injuries incurred

during escape attempts, and one was reported killed by a crocodile—a terrifying
end for a captive animal who would normally be able to escape.

On July 21st,
at least 28 of the captive dolphins were loaded into tiny, coffin-like
containers and shipped thousands of miles to Mexico—a 20-hour flight.
At least two dolphins may have perished en route or soon after arrival
– reports are still coming in.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Please write to the
Prime Minister of Australia, which is interceding in a peace-keeping effort
on the islands. Ask Prime Minister Howard to use his influence to effect
the release of the dolphins remaining in the Solomon Islands.

  • The Honorable John Howard

    GPO Box 59

    Sydney NSW 2001

    AUSTRALIA

    Fax: 011 (61) 6271-5414 or 011 (61) 6273-4100

    send an email through: http://www.pm.gov.au/email.cfm 

Contact
the Mexican Ministry of the Environment, and ask him to confiscate the
28 dolphins that have already arrived in Cancun.

  • The Honorable Victor Lichtinger

    Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales

    Periférico Sur No. 4209, 6° piso

    Colonia Jardines en la Montaña

    14210, México D.F.

    MEXICO

    Fax: 011 (52) 55-56-28-06-44

    vlichtinger@semarnat.gob.mx

Enviroshop is maintained by dedicated NetSys Interactive Inc. owners & employees who generously contribute their time to maintenance & editing, web design, custom programming, & website hosting for Enviroshop.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *