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December 2004 - Urgent action needed to stop proposed dolphin facility in Bermuda
BREAKING NEWS: Bermuda decision offers initial victory for dolphins
December 21, 2004
The dolphins are safe, at least for now, thanks to the recommendations of Bermuda's Development Applications Board's (DAB) technical advisors who have asked that the proposal be denied approval. Sensing that the tide was not going to go their way, Dolphin Oasis owners, Lynn and Martin Hassell, made a last minute attempt to withdrawal their application but were denied.
While this is good news for the dolphins, the fight is not over yet. The proposal will now go to the Environmental Minister for review and it is possible that the DAB's decision will be overturned, so your letters are still urgently needed.
Dolphin advocates and environmentalists are opposed to the proposed Dolphin Oasis facility for several reasons including the welfare of the dolphins and the damage that will be caused by the dredging of Sinky Bay to build this facility.
To take action for the dolphins, please scroll down and send your letter today!
Urgent action needed to stop proposed dolphin facility in Bermuda
December 2004
Unless drastic action is taken immediately, proposed plans to establish a new captive dolphin facility in Bermuda will be approved. Bermuda Dolphin Oasis has applied for permission to construct a new captive dolphin enclosure on the south shore of Bermuda, placing the safety of Bermuda's dolphins and the health of the local marine environment in jeopardy. The vote is being held on Wednesday, December 8th and WSPA is urging all members to contact the government of Bermuda immediately to help us put a stop to this facility once and for all.
Bermuda Dolphin Oasis is the brainchild of Lynn and Martin Hassell, longtime captive dolphin profiteers with connections to the infamous Dolphin Fantaseas, whose owner was recently fined by the US federal government for doing obtaining wild-caught dolphins illegally from Cuba. It is believed that the Hassells will once again be looking to rip dolphins from the seas for this new facility if approved.
The Dolphin Oasis facility will be located beside the Sonesta Beach Hotel and is clearly meant to be an added attraction for visitors to this resort. The dolphins themselves will live in small seapens and will be trained to interact with humans for food.
Local residents and dolphin advocates around the world are rallying to ensure that plans for this facility are not approved, not only for the welfare of the dolphins but also for the integrity of Bermuda as well.
Take Action
Points of concern:
1) There is no humane way to capture a dolphin
2) Dolphins cannot live healthy, active lives in captivity
3) The proposed location for the new Dolphin Oasis facility on the south shore is vulnerable to high winds and hurricanes, posing a future risk to the safety of the dolphins
4) The necessary dredging of the sea bed to ready the area for the sea pen enclosures will have long-lasting, devastating environmental consequences for the area
Your fax or phone call is urgently needed to ensure that permission to build this new dolphin facility in Bermuda is NOT granted. Remember the vote takes place on Wednesday, December 8th so time is of the essence.
Please submit your comments to:
Acting Permanent Secretary
Ministry of the Environment
Government Administration Building
30 Parliament Street, Hamilton HM 12
Phone: 441-297-7590
Fax: 441-292-2349
Email: tsleeter@gov.bm
Anna Eatherley
Department of Planning
Government Administration Building
30 Parliament Street, Hamilton HM 12
Phone: 441-297-7756
Fax: 441-295-4100
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