October 25th, 2004

WSPA investigators in the Solomon Islands recently uncovered shocking evidence of ongoing dolphin suffering, along with reports that the animals' capturers may once again flout national and international law by attempting to export the dolphins overseas. Let Solomons officials know that the world hasn't forgotten these dolphins.

When foreign business interests started rounding up dozens of dolphins in the Solomon Islands in 2002/2003, experts immediately raised alarm bells about the welfare of the animals and questions as to the validity of the proposed exports under international and Solomons national law.  After the disastrous export of 28 of these dolphins to Mexico in July of last year, international opinion lined up strongly against plans for continued captures and exports from the Solomons. Now, one year later, a WSPA investigation reveals that the situation has yet to improve and, in fact, another export may be planned.

WSPA investigators were shocked by the sights that greeted them in the Solomons a few weeks ago: dolphins packed into shallow, murky sea pens, visibly scarred and fighting for food and space. One dolphin was so ill that it seemed to have lost all sense of buoyancy and couldn't even lift its head out of the water to eat. Most of the animals appear to have painful sunburn and damaged skin around their noses, an indication that they are foraging in the sand for scraps of food or hitting their noses on the seabed in an attempt to dive and escape the sun's intense rays. Local sources report that several dolphins have died during the capture process, as well as from pollution and poor conditions in the pens.

Says WSPA New Zealand Regional Manager Kimberly Muncaster, who was one of the first on the scene when the story first broke last year, "The condition of these dolphins is shocking and we are extremely concerned for their welfare. This is a classic example of foreign business interests exploiting and depleting the natural resources of a native people, with no regard for the welfare of the animals they hope to profit from."

Equally outrageous are reports that another export is planned by year's end. Indications are that this act would break Solomons national law. In addition, any export to a member nation of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) would contravene that international treaty, according to the most recent position issued by the Secretariat. (Click here to read the CITES Secretariat's position on the Solomons dolphin trade.)

But legal roadblocks don't always stop dolphin profiteers. Continues Muncaster, "The Solomon Islands have just been through a long period of political and economic chaos and a breakdown in law and order. We hope that the newly-appointed Fisheries Minister will take a more responsible approach than his predecessor to the long-term future of the Solomon Islands and develop sustainable solutions, such as 'eco-tourism'. Unfortunately, there still appears to be uncertainty and gaps in power and foreign investors could take advantage of that if the government isn't on watch. Time is running out if we are to prevent these animals from being sold to the highest bidder"

WSPA calls upon the Solomon Islands Government to take immediate action to put a stop to this animal welfare tragedy. The dolphins need urgent care and every effort must be made to rehabilitate and release them. In the meantime, all permits for further captures should be revoked and proactive steps taken to ensure no further exports occur.

“The training and feeding of the dolphins was, in my opinion, conducted in a clearly unprofessional [and inappropriate] manner, indicating a lack of experience and proficiency in generally accepted and modern training [and husbandry] methods.”

“[For example,] it appeared that some of the dolphins were being teased with food during training sessions, it did not appear that dolphins were being fed fairly or properly, and some dolphins exhibited signs of potential frustration”.

“The dolphins exhibited notable scarring from what appeared to be injuries related to capture or captivity”.

Dr. Toni Frohoff
Marine Mammal Biologist

Take Action:

Let the Solomon Island's government hear from you. Please send your letter of concern today to urge officials to:

• Conduct a full inquiry into the current situation and take appropriate steps to rehabilitate and release the 44 dolphins currently being held; and
• Take immediate measures to prevent the capture and export of any further dolphins.

Letters should be addressed to:

Hon. Paul Maenu'u
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
P.O. Box G13
Honiara Solomon Islands
Telephone: 011 (+677) 39143
Fax: 011 (+677) 38730

Copies should be sent to:

Hon David Holosivi
Ministry of Forestry, Environment and Conservation
P.O. Box G24
Honiara
Solomon Islands
Telephone: (+677) 22453
Fax: (+677) 22824

Sir Allan Kemakeza
Prime Minster
The Prime Ministers Office
PO Box G1
Honiara
Solomon Islands
Fax: (+677) 28649