Following months of lobbying by dolphin advocacy organizations, the Mexican Congress finally approved a point of agreement calling upon SEMARNAT, Mexico's environmental protection ministry, to revoke the importation permits granted last July for 27 Solomon Islands' dolphins. The Congress contends that these dolphins should be returned to freedom in their native waters. Sadly for the dolphins, the Congressional resolution is little more a statement of principle and is not enforceable by law. But, this effort has reinvigorated discussions over the fate of these dolphins and the state of Mexico's captivity industry. WSPA would like to offer thanks to Deputy Irene Blanco for her role in getting this issue raised in the Congress and for her continued efforts to protect dolphins.

The Solomon Islands launched a massive wild dolphin capture plan last summer to cash in on the captivity industry's "dollars for dolphins" scheme. Despite international protests, hundreds of dolphins were rounded up, 28 of which ended up in Mexico at a swim-with-dolphins facility called Parque Nizuc. Questions about this import arose immediately and concerns about CITES regulations have been raised. In the meantime, since arriving in Mexico, one of the dolphins has died and it has been reported that others were ill as well.

SEMARNAT contends that Mexico contravened no CITES regulations and, as such, has no plans to repatriate the dolphins. The Ministry's enforcement agency (PROFEPA), however, did intend to seize the dolphins and relocate them to other facilities. This move was based on the fact that a foreign species was placed in Mexican national waters without undergoing a period of quarantine, contrary to the country's environmental laws. The park owner quickly filed an appeal, effectively sentencing the dolphins to a life in limbo while the court case drags on.

While the decision by the Congress is a step in the right direction, relief is a long way off for the 27 Solomon Island dolphins still remaining at Parque Nizuc. Check back soon for updates and ways you can help.