Argentina to import Cuban dolphins?

The Marine Connection is disappointed to learn that the Mar del Plata Aquarium in Argentina plans to import nine bottlenose dolphins from Cuba. With Cuba's poor reputation with regards to the capture of wild dolphins, the Marine Connection is urging the Argentinean government to refuse to authorise the permit.

Wild dolphin populations in Cuba are largely un-monitored. However Cuban dolphins are still captured from the wild on a regular basis with absolutely no regard for the well-being or dynamics of the current and future wild pods of dolphins.

Bottlenose dolphins are listed under Annex II of the SPAW (Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife) Protocol, to which Cuba is a signatory, and Article 11 of this prohibits the capture of this species from the wild. It is clear, however, that this legislation is not being adhered to. Under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), of which Cuba is a member, an export permit is required to export any wild caught animals. To have this permit authorised, the Scientific Authority of the export country, in this case Cuba, must supply information explaining how the export DOES NOT have any detrimental effects upon the wild populations it is removed from. It is the Marine Connection's belief that Cuba is not in a position to provide this mandatory non-detriment findings information.

The Marine Connection has real concerns that Cuban captures are detrimental to the wild populations. This is not to mention the fact that to keep this ordinarily wide-ranging, complex and dynamic animal in captivity is extremely detrimental to the health of the animals, psychologically and physically.

Take Action

Please write a polite letter urging the Argentinean government not to authorize any import permit for Cuban dolphins.

To view the letter Marine Connection wrote please click here.

Dra. Romina Picolotti
Secretaría de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable
Jefatura de Gabinete de Ministros
San Martín 451
(C1004AAI)
Buenos Aires
Argentina
Fax: +54 11 4348 8355

Ing. Felipe Solá
Gobernador Province of Buenos Aires
Jefatura de Gabinete de la Pcia. de Buenos Aires
Calle 6 /51 y 53 piso 1
La Plata (1900)
Prov Buenos Aires
Argentina
Fax: + 54 221 429 4189
Email