Mexico pass new legislation for marine trade

On 26 January 2006, the Mexican Government approved new legislation banning import/export of marine mammals (and primates) unless for scentific purposes.

The Amendment to articles 55 and 60 of the Wildlife Act prohibits international trade in marine mammals and primates except for approved scientific purposes and specifically not for commercial purposes.

Click to read English translation of the Decree

The Marine Connection welcome this news, having worked alongside our colleagues in Mexico against this trade since the monotorium was passed against the capture of dolphins from the wild in Mexican waters in 2001. Since that time Mexico has been one of the fastest growing destinations for swim with dolphin facilities, and unable to capture from their own waters, they have sourced animals elsewhere. One notorious source was the from the illegal capture which took place in the Solomon Islands in 2003 where over 100 animals were taken from the wild, 28 of which were transported to Parque Nizuc, in Cancun where some animals were reported to have died.

We wish to thank the Mexican Government for this decision and also sincerely congratulate our colleagues in Mexico for their tireless attempts to stop this trade into their country, and the Marine Connection will continue to support efforts their efforts, to ensure this legislation is upheld.