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Orcas in Japan at risk from being captured for aquariums
Dolphins are still being rounded up with nets into shallow coves where the 'best' ones are picked out for aquariums and the others are slaughtered, if they have not already died from the stress. Orders from aquariums' have already been taken. However, it now appears that there are orcas in Japan's coastal waters which may also be at risk of being caught for the aquarium trade.
Dolphins Still Being Traded!
On March 30th 2006, permission was granted by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to export dolphins. The Marine Connection reported on 6th April 2006 that there were to be 8 dolphins exported to Dalian in China. One of these dolphins has now died and the other 7 are languishing in a sea pen in Taiji Harbour. It is planned for them to be shipped to China by the end of April.
It has also now been confirmed that the two false killer whales which were missing since January have died. One died on February 16th 2006 and the other on February 26th 2006.
Taiji Town Council confirm reports that orca are next on the list
Mr. Kazutaka Sangen, Taiji town mayor, announced his plan to capture orcas and send them to Dalian and Beijing for more "scientific research" to improve relations between Japan and China. He expects that the governments of the two countries will permit and support this orca-trade.
Taiji Town Council consolidates its relationships with aquariums
The Taiji "Committee to Build a Town of Whales and Nature-parks" have reported that Taiji officials visited Dalian and Beijing. Taiji established a friendly tie with two aquariums in Dalian and one aquarium in Beijing to promote "scientific research" by trading dolphins, caught in the drive fishery.
The Beijing Aquarium has ordered ten dolphins. (No information about when the dolphins are to be supplied from Taiji, but it should be in 2006.)
Click here for more information on this issue.
Take Action!
Please continue to send polite faxes and e-mails objecting to the dolphin exports!
Lots of letters are needed to stop this trade of dolphins, and the future capture and trade of orcas. (Even a short comment is very helpful.)
Please send a petition/request to:
Mr. Kazutaka Sangen, Town Mayor of Taiji
Email or
Fax +81-735-59-2884
Mr. Toshihiro Nikai, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry
Email or
Fax +81-3-3501-6942
Mr. Teruyuki Komiya & Mr. Ken-ichi Kitamura,
Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Email or
Fax +81-3-3837-1231
Mr. Yoshiki Kimura, Governor of Wakayama Prefecture
Email or Fax +81-73-423-9500
Thank you so much for your cooperation and help.
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