Marine Connection launch new captivity awareness initiative

Image (c) Marine Connection 2007

The issues surrounding dolphins and whales in captivity are many and varied and public understanding of them is vital if conservation charities are to be able to win support for their campaigns.

So, on 4th July 2007 – World Day for Captive Dolphins & Whales – the Marine Connection announced the launch of its “STOP – Please Don’t Lock Me Away” public awareness initiative. The aim is to highlight and address subjects such as:

THE TOURIST TRAP
Why your holiday excursion can be excruciating for cetaceans
Tour and cruise operators and other companies profiting from the keeping of cetaceans in captivity; so what are the alternatives and how you can help stop this.

LIFE SENTENCE
Just how do they get there?
Most dolphins and whales are not born in captivity, so how do they get there? We investigate and address continued captures from the wild, including the annual drive hunts in Japan, to stock captive facilities.

YOUR DREAM - THEIR NIGHTMARE
Dolphin and whale interactions
The dangers of interacting with dolphins or whales in captivity (such as swim programmes) and what facilities don't tell you.

PUTTING THE 'CON' IN CONSERVATION
The captivity industry myth
With breeding and survival rates in captivity unable to meet requirements, we look at the effect captivity has on the welfare of dolphins and whales, both in captivity and in the wild.

HELP BRITAIN STAY GREAT
Dolphins & whales in captivity in the UK
Many people have the misconception that the display of cetaceans in the UK is banned. However this is not the case, and the Marine Connection is calling on the UK government to change current legislaiton and place a permanent ban on the importation and display of cetaceans within the UK.

These are just a selection of issues covered by the “STOP – Please Don’t Lock Me Away” public awareness initiative.

If you have any questions relating to keeping marine mammals in captivity or comments on experiences you have had please email us, we would be happy to hear from you.