Supporters will be aware of the Marine Connection's continued campaign against the importation of dolphins into Hurghada, Egypt from the notorious drive hunts in Taiji, Japan.

Our representative in Hurghada has worked closely with authorities with the aim of exposing irregularities/queries around the importation of these animals and we were delighted when, following many meetings with the authorities, it was agreed a committee would be formed to look at not only the irregularities over the recent imports to Hurghada but also to inspect all facilities in Egypt holding cetaceans.

We are therefore extremely disappointed and concerned to learn that the Egyptian government has now had a complete about-turn and decided to forget any past violations over cetacean imports into Egypt. Furthermore, they have stated that there are no violations over current imports from not only Japan but also the recent importation of three dolphins from the Ukraine which are in the Makadi Bay facility. These dolphins are taken from the wild, stated source Russian Federation.

The Marine Connection are now calling on CITES and other authorities to take immediate action and intervene to investigate the many irregularities surrounding the import from Japan, the destination facility and the actions of the owner and authorities involved. One such example is the fact that the airport vet in Hurghada usually has the task of inspecting/approving any facility which applies to import animals. However in this case the airport vet was not consulted or informed of the arrival of the dolphins from Japan until the last minute, instead a vet was brought from Cairo to oversee the arrival of the dolphins, which is highly unusual.

There are also issues with the certification provided which, added to other information we have exposed and highlighted to the authorities, calls for an immediate and thorough investigation. The Marine Connection and other national organisations in Egypt are in agreement that the dolphins should be confiscated and returned to Japan. A location has been found where the dolphins would be protected with a view to returning them to the wild.

By allowing these animals to remain in the country whilst there are real and proven concerns over not only the importation but also the facility holding these dolphins, Egypt are sending out a message to the world that they condone the breach of international laws put in place by CITES relating to the worldwide trade in animals which will greatly affect the country's global reputation.

TAKE ACTION

Please email the authorities asking for a full and urgent enquiry to be undertaken. Also request that the dolphins be confiscated and given the opportunity of being returned to Japan for release back to the wild.