22 October 2010

Hurghada dolphins : Update

Recently a representative for the Marine Connection met with CITES, Dr Ragy Thomas to discuss the ongoing situation with the 4 dolphins in Hurghada

Initially, a request was made to Dr Ragy Thomas for a copy of the import permit which was refused on the grounds that he did not have the authority to do so. He did however allow us to view the permit, which is valid for one year, and explained that as the dolphins were a species on Appendix II, it meant that Japan had the authority to sell the dolphins as they are not considered an endangered species in Japanese waters.

Even if this is the case, we asked why CITES in Egypt felt it was acceptable to receive wild caught dolphins from Japan - CITES responded by asking why not, as other countries such as Emirates and Saudi Arabia are taking wild caught dolphins so why was Egypt being targeted? We explained that obviously we raise the issue of wild caught dolphins/trade with any participating country and that Egypt was simply one country with which we are addressing this issue. They have to appreciate that animal advocates worldwide are very concerned about the importation of these 4 dolphins from Japan, and feel that by doing so Egypt are accessories, encouraging Japan to continue this trade. Dr Thomas stated that Egypt is not the one to blame as they have an official agreement and have acted legally. It was suggested that blame was with the country that sourced the dolphins. He did however agree that if the animals were to be considered for inclusion in Appendix I and as such be afforded protection, they would not authorise imports into Egypt.

We then stressed that we felt another ground to question the authorisation of the permit was the fact that CITES law states import permits will only be granted if the receiving facility/destination can prove they are providing "fit and proper accommodation for the species concerned". As this clearly was not the case for the tiny pool where the dolphins first were held, we asked his feelings on this issue. Dr Ragy Thomas admitted that this had been a mistake which is why they took steps to resolve this and are satisfied that the dolphins are in a better facility. As it is not clear whether the dolphins are to remain in this new pool, we asked for clarification on this and were advised that CITES are happy with the new pool as is an international vet who was asked to inspect the facility, however the Marine Connection believes the vet in question also works for the captivity industry and as such, this opinion may be biased.

Finally we asked whether, in view of the fact that the initial holding facility did not meet CITES legislation and that the animals were taken from the wild in Japan, whether Egypt would consider sending them back and the response was a very definite no. Dr Ragy Thomas stated; "if the dolphins were returned to Japan they would die as they would have to be returned to Taiji (their natural habitat) and we know they are killing dolphins there." However, we are of the belief that this is not in fact the case. If returned to their place of origin, the dolphins would not have to be returned to Taiji, but having been quarantined upon arrival in Egypt, could easily be re-introduced into the wild elsewhere in Japanese waters. It is obvious therefore that CITES are well aware of the activities in Taiji but still issued the permit and accepted the importation of dolphins sourced from there.

Ironically, Dr Thomas appeared very proud of the fact that Egypt does not authorise the capture of dolphins from the wild in Egypt for the use of tourism as they are very rare in the Red Sea area. So what we are seeing is a case of 'not in my backyard' - CITES are happy to import dolphins from other countries as this is done via official agreements between countries therefore are of the opinion that what happened is legal.

However just because something is considered legal does not mean it is acceptable. Even if Egypt is acting legally, morally they have a case to answer and that is what the worldwide community feel also needs to be addressed as part of the Marine Connection 'See Red' campaign to put an end to imports and expension of captive dolphin facilities in the Red Sea area.