The Marine Connection has received reports that plans are underway for wild dolphins to be captured from Algoa Bay to help secure the future of Bayworld. The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has endorsed the recommendation for the dolphin aquisition programme. This plan was adopted without any dicsussion by councillors, however Mayor Nondumiso Maphazi and municipal manager, Graham Richards will intervene at both provincial and national cabinet levels to "ensure that the socio-economic viability of Bayworld for the next 40 years and beyond is actioned".

A municipal report to the council said the upgrade would lead to a “significant impact” on the Eastern Cape economy and that of the metro and that 5334 people would be employed during the construction period. Based on four months of intensive work by a municipal team, the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture had allocated an initial R5,3-million for the revitalisation of the complex.The council also agreed that an additional R8-million be provided in support of the acquisition programme and mandated Richards and chief financial officer Kevin Jacoby “to source funds as a matter of priority”.

A minimum of five dolphins of appropriate age and gender are apparently required to keep Bayworld viable, as their two existing dolphins Domino and Dumisa, can only be accommodated together until the end of next year at the most due to the natural threat of inbreeding. It has been reported that Bayworld approached uShaka Sea world with a view to collaboration, to move the dolphins to their facility on breeding loan, however this was unsuccessful. They then considered sourcing the animals from a dealer however the cost of R1.5million per animal and the risk factor involved in capture and transporting the animals from source ruled out this option - which is why the local capture option is being considered most 'viable'.

Any captures will be met with both national and international condemnation of that the authorities and facilities involved are obviously aware as the report notes that there would be "massive public resistance from certain sectors of society, inclusive of animal welfare extremists". It goes on to say however that "Advancing the case for the capture of local dolphins would be the most viable option given that the process is controlled by local experts”. The issuing of permits lies with the environmental affairs and tourism department and requires the support of all levels of government who have said that consideration should be given to “the potentially negative impact of intimidation, potential physical threats (to) business, tourism and individuals that are associated with this process”.

Bayworld spokesman Elouise Matthys stressed that no decision had been made on whether the two dolphins should be separated. “But they will have to be relocated, because they are not getting the necessary social interaction this species needs, and because second-generation breeding is not advisable.”

The Marine Connection totally supports the opinion of our colleague Nan Rice, director of the Dolphin Action and Protection Group in Cape Town, on this issue who states that "In the end, I would like to see (Domino and Dumisa) released to take their chances, rather than have to suffer the stress of being transported around the world. I am totally against the capture of wild dolphins, especially when internationally there is a great move away from these facilities and this kind of action and I would advise the facility not to try this". We will continue to work on this issue and post action updates when available.

Meanwhile local newspaper The Herald polled its' readers on the plans - read their comments here