Letter in response to "Dolphin deaths are expected" - 21 Nov 2006
(Caymanian Compass)

Dear Sir,

As a member of the Keep Dolphins Free in the Cayman Islands coalition, the Marine Connection is appalled to read the flippant remarks made by Tourism Minister Charles Clifford regarding the importation of dolphins to the Cayman Islands.

His comment, “We do expect that some of the dolphins will die at the facility, just as they die in the wild. It will happen”, demonstrates the Minister's short-sighted and unacceptable view that dolphins are simply dispensable, replaceable products. He is prepared to force tourism forward (or backward?) to the severe detriment of “some of the dolphins” – is this the type of tourism, or Tourism Minister, the Cayman Islands want in this new age of environmental tourism and ethical responsibility which the Islands are so perfectly placed to offer in so many ways?

If importing dolphins to the Cayman Islands will lead to the death of some of the animals, how can this decision be ratified by the government? To bring captive dolphins to the Cayman Islands will, by Minister Clifford's own admission, sentence “some” to death. This is not to forget that the dolphins which do survive will be confined to an unnaturally small area for an animal which ordinarily has the endless ocean to roam, travelling for miles, diving hundreds of feet and living within complex family groups. This restrictive life will lead them to become a shadow of their wild counterparts having their natural abilities rendered useless and becoming totally reliant on human beings.

Wild dolphins, despite having no veterinary care, regular food or protection from predators, pollution or climate change, still manage to live on average longer than a dolphin in captivity. This speaks volumes about the fatal stress that dolphins’ face in captivity and the inappropriateness of confining them in this way.

Yes, no further facilities are allowed to be constructed in the Caymans but two have already been signed off and agreed to, no more were needed. These two will be enough to destroy several dolphins’ lives as well as the responsible and sustainable tourism reputation which the Cayman Islands have achieved.

Again, I ask is this the type of tourism the Cayman Islands wants or needs?

Andrina Murrell
Captivity Officer
Marine Connection