For the very first time in the history of the dolphin captivity industry in Mexico, illegally captured dolphins from Mexican waters have been released back to the area from which they were taken.

On 20 May 2007, dolphins were taken from the wild under an illegal scientific permit, when in fact the real reason behind the captures was that the animals were destined for various captive facilities around Mexico City. Our colleages at COMARINO (Conservation of Marine Mammals in Mexico) were informed and immediately commenced a legal suit against CONVIMAR - the company behind the captures; who were caught red handed in Tamaulipa where they had six of the captured dolphins held in a sea pen.

The Federal Ministry for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), rapidly attended the site and finding many violations to the laws and permit, proceeded to confiscate the dolphins. Sadly, two female dolphins (one of which was discovered to be pregnant), had already been transported to the Atlantis facility in Mexico City. Happily on 28 June 2007, six dolphins were released and the two females currently held in Mexico City will also be released shortly. This is the first time that captured dolphins have been released in Mexico; great news for the dolphins but also sets an excellent precedent for upholding environmental law in the country.

Take Action

Our colleagues COMARINO urge everyone to write to the following officials in Mexico, congratulating them for taking this swift and important action;

Mr Felipe Calderon Hinojosa
Presidente Constitucional de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos
email

Ing. Juan Elvira Quesada
Secretario del Medio Ambiente
email

C. Ignacio Loyola Vera
Procurador Federal del Medio Ambiente
email