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|Statement |08 August 2003 |

Solomon Islands Dolphin capture and export

The recent reported capture of up to 200 dolphins[1] (reputedly Tursiops species, commonly known as bottlenose dolphins, and perhaps others[2]) in the Solomon Islands and the resultant export of 28 individuals of Tursiops aduncus - the Indopacific bottlenose dolphin - to Mexico has raised serious concerns about the impact of these activities. Concerns relate specifically to the scientific grounds for the required non-detriment findings[3] on which the exports are based, their resultant legality, as well as the reported impact of increased fishing levels in the Solomon Islands on the marine environment in order to feed the captive dolphins[4]. WWF is concerned that these exports were not based on sufficient data to accurately assess their potential negative impacts on the dolphin populations, on the wider marine environment, and on risks to the role of these dolphins in their ecosystem.

The Indopacific bottlenose dolphin, T. aduncus, is known to be distributed in coastal waters from South Africa to the Indo-West Pacific region extending from Japan to Australia. However, it appears that most regions have localized, resident populations. In areas where this species is well studied and there have been no known recent captures (direct or incidental), local populations only number in the low hundreds. Also growing evidence suggests there is usually very little, if any, exchange of individuals between adjacent populations. In some areas where there has been a history of heavy exploitation, local populations may only number in the tens and some may possibly be approaching local extinction. Given what is known about this species (especially the small size of local populations and little exchange with other adjacent populations), the capture of 200 T. aduncus (if all these individuals are of this species) from the waters of the Solomon Islands is likely to represent a significant part of the local population.[5] WWF’s information thus far suggests that the impact of such a large removal of animals from the Solomon Islands could have a considerable, long-term, detrimental impact on the local population of this species, further reinforcing the need for proper assessments to establish impact.

WWF notes that the International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) Sub-Committee on Small Cetaceans has repeatedly expressed concern over removals of small cetaceans when there is insufficient information to adequately assess the impact on the target populations. The sub-committee has recommended that any such captures be preceded by an assessment of the size of affected populations and of the impact of these removals[6].

WWF urges the Solomon Islands government to immediately ratify the Environment and Wildlife Acts which will enable proper assessments, regulations, protection and control over wildlife, including dolphins.

WWF also urges the Solomon Islands government to then take steps to accede to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). WWF calls on the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources of the Solomon Islands to cease issuing licences to dolphin hunters and exporters until such laws are in place and adequately enforced. These laws will ensure that scientific evidence can be produced to demonstrate that the export of dolphins is not detrimental to the survival of the population and their role in their ecosystem, and is in compliance with all CITES humane handling and transport requirements.

WWF understands that 27[7] of the surviving dolphins are being held in pens that allow free exchange with the open sea, as well as pens that hold other captive dolphins. In order to mitigate the transmission of disease[8] between the imported dolphins, the other captive dolphins and the wider marine environment, which could cause massive mortalities and disperse into the ecosytem, WWF recommends the immediate transfer of the Solomon Island dolphins to isolated sites, where they can be kept under strict quarantine conditions.

As communicated to the Mexican Government on 04 August 2003, WWF also recommends the establishment of a multidisciplinary committee to review the framework of the Mexican legal procedures concerning the import of marine mammals, and the capture of dolphins in Mexico for exhibition and educational purposes. WWF would like to express their interest in participating in such a committee and looks forward to the Mexican government’s response to our recommendations.

WWF notes that the Mexican authorities do possess the appropriate CITES paperwork - CITES certification No. MX19633. However, WWF would like to express concern at the growing trade and demand for live cetaceans for public display in aquaria and dolphinaria, and calls for greater scrutiny of CITES permits from the relevant government agencies (of both exporting and importing countries).

In addition, as recommended in CITES Resolution Conf. 9.7 regarding instances when there may be some doubt as to the validity of the non-detriment findings made by non-parties, WWF recommends that CITES Parties, when importing Appendix II-listed species from the Solomon Islands, increase scrutiny of the exports by requiring copies of the information on which the relevant Solomons Islands’ authority is basing its non-detriment finding.

Finally, WWF asks that the Solomon Islands Government and all parties involved work to ensure that a scientifically-sound management and development plan - including scientifically rigorous population surveys of any species involved in trade - is put in place to ensure that any use of dolphins or other marine mammals is sustainable and in accordance with all international treaties, laws, and norms.

For further information:

Seri Hite, Programme Manager, WWF South Pacific Programme Office, Tel. +677 60191, wwf@.sb

Matthew Davis, Communications Director, WWF Species Programme, Tel. +44 1483 412572, mdavis@.uk

Mitzi Borromeo, Press Officer, WWF International, Tel. +41 22 3649562, MBorromeo@

Jatziri Perez, Communications Officer, WWF Mexico, Tel + 52 55 52865631, Jperez@

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[1] Please note that the Solomon Islands Marine Mammal Centre (SIMMC), claimed it only held 40 mammals altogether, Solomon Star 24 July 2003 edition, though other sources, including ABC, Australian Associated Press and Reuters, have stated that up to 200 dolphins were caught.

[2] WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) has stated that two species caught in waters surrounding Solomon Islands are spinner (Stenella longirostris) and spotted (Stenella attennuata), Solomon Star 25 July 2003 edition]

[3] These species are listed on Appendix II of CITES. The export of any specimen of a species included in Appendix II requires an export permit, which should be granted only when it has been determined by the State’s designated Scientific Authority that the export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild, and the designated Management Authority states that the specimen was obtained in compliance with that State’s domestic legislation. In the case of an export of an Appendix II-listed species from a non–Party (e.g. Solomon Islands) to a CITES party (e.g. Mexico), similar documentation is required by the importing Party, and in cases of doubt of the validity of the conclusions of the exporting country, a copy of such advice should be required (CITES Resolution Conf. 9.7).

[4] Some non-governmental organizations in the area have reported that reefs in the area were being subjected to increased bombing in order to catch fish to feed the captive dolphins.

[5] The source of the information contained within this paragraph is Dr. John Y. Wang, FormosaCetus Research & Conservation Group, Canada.

[6] From Andy Read, chair of the IWC Sub-committee on Small Cetaceans.

[7] “Mexico's federal environmental agency confirmed today that one of the dolphins imported this month from the Solomon Islands to a Cancun aquatic park has died.” Sydney Morning Herald, 30 July 2003

[8] Such exchange of water could allow the transmission of infectious or viral diseases such as morbillivirus and poxivirus, or bacteria such as Brucella delphini or erisipela (a skin infection usually caused by the Streptococcus bacterium group).

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