[MARINE_BIOLOGY_INTERNATIONAL] Solomon Islands ban dolphin exports

(Far freaking out! – Mod. MJB)

Dolphin ban
MONDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2011 03:49

Dolphin export will be banned as of January the 1st 2012.
Gov't pass policy to ban dolphin export by 2012

THE Cabinet has passed a new policy to ban the export of dolphins beginning January next year.
The decision was passed on Thursday last week during a Cabinet meeting.

"This importantly implies that come January 1st 2012, the ban on dolphin export will become effective," a statement from the Ministry of Environment and Conservation said.

However, the statement said from now until the end of this year, dolphin exporters are allowed to export on a quota of 50 dolphins per year.

This is to allow dolphin exporters to change their business strategy, since the ban would be effective until the end of this year.

The decision is likely to put an end to live dolphin export out of the country since the export was lifted by the previous Government led by Dr Derek Sikua.

This was, when they passed a decision to export a quota of 50 animals per year.

Therefore, as a way to preserve our dolphins, the Cabinet had decided to put a close to this activity of dolphin export, the ministry said in a statement.

"As a responsible Government, the National Coalition and Rural Advancement (NCRA) have to take care of Solomon Islanders including the interest of Solomon Islands exporters," the statement said.

"As a responsible government, that is our foremost responsibility."

The Government believes their recent decision was a fair policy approach to protect dolphin exporters and to protect the country's new policy shift from off-shore to onshore fisheries resources development.

The statement said their decision had nothing to do with outside pressure from local and international conservation groups.

"This ban on dolphin export is not in response to the outbursts of Earth Island Institute and Animal Welfare groups," it said.

"It is however, in response to the call for conservation of marine species as specified in the NCRA Policy Statement and respective strategic and corporate plans of the Environment Ministry and Fisheries Ministry."

By DOUGLAS MARAU