CITES press release: Trade in live dolphins

[Guest guest]

http://www.cites.org/eng/news/press/040305_dolphin.shtml

For use of the media only;

not an official document.

 

Geneva, 5 March 2004

 

STATEMENT

 

Trade in live dolphins

 

The Secretariat has been made aware of serious concerns regarding a number

of recent cases of trade in live dolphins. Unfortunately, certain of the

statements made in the media and in correspondence to the Secretariat

contain allegations and interpretations of the Convention that are clearly

inaccurate and sometimes misleading.

 

Trade in dolphins of species included in Appendix I of the Convention is not

allowed when: the import is for primarily commercial purposes or for

purposes which are considered detrimental to the survival of the species;

the export is considered to be detrimental to the survival of the species;

the specimens have been obtained illegally; or the proposed recipient is not

suitably equipped to house and care for the animals. The Convention

describes the responsibilities of both the Management and Scientific

Authorities for these issues in the country of export and in the country of

import. Several organizations have recently written about trade in dolphins

of an Appendix-I species that took place in 1999 between Thailand and

Singapore. The Secretariat has contacted the Management Authorities of the

countries concerned with a request for detailed information. Until it

receives replies, it is inappropriate for the Secretariat to comment

further.

 

Trade in bottlenose dolphins and animals of other species listed in Appendix

II to the Convention is allowed under certain conditions: the export must

not be detrimental to the survival of the species and the animals must have

been legally obtained and exported. Shipments must also be in accordance

with the IATA Live Animal Regulations. The Convention contains no

specifications with regard to the use and housing of the animals in the

importing country, which is - unlike for Appendix-I species - not required

to issue an import permit.

 

The Secretariat continues to investigate trade in live bottlenose dolphins

between the Solomon Islands and Mexico (see the previous statement from the

Secretariat in that regard).

 

Trade in live bottlenose dolphins from Guinea-Bissau has also been reported

but the Secretariat has been further advised that the species is totally

protected under national legislation and that these reports on trade are

unfounded.

 

The Secretariat is aware of proposed trade in live bottlenose dolphins from

Guyana and is reviewing supporting documentation provided by the Government.

 

The CITES Secretary-General, Willem Wijnstekers, said:

 

" I recognize that many people are against trade in live animals and

particularly against trade in live marine mammals for a variety of reasons.

That is one reason why we are particularly alert to possible cases of

illegal trade and (also for Appendix II species) follow up allegations. One

should realize, however, that when trade is legal, the decision on whether

it takes place is not taken by the CITES Secretariat. It is therefore not

very useful to lobby the Secretariat or to inundate my staff or myself with

standard-type emails. In fact this is counter-productive. I only have a

small team of people and email or other campaigns hamper our efforts to

investigate information on alleged illegal trade in wildlife seriously. It

is sufficient to be informed once about each case. Equally

counter-productive is the time we are required to spend on correcting

misinformation and wrong statements about what is or not permitted under

CITES. We have a very informative website which also provides us with a

means to disseminate information quickly and widely. We will of course be as

responsive as we can to queries from the public and the media, but our

communication on issues that generate significant interest is managed

through the website rather than through separate replies to individuals. I

am sure people will understand this. "