This was revealed to the Solomon Star yesterday by Earth Island Institute regional director and dolphin activist Lawrence Makili.
[PIR editor’s note: "The Solomons government banned live dolphin export trade in 2003 following an outcry over a consignment of 28 bottlenose dolphins to an aquatic park in Mexico. Activists claim at least 12 of the dolphins died. Mr. Satu, who was involved in the exports to Mexico, fought the ban and won a landmark court ruling December 2007, that paved the way for dolphin exports to resume. After the court ruling, the government was swift to change its position on the trade. It has allowed the capture and export of up to 100 bottlenose dolphins a year. The 11 dolphins are estimated to be sold for $660,000 if they are each priced at $60,000 as was the case with the seven previous exported dolphins. The Government collects 25 per cent duty on the shipment." See story.]
Mr. Makili said he has received reports that Dr. Badley Anita who operates a dolphin business on Mbugana Island, Central Province was planning the export.
It was understood the Ministry of Environment issued an export license to Dr. Anita on Thursday this week.
However, Mr. Makili said this was done illegally as the Fisheries Ministry has not issued any business license to dolphin operators this year.
Therefore, Mr. Makili said the Environment Ministry has issued an illegal license to an illegal business operator.
"Under whose directive was the license issued for the export," Mr. Makili questioned. The Fisheries Ministry has never given a dolphin business license to dolphin operators this year but yet the Environment Ministry sees fit to allocate an export license to Dr Anita."
Mr. Makili said the planned export would have a negative impact on the two proposed canneries Don Wong and Frabelle tuna companies that were planning to establish in the country.
In April this year, members of Don Wong held a meeting with the Government about their interest in operating in the country. And one of the main issues discussed was to address the issue of dolphin trade in the country. Mr. Makili said the planned export could jeopardize efforts of tuna investment in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr. Makili challenged the Minister of Environment to step in and revoke the permit.
"I’m calling on the minister to step in and investigate this matter because why does the ministry issue an export license for dolphins to be exported to benefit only a few people; a decision that could risk a tuna cannery that aims to provide thousands of jobs for Solomon Islanders," Mr. Makili said.
Attempts to talk with officials from both ministries and Dr Anita were unsuccessful when this paper went to press last night.
In 2007, 28 live dolphins were also exported to Dubai; four years after a similar shipment to Mexico sparked an international outcry in 2003.
The Government lifted a four-year ban on the trade of dolphins in 2007 although there was a public outcry from local and international conservation groups against exportation of live dolphins.
Solomon Star: http://www.solomonstarnews.com/
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