Solomon Star 8 Sep 11;
THE Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) issued a stern warning that they would not allow the proposed export of 25 live bottlenose dolphins from Solomon Islands to enter China.
In a letter dated September 5 2011, executive director of AWI Susan Millward requested an urgent intervention to avert a transgression of national and international law if a proposed dolphin export occurs.
The letter advised that the National Government reconsider their decision to allow the export to avoid the dolphins to be confiscated upon arrival and to avoid the cost of returning them to the Solomon Islands subjecting the animals to stress.
The letter was addressed to John Scanlon of CITES Secretary-General, Carlos Ibero Solana of CITES Animals Committee Chairman and Joe Horokou of CITES Management Authority/CITES Scientific Authority, Solomon Islands.
The same letter was also addressed to Environment Minister and acting Fisheries Minister Moffat Fugui.
The letter stated that two endangered species organisations in China, the Endangered Species Import and Export Management Office and the Endangered Species Scientific Commission are also on stand by to confiscate the dolphins upon arrival.
AWI in the letter also asked for and immediate action in this case to:
1) deny any export permit to facilitate the transport of these dolphins to China;
2) revoke any export permit if already issued, and;
3) initiate an investigation of those involved n the exports, including the dolphin capture operation, to determine if they are acting in accordance with the Solomon Islands laws.
“Specifically, it would appear that Dr. Badley Anita, the exporter, has engaged in an illegal business enterprise as a result of not being issued a 2011 business license to permit the capture and operation of wild dolphins,” the letter stated.
“Furthermore, regardless of the legality of Dr. Anita’s business operation, AWI remains concerned that the Solomon Island government’s issuance of an apparent export permit in this case was done without a credible non-detriment finding (NDF) as required by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to ensure that the trade in wild-caught dolphins will not harm the species in the wild.”
The letter stated that to date, despite permitting at least four previous wild dolphin exports since 2007, the Solomon Islands Government has never made a credible finding due to a lack of data regarding its coastal dolphin populations.
“The failure to make a credible finding violates both national law and CITES to which the Solomon Islands became a signatory in 2007,” the later stated.
It stated that until the survey data is compiled, analysed, and the results published, the Solomon Islands Government cannot determine if its dolphin exports are sustainable or make a credible NDF.
“Consequently, any prospective export must be delayed until, at a minimum, the survey results are reported and your government issues a credible finding.”
The recent revelation of the proposed export of 25 bottlenose dolphins has once again sparked international outcry from conservation groups.
By DOUGLAS MARAU
Government decision final despite China’s warning
Solomon Star 9 Sep 11;
THE Government has not been moved by recent outbursts over the proposed export of 25 live bottlenose dolphins to China saying the decision was ‘final.’
Since the Solomon Star broke out the news that local exporter Dr Badley Anita was proposing a million dollar dolphin export to China, there had been a public outcry from local and international conservation groups against the planned export.
But permanent secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Conservation Rence Sore told the Solomon Star that their decision has not changed.
“Nothing has changed, the decision was final,” Mr Sore said.
This was despite a warning issued by the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) yesterday which cautioned that they would not allow the dolphins to enter China.
The Solomon Star understands AWI has written to the Ministry of Environment and Conservation and the Fisheries Ministry in their intention to block the export.
The letter highlighted that this was because Dr Anita has engaged in an illegal business enterprise because no dolphin business license was issued this year to permit the capture and operation of wild dolphins.
Therefore, the export would be illegal, AWI said.
AWI was also concerned that the Solomon Island Government’s issuance of an apparent export permit in this case was done without a credible non-detriment finding (NDF) as required by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
This is to ensure that the trade in wild-caught dolphins would not harm the species in the wild.
A statement from AWI stated to date, despite permitting at least four previous wild dolphin exports since 2007, the Solomon Islands Government has never made a credible finding due to a lack of data regarding its coastal dolphin populations.
Meanwhile, Earth Island Institute regional director Lawrence Makili has expressed disgust over the Government’s attitude towards the proposed export.
He said the failure to make a credible NDF violates both national law and CITES to which the Solomon Islands became a signatory in 2007.
“There has never been a conclusion of the NDF report sent to CITIES. Therefore, if the export takes place we are clearly violating CITIES laws that we have agreed to abide by since we joined CITIES in 2007,” he said.
Mr Makili has called on officials from the Environment Ministry and Fisheries Ministry to explain why the Government should allow the export despite their failure to provide CITIES with the NDF report.
By DOUGLAS MARAU
