HONIARA, Solomon Islands (15 Nov 2005) -- Despite government promises that it has stopped the illegal dolphin slave trade, a company called Solomon Islands Marine Mammal Education Centre (SIMMEC) is attempting to smuggle 40 dolphins to amusement park operators in the Bahamas. In 2003, SIMMEC owner and notorious dolphin slave trader Chris Porter sparked an international uproar after selling 28 dolphins to amusement park operators in Cancun Mexico. Nine of the dolphins died in the Solomons, at least six more have died since being transported to Mexico and according to the Mexican Wildlife Department, others are sick and dying. Environmentalists accuse Porter of illegally profiting from the capture and sale of wild animals that are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). "Chris Porter is the worst kind of international criminal you could possibly imagine...I think he ought to be investigated and if there's enough evidence, be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Michael O'Sullivan, Executive Director of The Humane Society of Canada. But Porter, amusement park operators and several large PADI scuba diving resorts including Anthony's Key Resort in Honduras and Hugh Parkey's Belize Dive Connection in Belize argue that the lucrative trade and commercial exploitation of wild dolphins is not illegal, provides jobs for local communities and educates tourists about marine life. Environmentalists accuse Porter and PADI of greenwashing the deaths of the many dolphins that have died in captivity due to stress and deplorable conditions. Smuggling According to Kimberly Muncaster of the World Society for Protection of Animals, reliable sources in the Solomon Islands have alerted environmentalists that Porter, a Canadian businessman who allegedly operates out of a one-room office in a strip mall, is planning to smuggle 40 dolphins to the Bahamas on secret chartered flights that will be routed through Fiji, Tahiti and Mexico. Government officials in the Solomons deny the reports and have reiterated that dolphin exports have been banned and anyone involved in the shipment of live dolphins will be arrested. | | "Dolphin Scuba Camp" at Anthony's Key Resort in Honduras combines dolphin feeding, a PADI scuba diving course and hotel room all for just $699 (16% hotel tax not included). Allan Kemakeza, the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands told reporters "...the ban on live dolphin exports remains in force." Contract killers The dolphin amusement park industry can be deadly for both dolphins and people. On September 17, 2003, animal rights activist Jane Tipson, who campaigned against dolphin amusement parks, was gunned down in St. Lucia, one of six Caribbean nations that supports Japan's agenda to resume commercial whaling. No one was ever charged with the murder. Animal rights activist Jane Tipson campaigned against dolphin amusement parks in the Caribbean. On September 17, 2003, she was gunned down allegedly by a contract killer.© CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORKSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
