On May 3 this year legislation was signed by French Environment Minister Segolene Royal relating to keeping of marine mammals in captivity in the France. This included a ban on breeding of dolphins and whales in marine parks which was immediately challenged by the captivity industry.
The industry requested that the high court rule against two major measures of the decree: the ban on the use of chlorine within six months and the ban on breeding and transfer of dolphins by November 7th. Marine Connection is pleased to report that the judge has stated that there is no proof that a ban on breeding would have any adverse effect on the animals welfare and the ban should be upheld. There will be a second hearing with the high court making their final decision on the ban before the end of this year.
