Despite a recent law being put in place banning the import and export of captive whales, dolphins and porpoises in Canada (S-203), Fisheries Minister Jonathan Wilkinson has approved permits to move the whales from Marineland in Canada to L’Oceanogràfic in Valencia, Spain as part of a research project. This decision, coming so soon after this recent ban being passed surely should be questioned.
Marine Connection captivity director and chair of Dolphinaria-Free Europe coalition, Margaux Dodds comments; “The import of dolphins and whales into the EU for captive display is highly controversial and for this transfer to have been authorised when Canada has already passed Bill S-203 is extremely disturbing. Although the law does contain a clause allowing Marineland to keep their existing animals, both they and L’Oceanogràfic have clearly used the ‘research’ loophole to move these two belugas. Despite continued requests we have not been provided with details of the origin of the belugas they plan to export, making it unclear whether this will meet the necessary legal requirements of (EC) 338/97. Furthermore, the beluga tank at L’Oceanogràfic is very small and one of the male belugas currently held there is showing extreme stereotypical behaviour and appears to have a skin issue – adding a further two belugas to this will only increase welfare issues and I am astounded that this has been authorised.”
Marine Connection will continue to challenge this transfer.
