By Kirsten Massebeau
Captive Pacific White Sided Dolphin Komogawa SeaWorld Japan
By Keiba Kate
SeaWorld has requested the importation of a Pacific white-sided dolphin named Kirara who was captive born. Unfortunately, many of the other dolphins at Kamogawa SeaWorld seem to have come from a different point of origin listed as “wild” and ??? (source) In an earlier article we explored: ”What is Kamogawa SeaWorld’s Connection to the Taiji Dolphin Hunt? Say No to The Importation of A Pacific White-Sided Dolphin“.
Sample Letter:
Email Address: NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov
Subject line: File No. 17754 Document Citation Number 78 FR 7755
Chief Permits and Conservation Division,
I am writing in opposition to SeaWorlds proposed importation of the Pacific white-sided dolphin Kirara born in captivity at Kamogawa SeaWorld in Japan. Although Kirara may have been born in captivity many of the Pacific white-sided dolphins at Kamogawa SeaWorld were in fact taken from the “wild” or appear data deficiant as noted by Ceta-Base marine mammal inventory (
source)
”Japan alone has more than 50 dolphinariums and swim-with-dolphins programs, ranging from large aquarium facilities with huge tanks and dolphin shows to small tanks at motels or floating sea pens in harbors. In the last ten years alone, dolphin exports from Taiji, Japan, have gone to China, Korea, Ukraine, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
US aquariums like SeaWorld claim they don’t import dolphins from Taiji. This is only true since Earth Island threatened to sue the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for allowing such imports. NMFS examined the laws and agreed with our lawyers that imports from Taiji, Japan, were illegal because US law specifies that captures of marine mammals should be humane. Prior to that ruling, imported Taiji dolphins and small cetaceans like false killer whales were regularly obtained by SeaWorld, the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Miami Seaquarium, and the US Navy. Dolphin brokers from the United States are often spotted in Taiji” (source)
By allowing this permit NOAA/NMFS will be indirectly supporting Taiji drive fisheries known for their horrific, and inhumane treatment of dolphins. Please do not do business with Marine parks associated with drive fisheries.
Other points:
* Removing Kirara from her pod and introducing her into a foreign environment may permanently effect her mental health.
* Traveling for 20 + hours in a small coffin like container are unacceptable as it may permanently effect her health. Dolphins belong in the ocean not flying worldwide in crates.
Again do not allow Sea World to import this dolphin. If you allow this you are again underpinning the slaughter and cruel capture of dolphins in Taiji, Japan by allowing SeaWorld to do business with the Kamogawa Aquarium.
Sincerely,
. March 6, 2013 the comment period will end on the requested permit. Please compose your emails and letters today! Make your letter in your own words so it will not be seen as spam. Be a voice for the dolphins who need your help so much!
45.891027
-123.955909
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