SOLOMONS GET GREEN LIGHT ON DOLPHIN EXPORTS

PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

SOLOMONS GET GREEN LIGHT ON DOLPHIN EXPORTS
International agreement OKs practice

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, April 27, 2008) – The Solomon Islands government can continue to export live dolphins after it successfully defended its position on the issue during a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) took the action following a submission by Israel for CITES to review the Solomon Islands export of live dolphins.

[PIR editor’s note: CITES is an international agreement in which participation is voluntary. It is meant to provide a framework for local legislation aimed at protecting endangered species.]

The Solomon Islands Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nollen Leni, and a local expert in Dolphins, Dr Baddley Anita, represented the country.

Mr Leni said from Geneva that the Committee found Israel’s request lacked scientific backing, especially when Solomon Islands proved it had fulfilled all CITES requirements.

He said the approval by CITES means it can continue its dolphin export as long as the local populations remain in abundance.

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