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  Solomon Islands Tightens Ban on Dolphin Trafficking
"We can confirm that no dolphins are being readied for export, and, thanks to the Solomon Islands government, none will be sent to the Bahamas or anywhere else," stated David Phillips, Director of Earth Island Institute's International Marine Mammal Project. EII Int'l Marine Mammal Project staff Associate Director Mark Berman, reporting today from the Solomon Islands, explained that: "Exporting these dolphins would have brought great shame and economic harm to the Solomon Islands. The only one who would have benefited was the rich foreign businessman who captured the dolphins." Berman continued: "The Solomon Islands government and Soltai Fishing and Processing Ltd., the island's tuna company, should be commended for stopping this abuse." Earth Island Institute's International Marine Mammal Project has been working to boost exports of dolphin-safe tuna from the Solomon Islands. Soltai, the tuna company, partly owned by the government, has achieved Earth Island's designation as a "Dolphin Safe" tuna company. Regarding the 29 dolphins that are believed to be remaining in captivity in the Solomon Islands, Phillips stated: "These dolphins should never have been captured in the first place, and they should be safely released to their home waters as soon as possible." Earlier this week there were reports that the dolphins were to be sold and exported to the Bahamas to become part of a tourist attraction. Contacts: David Phillips, Earth Island (415) 788-3666 x145 (USA) Makili Kepangi or Mark Berman 677-76191 (Solomon Islands) ©2004, Earth Island Institute. All Rights Reserved.
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