Solomon Island Dolphins

Australians for Animals has played a leading role in the efforts to stop the dreadful dolphin trade in the Solomon Islands.

In 2003, our Co-ordinator flew to Honiara and was able to inspect the dolphins held captive at Gavutu Island.  Accompanied by several tribal elders opposed to the trade, their small boat was attacked by the thugs who work for Chris Porter, the infamous Canadian dolphin trader who is responsible for the captures.

Shoving oars and sticks at our tiny boat, they tried their best to overturn the boat into the shark and crocodile infested waters.  When the group was finally able to land under the supervision of RAMSI officers, our Co-ordinator was able to inspect the dolphin pens. 

Dolphins are kept in shallow pens so close to the sea that its hard to understand why they don’t try to escape by jumping the slim barrier.  But they don’t and instead lie traumatised, hungry and limp.   Their fate is shocking.   Many die of starvation and shock.  Others have been transported to Honiara, kept in holding pens for a few days, packed into open trucks travelling to the airport and put on planes taking them to Mexico, and last year, Dubai.

28 dolphiins were transported to Dubai last year.  No one knows where they are; in what conditions the animals are being kept and whether they are still alive.  Dubai is run by a very wealthy ruling elite who  not only have an interest in the mega tourist resort where the dolphins will be displayed eventually, but refuse to allow anyone to inspect the animals.

The Solomon dolphin traders are gearing up to start a major industry with the mega dollars gained from the Dubai sale.   Media reports claim that the traders were paid $200,000 USD per dolphin.  

Poverty stricken Solomon Islanders are desperate for long term employment and industries which will provide jobs and security for them.   But so far, none of the money gained from the dolphin trade appears to have come back to any communities.

Tribal elders who leased their island to the traders are unable to get the rents due to them.  Many Islanders hate the publicity which is now focussed on the Solomons as the captures and trade continues.

An extremely difficult campaign, the Solomon dolphin trade deserves global attention.   With no recent research on the status of wild dolphins in the area, and reports of hundreds of animals dying because of captures and ensuing starvation, it makes no sense at all to transport these animals to the other side of the world.

And even less sense to export the dolphins for the amusement of the rich and bored.

Australians for Animals does not support the keeping of dolphins in captivity.
We believe dolphins belong in the ocean and that aquariums are concrete prisons.