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On December 2008, seven bottlenose dolphins arrived in the Philippines from the Solomon Islands, followed by another 11 animals in January 2009, totaling 18 in all. The importation was done through the import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture Secretary in 2008. The dolphins were transported to the Ocean Adventure Park in Subic for training. Eventually, the dolphins were to be re-exported to the Resorts World in Singapore where they are to be used for entertainment. The Earth Island Institute and The Philippine Animal Welfare Society believe that the importation of all 18 dolphins from the Solomon Islands violate the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act or RA 9147 as well as the Philippines’ international commitments under CITES. It is therefore prayed that the Philippine government rectify the situation by instituting a moratorium on all importation of dolphins from the Solomon Islands, hold in custody the dolphins currently in Ocean Adventure until they are rehabilitated for release back into the wild, and to eventually facilitate their return and release into their native waters of the Solomon Islands. Local and international non-profit organizations are willing to work with the Philippine government for the rehabilitation and return of the dolphins to the Solomon Islands.
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Import Moratorium of Dolphins from the Solomon
Islands
A Presentation for the National Agriculture and Fisheries Council (NAFCI)
4 November 2010
Earth Island Institute (EII), Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Marine Wildlife Watch of the
Philippines (MWWP), Bangon Kalikasan Movement
I. BASIS FOR THE IMPORT MORATORIUM OF DOLPHINS FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS
1. The import permits for the 18 bottlenose dolphins from the Solomon Islands were issued without proper evaluation of the best available scientific data that the importation will not be detrimental to the population of wild dolphins in the Solomon Islands. This, in fact, could constitute the violation of RA 9147.
According to Sec. 6, Art. 1 of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act or RA 9147:
Section 6. Wildlife Information. All activities, as subsequently manifested under this Chapter, shall be authorized by the Secretary upon proper evaluation of best available information or scientific data showing that the activity is, or for a purpose, not detrimental to the survival of the species or subspecies involved and/or their habitat. For this purpose, the Secretary shall regularly update wildlife information through research.
No scientific assessment of the population-level effects of the removals of bottlenose dolphins in the Solomon Island was undertaken in advance of the recent live-capture operations. Without any reliable data on numbers and population structure of bottlenose dolphins in this region, it is impossible to make a credible judgment about the impacts of this level of exploitation. Until such data are available, a non-detriment finding necessary under CITES Article IV is not possible. Therefore CITES Parties should not issue permits to import dolphins from the Solomon Island. Unfortunately, this episode of live-capture was undertaken with little or no serious investment in assessing the conservation implications for the affected dolphin population(s).
2. Philippine CITES Scientific Authorities such as the Silliman University and the National Museum concur with the IUCN-CSG recommendations on the non-detriment finding for dolphins from the Solomon Islands.
In its position, the Silliman University stated that:
’We have read the relevant documents, including the case study report of the just released IUCN Samoa workshop. It is abundantly clear that the Philippines has been derelict in its obligations under CITES; the importation should not have been allowed. The Non-Detrimental Finding (NDF) is not credible.
The Silliman University thereby concludes (See Annex 9):
‘ As the designated scientific authority under the joint DENR-DA-PCSD Administrative Order No. 1, we recommend a moratorium on importations of live T. aduncus into the Philippines to take effect immediately and be lifted only until such time that the adequate population assessment necessary to a credible NDF has been carried out.’
The National Museum recommends that (See Annex 10):
‘Based on the facts gathered and presented by Earth Island, if truth really prevails, the National Museum, being a scientific institution and an active member of Convention on the International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES) firmly opposes this illicit activity. This must not be tolerated. Numerous negative consequences such as the spread of diseases possibly carried by these dolphins and threat to the survival of the species may occur.
‘Thus, it is respectfully recommended that any activities regarding the importation of wildlife species be acted upon in accordance with both the Philippine Law (RA 9147) and CITES.’
3. The CITES Animals Committee, on its 24th meeting in Geneva on April 2009, reviewed the issue of dolphin exports by the Solomon Islands and recommended that its annual dolphin export quota be reduced.
Prior to a decision on the proposal, the IUCN-CSG representative attending the meeting was asked, based on existing scientific information, what number of dolphins could be sustainably removed from the Solomon Islands population. The CSG representative reported that total take (including bycatch, harvest, and live-capture) should not exceed 10 dolphins per year.
I. BASIS FOR THE IMPORT MORATORIUM OF DOLPHINS FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS (continued)
4. The importation did not have any credible veterinary/phytosanitary certificate as well as an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) on the introduction of the 18 dolphins to the natural environment of Camayan Wharf in Subic
5. That the importation of dolphins from the Solomon Islands is purely for commercial purposes and is neither for research nor conservation.
If the Philippines allows for the continued practice of importing dolphins from the Solomon Islands and re-exporting of dolphins for commercial purposes, the country will be participating in the trafficking of dolphins from unsustainable sources. Allowing the import/export of dolphins from the Solomon Islands, whose resident dolphin population dynamics and status are unknown at best, jeopardizes the survival of dolphin populations in the Solomon Islands.
Allowing the entry of dolphins from unsustainable sources also runs contrary to the Philippine policy of protecting dolphins in our very own waters. The Fisheries Administrative Order 185 and 185-1 and FAO 208 prohibit the catching, killing and even mere possession of dolphins.
II. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICLUTURE
1. Impose a moratorium on dolphin imports from the Solomon Islands and reject any applications to re-export the animals to Singapore.
2. Seize the 18 animals in Ocean Adventure, and, at the cost of the shipper, re-export the animals back to the Solomon Islands for rehabilitation and release
3. Consistent with the plain language and intent of the Wildlife Act, institute proper procedures where the CITES Scientific Authorities are consulted before any activities, (e.g. importation/exportation) are undertaken. In addition and specifically in the case of marine mammals, that the opinion of other CITES Scientific Authorities such as the U.P. Marine Science Institute, U.P. Visayas, Silliman University and the National Museum be obtained prior to any importation/exportation.
4. Our international network of marine mammal experts, veterinarians, legal experts, and non-governmental animal protection and environmental organizations are willing to assist and support the Philippine government in rectifying this situation, in strengthening the implementation of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and providing other resources and support to the government should it implement these recommendations.
MARAMING SALAMAT PO
