Never has there been more need for ending the breeding and trade of captive dolphins and whales. At a recent event in the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium hosted by MEP Francisco Guerreiro to discuss why captivity is not a suitable environment for cetaceans, Dolphinaria-Free Europe launched its policy brief “Safe and Thriving Whales and Dolphins in the European Union – a How-To Guide”, which outlines the coalition’s legislative proposals to the European Union for ensuring the wellbeing of all captive whales and dolphins in the EU.
The coalition also addresses conditions in which cetaceans are currently held throughout Europe. DFE believes it’s vital that the EU embark upon a plan to phase out dolphinaria, and that the current population of captive cetaceans should be the last generation in the EU.
Dolphinaria-Free Europe members are all dedicated to seeing the ending of breeding, retaining, and displaying dolphins, whales, and porpoises in captivity in Europe. In March 2023, the UK celebrates 30 years free of dolphinaria in the country, and UK member organisation Marine Connection co-founder and Dolphinaria-Free Europe Chair, Margaux Dodds celebrates this milestone, however, she highlights the need for a permanent ban on importation and display to be established to ensure the UK remains free from this industry.
Parques Reunidos has decided to close their dolphinarium in Aquopolis, Costa Dorada (Spain), and has sent their nine dolphins to Hainan Ocean Paradise (China).