28 Apr 2008

Solomon Islands allowed to continue export live dolphins

5:22 am on 28 April 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 or CITES took the action following a submission by Israel for CITES to review the Solomon Islands export of live dolphins.

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.