In regard to the latest debate surrounding the ”benefits” of marine parks, and on the issue of captivity of marine mammals in general, I wish to state my opposition to statements made by marine park officials and others that ”capture and public display of dolphins has helped save them from tuna nets.”
As a representative of the organization that has researched the tuna/
dolphin issue and led the fight to protect dolphins, I must state that our success in saving dolphins, and what led to the major tuna companies` decision to sell only dolphin-safe tuna, is the result of a nationwide campaign that included a consumer boycott of all canned tuna, public demonstrations and public education, including several television documentaries-not harassing, capturing and publicly displaying wild dolphins.
Removing dolphins from wild populations that have already been depleted from a number of natural and human-caused factors, including marine pollution, over-fishing and habitat destruction, can harm these already stressed mammals.
This not only endangers the dolphins, it damages the entire ocean ecosystem on which we all depend.
