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The National Trust for the
Cayman Islands has been asked for its position and opinion on the current
proposals to build Dolphinariums on Grand Cayman.
The Mission of the
National Trust is to Preserve Natural Environments and Places of Historic
Significance in the Cayman Islands for Present
and Future Generations.
The major issues surrounding the proposed Dolphinariums
are not those of impact on the Natural Environment. The major issues
are animal welfare,
importation of exotic species and impact on Cayman’s tourism
industry and business ethics. However, from the perspective of impacting
the Natural Environment of Cayman, the National Trust wishes to contribute
the following points.
1) The National Trust does not believe that a
Dolphinarium will help educate visitors about Cayman’s natural
environment. While Dolphins are occasionally sighted in Cayman
waters, these individuals are transients
passing through. There are no resident dolphin populations in Cayman
waters.
2) Dolphin escapes and releases are a matter for consideration.
Historical evidence shows that hurricane damage has previously resulted
in the
freeing of captive marine species in Cayman (eg. Turtle Farm 2001).
Additionally the activities of extremist animal rights activists
have resulted in attempts to release captive dolphins into local
environments
(UK 1988). If a dolphin was to escape into local waters, this would
be a cause for concern.
• Dolphins are predators of fish. If an escapee
dolphin was able to survive in our waters, it may impact our
natural reef fauna. If more than one dolphin
escaped, they may conceivably breed and establish a feral population. This
might severely impact our local marine life.
• Conversely, if
escapee dolphins were not able to survive locally, and died of
starvation, this would hardly be a cause for celebration.
3) Perhaps the
greatest threat this proposal poses to our natural environment is to dilute
and confuse what we here in Cayman have to offer our visitors
by way of an authentic and genuine glimpse of these islands. Several
local associations, private individuals and Government are currently
working to establish authentic attractions in Cayman. The Mastic
Trail (National Trust), The Maritime Heritage Trail (partners of
the Maritime
Heritage Trail initiative) and the Barkers National Park (Department
of the Environment) are just a few examples of efforts being made
to make the most of our natural resources, while educating visitors
about
our unique natural heritage.
These points considered, the major issues
surrounding the proposed Dolphinariums, again, are not those of impact
on the Natural Environment.
The major issues surrounding the proposed Dolphinariums are animal
welfare, importation of exotic species and impact on Cayman’s
tourism industry and business ethics. Members of the public who wish
to speak out on the subject of the Dolphinarium plans owe it to themselves,
and to the cause to which they are championing, to do so through
the most effective channels available.
1) Animal Welfare. Animal Welfare
issues are championed by organizations dedicated to this area, such
as the Cayman Humane Society.
2) Importation of Exotic Species. Importation
of exotic species is the domain of dedicated governmental organizations,
namely Department
of Agriculture and the Department of the Environment.
3) Impact on
Cayman’s Tourism Industry and Business Ethics. These
issues are the domain of the Department of Tourism, Cayman Islands
Tourism Association (CITA) and Chamber of Commerce.
4) Mr. Billy Adam
and also Mrs. Juliet Austin are currently organizing a campaign and
petition to ensure that dolphins are never kept in
captivity in Cayman. Members of the public and organizations wishing
to contribute
to this campaign may wish to contact Mr. Adam or Mrs. Austin directly,
regarding this issue.
THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
May 2003 |
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