We Oppose 50 Wild Dolphin Captures in the Solomon Islands
By Mark J. Palmer
The International Marine Mammal Project (IMMP) of Earth Island Institute received word that the Solomon Islands' government has been asked to approve the capture of 50 wild dolphins to be sold to aquariums around the world.
IMMP has worked for years in the Solomon Islands, working with the tuna industry in that country to ensure that tuna is caught without harm to dolphins. IMMP has also strongly opposed the capture of dolphins in the Solomon Islands for captivity.
Last week we sent a letter to the Solomon Islands Prime Minister and his cabinet explaining our opposition to granting the permits for the capture of 50 dolphins.
The government has been supportive of efforts to close down capture operations in the country for live dolphins, and we encourage them to turn down this latest scheme:
October 29, 2025
The Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister
The Solomon Islands
P.O. Box G1, Honaire, Solomon Islands
Dear Prime Minister Manele and Cabinet:
It has come to our attention that the government of the Solomon Islands is considering a proposal for the capture and export of as many as fifty live dolphins from your country to be sold for profit to aquariums outside of the Solomon Islands.
We urge you to reject this proposal.
The trend for live displays of dolphins and whales is ending, often quite tragically, with animals dying early deaths in captivity. We are seeing more and more cases of aquarium revenues not keeping up with the needs for maintenance and welfare of dolphins in captivity.
Keeping of cetaceans in captivity is being systematically banned in countries around the world. We have seen India, Costa Rica, Hungary, Chile, Canada, France, and Mexico take steps to phase out cetaceans in captivity, banning imports, exports, and breeding in captivity. Many dolphinariums are closing down as a result.
Tearing dolphins from their families in the wild to send them to a miserable life in small concrete tanks, eating dead fish and performing rote tricks over and over again, seven days a week, for tourists, is simply wrong. Dolphins die an early death in captivity, due to physiological stress, boredom, and diseases often not seen in wild dolphins.
The International Marine Mammal Project of Earth Island Institute has been a proud partner in working with the Solomon Islands’ tuna industry, ensuring that dolphins are not harmed in pursuit of tuna and promoting our Dolphin Safe standards for consumers.
We believe the people of the Solomon Islands will suffer from the loss of dolphins that are part of the ocean ecosystem that supports fisheries and healthy seas. Dolphins are a part of the collective heritage of Solomon Islanders.
Please consider our concerns with the capture and export of live dolphins from the Solomon Islands.
Sincerely,
David Phillips, Executive Director
Mark J. Palmer, Associate Director
Cc Solomon Star and Solomon Times
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Public attitudes are shifting quickly around the world against the keeping of dolphins and whales in captivity. Whales and dolphins belong in the ocean, not in small concrete coffins, stranded on land, doing tricks for food. The International Marine Mammal Project has been in the forefront of efforts to reach the public with the truth about cetacean captivity. Your donations help to close dolphinariums and end captivity, along with advocacy for retiring whales and dolphins to seaside sanctuaries. Thanks for your support!
