Critics Slam Mexican Dolphinaria as “Prisons”: Public Consultation Ends Soon

The public consultation on the Mexican Official Standard NOM-135-Semarnat-2004, which regulates the capture, transport, display, care, and maintenance of marine mammals in captivity, is under criticism by activists. They argue that the new project lacks significant improvements. Representatives from various wildlife protection societies have approached the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) to urge the new head, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, to consider their proposed amendments. They believe these changes could lead to a more dignified life for marine mammals.

Selene Mariel Tejeda Bravo, a representative from the international organization Empty the Tanks in Mexico, publicly accused dolphinaria of operating as prisons since the 1970s. She stated that the conditions for these marine animals remain subpar. "Marine mammals are still confined in tanks, swimming pools, and ponds. The NOM 135 consultation is now open; however, there are no significant changes, only minor orthographic ones that do not ensure the welfare of mammals," Tejeda Bravo said.

The plea for better marine life conditions coincided with a protest supporting whale rights. On October 8th, 35 organizations that advocate for animal rights in Mexico demonstrated in front of Semarnat. According to Empty the Tanks, dolphins in captivity in Mexico endure deaths caused by various health issues including pneumonia, septic shock, fungal infections, asphyxiation, heart attacks, chronic stress, cancer, organ failure, drowning, bladder rupture, medication toxicity, and blunt trauma.

Tejeda emphasized the importance of closely monitoring changes to NOM-135, stating that the abuse of marine mammals should not persist 20 years later. "They do not deserve to be in tanks staging shows or entertainment; this is not conservation or education." Research by Empty the Tanks found that dolphin captivity facilities in Quintana Roo are in poor condition, with 19 facilities profiting from dolphin exploitation. There are over 40 dolphinaria in Mexico.

Empty the Tanks, an organization dedicated to protesting against the captivity of dolphins and killer whales and promoting ocean health, visited the 19 dolphin-swimming facilities in Quintana Roo. They discovered that dolphins are kept in small tanks just meters from the ocean, exhibited signs of restlessness and stereotypical behaviors, and were required to perform tricks to earn their food.

Empty the Tanks identified three companies operating dolphin-swimming facilities in Quintana Roo: Dolphinaris, Delphinus, and Dolphin. The organization's environmental advisor warned that if the NOM 135 project continues as is, dolphinaria would be able to capture specimens freely, a practice that needs legislation. They reminded that the 1970s TV show “Flipper” and other influences initiated wildlife shows in circuses, aquariums, and dolphinaria.

For Empty the Tanks and the Manglares Collective of Cozumel, defending the lives of captive marine mammals remains a crucial issue due to the prevalence of animal trafficking and the lack of transparency surrounding the problem. In Mexico, there are over 450 dolphins and sea lions in captivity, but Tejeda noted that no exact figure exists.