South Korea Bans Catching of Dolphins for Show Business

The maritime affairs ministry of South Korea has announced that it will ban the capture of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins for use in shows by designating them as protected mammals, AFP reports. 

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The Cove: Sign the Petition to Help Save Japan’s Dolphins

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The Cove exposes the slaughter of more than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises off the coast of Japan every year. Yet, the majority of the world is not aware this is happening. Be a part of the solution by signing and sharing this petition.

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President Obama, Vice President Biden and Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ichiro Fujisaki

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Save Japan Dolphins

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Full Petition Text

Dear [Decision Maker], 

I recently heard about the documentary film The Cove and was alarmed to find out that more than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises are brutally killed each year off the coast of Japan. In addition, Japanese consumers are being sold dolphin meat, containing dangerously high levels of mercury, often labeled as whale meat. 

I ask that you urge the Japanese government to revoke permits that allow Japan's Fisheries Agency to continue this heinous, dangerous and illegal practice.

I also urge American leadership to ensure that the International Whaling Commission includes the proper management of dolphins and porpoises and a comprehensive plan to stop the slaughter of dolphins in Japan.

Your immediate action is needed. 

Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]

About The Petition

In The Cove, a team of activists and filmmakers infiltrate a heavily-guarded cove in Taiji, Japan. In this remote village they witness and document activities deliberately being hidden from the public: More than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises are being slaughtered each year and their meat, containing toxic levels of mercury, is being sold as food in Japan, often times labeled as whale meat. 

The majority of the world is not aware this is happening. The Taiji cove is blocked off from the public. Cameras are not allowed inside and the media does not cover the story. It's critical that we get the word out in Japan. Once the Japanese people know we believe they will demand change. 

Send a letter to President Obama, Vice President Biden and Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ichiro Fujisaki urging them to address this issue.

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Currently, it’s legal to catch dolphins and whales for use in entertainment or in research, if approved by the authorities. Unlawful capture is punishable by a jail term of up to two years or a fine of up to $5 million. 

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The revised law would only authorize the seizure of the animals for “research”—which doesn’t sound entirely comforting. The new law would also increase penalties to up to three years imprisonment or a fine of up to $20 million.

While dolphins are widely used for shows in South Korea, Seoul’s main zoo agreed to suspend its popular show when animal rights activists protested that one of the dolphins had been captured illegally.

What do you think of Korea’s decision?

Jocelyn Heaney is an English instructor, animal activist and freelance writer for L.A. Review of Books and Warner Bros. Pictures, among others. Her favorite animals are great white sharks, horses and all cats. She is currently at work on a memoir. Email Jocelyn | @JocelynHeaney