The impending disappearance of dolphinariums in Mexico, and therefore in Quintana Roo, following the approval of a reform initiative to Article 60 Bis of the General Wildlife Law, approved by the Senate in the first instance, which prohibits the captivity of marine mammals such as dolphins, would mean the loss of 1,800 direct jobs in the state’s 15 dolphinariums, while forcing the state government to create sanctuaries or holding areas for elderly animals.
The issue has escalated to a ban on keeping marine mammals such as dolphins, sea lions, orcas, and others in captivity. However, the same law allows those already in captivity to remain in captivity, as the release of any marine mammal into a natural habitat after having been confined and socialized is unfeasible.
If the reform is approved by the Chamber of Deputies, it would pave the way for the future closure of dolphinariums, where these types of shows are most often offered to tourists, causing their closures with a multi-million dollar economic impact and job losses, barring the diversification of this sector.
The Mexican Association of Habitat for the Interaction and Protection of Marine Mammals (AMHIPMMAC) has taken a position, stating that it will continue to comply with the law and provide dignified treatment to the animals in its care at its various centers. It also asks authorities to define clear protocols for handling, reproductive control, and welfare conditions based on scientific and expert participation.
The law does not prohibit the operation of existing centers with mammals under human care, as long as they are properly registered. They continue to maintain their position, while requesting specific plans.
Although the release of animals already in captivity is not mandated, the closure of these centers is anticipated in the medium term.
Regarding the Quintana Roo Environment Secretariat, its head, Óscar Rébora Aguilera, stated that it is not feasible to release marine animals in captivity; even returning them to the wild would be dangerous. However, given the possibility of being part of a process in which they would later become objects of scientific study, the government would have to move toward the creation of sanctuaries.
This would leave it up to the State to create or promote these spaces where marine mammals can eventually live out their adult life. This would require resources for the construction and management of these centers in the future. Meanwhile, a full generation of marine mammals will be utilized.
In Quintana Roo, there are a total of 15 registered sites for marine mammals, two of which are located in Cozumel, and which include sea lions and manatees. Their status would be in the hands of the authorities once the deadline for keeping them in captivity, permits, and infrastructure is met.
State authorities warn that releasing marine mammals is not feasible without putting their lives at risk.
The reform initiative is now being reviewed by the Chamber of Deputies, where the future of dolphinariums and the employment of thousands of workers depend on a tourism industry that has consistently hosted shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and even endangered manatees.
Source: quintanaroo.heraldodemexico
